Insects and Spiders - native

Western Cicada-killer Wasp (Sphecius grandis) on May 6, 2020

Originally reported as Wasp (unknown species) (suborder Apocrita)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Have seen Wasps on at least 6 different occasions that were around 2 inches long. Much larger than any of the normal wasps that we see.
Not a great photo or good perspective of size. They had comparitively massive stingers. Length was nearly the same as 2 quarters placed side by side. This one my niece dispatched with a can of Raid.

Commentary

Dear Daniel, thank you for your report. This looks like our native western cicada wasp, Sphecius grandis.
Thank you, Helmuth Rogg

Helmuth Rogg
May 8, 2020, 3:27 a.m.

Resources

Western Cicada-killer Wasp information on iNaturalist

Location

We have been seeing what we thought were Asian Hornets, after being shocked by their size and looking them up online, in the area for a couple years. Have a photo of one that was taken June, 24, 2018 at my Brothers house outside Grass Valley. Have also seen them a few times in an area with a spring fed creek.

Expert Reviewer

Mr. Helmuth Rogg

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