Cicadas (family Cicadidae) on Aug 8, 2023

Originally reported as Cicada Killer Wasps (unknown species) (Sphecius spp.)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

We found 2 exoskeletons of a large bee species. They look like the Japanese giant hornet or 'murder hornet' that was on the news a couple years ago. We have not seen the live bee or located a nest anywhere but felt like, due to the size of the bee skeletons (largest we've seen,) we should report it in case its something that needs further investigation. Thanks.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! No Northern Giant Hornets (=Asian Giant Hornets) have been found in Oregon yet. The insect exuviae that you found are the cast skins of cicada nymphs. Our native cicadas don't have the dramatic mass emergences of the eastern Periodic cicadas. None of our cicadas are pests.
Thanks for being on the lookout!

Tom Valente
Aug. 9, 2023, 1:36 a.m.