Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Bembicidae (formerly treated within Crabronidae)
- Genus: Exeirus Smith, 1856 – monotypic
- Species: Exeirus lateritius (Shuckard, 1838)
Common name: Australian cicada‑killer wasp
Description
Exeirus lateritius is a large, solitary, ground‑dwelling predatory wasp native to Australia. Adults measure up to about 4 cm in length and have a robust body shape that can be mistaken for hornets, though they are not true hornets. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism typical of many sphecoid wasps, with females generally larger than males.
Distribution and Habitat
The species occurs throughout warm, dry regions of mainland Australia where sufficient trees support cicada populations. Documented localities include the Murray‑Darling basin, the southeastern coast (including Sydney), and Tasmania. It prefers habitats that provide both open ground for nesting burrows and nearby trees frequented by cicadas.
Biology and Behavior
Exeirus lateritius is a specialist predator of cicadas. Females locate cicadas perched high in foliage, sting them to induce paralysis, and cause the prey to drop to the forest floor. The wasp then transports the immobilized cicada—often over distances up to 100 m—to a pre‑excavated underground burrow. Inside the nest, the cicada is placed on a shelf within a “catacomb” chamber where it serves as food for the developing larva that hatches from an egg laid on the prey. Nest burrows can extend as deep as 60 cm.
The wasp hunts over 200 cicada species, targeting large individuals such as those of the genera Thopha and Cyclochila. Adult wasps are solitary; they do not form colonies or exhibit social behavior.
Ecological Role
By preying on cicadas, Exeirus lateritius helps regulate cicada populations in Australian ecosystems. Its nesting habits also contribute to soil aeration.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. “Exeirus.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved via Jina AI extraction from the article on Exeirus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exeirus).
