Mole Cricket with Four Dots vs Cicada Killer Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mole Cricket with Four Dots | Cicada Killer Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus | Sphecius speciosus |
| Order | Orthoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Gryllidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 19-25 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, South America, Caribbean | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mole Cricket with Four Dots
A short-winged mole cricket-like species from South America that has invaded the southeastern United States. Despite its small size it can damage turf grasses.
Did You Know?
Unlike most mole crickets, its shortened wings mean it is flightless and can only spread by walking through the soil.
Cicada Killer Wasp
A large solitary wasp that provisions its burrow with paralyzed cicadas.
Did You Know?
A female can carry a cicada weighing more than herself in flight back to her burrow.