Male Cicada Killer Wasp on Rick's Hand

We had a group of Cicada Killer wasps at one of the gardens by the Visitor's Center at Brazos Bend State Park. This caused a lot of comment, since they are large and seem threatening. For the first week or so, most (if not all) of the wasps were male. The males cannot sting, since they don't have an operational stinger, but they do have a false stinger that remains extended. They were waiting around for females, and buzzing into each other. I watched one that using a post as a vantage point. When it took off to chase another wasp, I placed my hand on the post. The wasp used my hand for a perch instead. This video shows the wasp on my hand. These wasps are NOT sharing a single nest (not social), but are sharing a good nesting site. For more good information about these wasps, go to this webpage: http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/cicadakillerhome.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Cicada Killer
• wasp
• Casio EX-FH20
• slow motion

[rickubis]

@xshift Refer to the link that I have in my comments. From what I've read, the females rarely sting. If it does happen, it's uncomfortable, but not-as far as I know-as bad some of the more toxic insects. Of course, effects on someone who's allergic to insect venom could have a worse reaction.

[rickubis]

Phish: Yes, they are beautiful. Did you see my other videos of them flying in slow-motion? sku: I'm not so brave. It was a male, and they don't have stingers (it's in the description). I have to admit letting it land on me the first time was a bit...unsettling. :-)

[epb471]

@rickubis I did it for the first time too last year. I also have pictures of a female landing on me with a cicada! As long as you dont squeeze them they almost never sting! They truly are gentle giants! Nice video!!

[rickubis]

@epb471 Thanks. I see that you like catching nature on film as well. Good. Did you check out the website I linked to? Great information there.

[xShlFt]

how bad is the females sting?

[epb471]

Yes - I have communciated many times with Dr Chuck Holliday. He is by far the most knowledgeable person regarding this insect. Thats how I was brave enough to hold a female cicada killer with prey!

[Vyocae]

Omg. I was totally holding my breath in fear until the part where you mentioned he had a fake stinger. D:

[hardyboy12600]

last night i got stung by one on my ribs i hate those things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Moviesayer]

I would call the police if that happened to me!

[GrayMGrayson]

@crazyrandomness321 LOLOLOLOLOL 

[laylathelezz]

Good thing males can't sting! i still would be a bit creeped out if one of them landed on me! just knowing my luck a female would probably land on my face and sting me!

[jetfreak4]

Nothing to be afraid of here. Males can't sting you.

[crazyrandomness321]

if that landed on my hand i would shoot it 0_0