ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Large wasps known as Eastern Cicada Killers have made their seasonal appearance in Albuquerque, according to the City’s Environmental Health Department.
These wasps, which are a familiar sight across much of North America during the summer months, are also common visitors to New Mexico. Female cicada killers are known for hunting cicadas, which they paralyze and bring back to underground nests as food for their developing larvae.
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Measuring up to 2.5 inches in length, these insects have a hefty build and can often be heard with a noticeable buzz as they fly.
Despite their intimidating appearance, officials say the wasps pose little danger to people. “They’re focused on cicadas, not people,” the Environmental Health Department shared in a statement. “They will only sting if provoked or threatened, so it’s best to simply observe from a distance.”
Residents who encounter these wasps are advised not to panic. As long as the insects are not disturbed, they are unlikely to cause harm
