American Woodcock being banded at Pinery PP
Yesterday I learned a bit about Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus). Don Sutherland asked me about my blog entry from this past summer when I photographed one of these insects at Point Pelee. Apparently, they are quite uncommon in Ontario. If you go to Point Pelee in the summer you see see lots in the Tip area, but they were not always there. They have increased in numbers since the last ten years.
Point Pelee NP August 2011
I am not really sure if I have seen them anywhere else, but these sand specialists are also at Pinery Provincial Park. They are nasty looking insects, but will not really bother you as they go about their business.
This insect will catch a Cicada and kill it to line its nest for food. I have seen them catch Cicadas, and this photo (taken at Point Pelee last August) shows one holding its prey.
Don mentioned that he came across a recent paper by Coelho et al (2011) that plots 11 spots for them in southern Ontario. It includes a few sites in Essex and also one at Rondeau, among others. It is not known how accurate some of these are though.
I indicated to Don that I may have seen them at Rondeau, but was not sure since I never paid much attention to them. Now, I will keep an eye open for them!
To learn more about this insect, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_cicada_killer
Cicada exoskeleton
Blake, your blog has no filler... It's all thriller! I saw some sicada killers on the east side of the west beack parking lot this summer while looking for five lined skinks. I'm gealous of the redpolls you've run into!
ReplyDeleteDwayne,
ReplyDeleteAll by chance. I think of you everytime I see crossbills as well! LOL
Must say, Alan Wormington had some insight on the Cicada Killer Wasp topic. I thought it was interesting when the topic came up this weekend.
Hi Blake,
ReplyDeleteOn Jan.16 I photographed a Woodcock wading through about an inch of snow searching for food along the Delaurier trail at Point Pelee. It appeared to be in good health despite the conditions !
Mike B.
Hi Blake: just came across your blog while researching Cicada killer wasp territories. I'm almost certain I saw two of them on the shore of Head lake near Norland & Cobiconk in the Kawartha's . They were on some purple water lilys and were working the flowers like a bee would. Craig July 23/2012
ReplyDeleteWow. Just found your blog site. I have been watching Cicada Killers for the past 7 years and find them to be quite common in the right areas. I have found them as far north as Pinery Provincial Park. Don't know if Don Sutherland knows this.
ReplyDeleteDon is aware that they are at Pinery.
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