FARMERS' FRIENDS AMONG THE WASPS AND HORNETS 



CICADA-KILLERS BRING HOME PARALYZED PREY CLASPED IN THEIR ARMS — 



On sultry summer days, sharp discordant shrieks often pierce the ringing chorus of male Cicadas. 

 The outcries come from victims surprised, stung helpless, and carried ofif by Cicada-killers [Sphecius 

 speciosus) . The Cicada-killer is a large and common burrowing wasp. Life size. 



© National Geographic Society Paintings by Hashime Murayama 



— AND THEN DRAG THEIR VICTIMS DOWN INTO NURSERY DENS 

 After storing paralyzed Cicadas (upper), the wasp lays an egg on a captive. A grub hatches, eats 

 until it grows fat (left), then spins a cocoon of earth and silk (right). In the spring a full-grown wasp 

 emerges. The Cicada shown is Tibiceii linnei. Life size. 



Ill 



