What is megascolia maculata?

Megascolia maculata, commonly known as the spotted giant hornet or spotted cicada killer, is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Megascolia maculata is a large wasp, with females growing up to 8 cm in length. They have a black body with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen. The wings are reddish-brown, and the head is black with a pair of prominent red or orange compound eyes.

Females of this species hunt cicadas, which they paralyze with their stinger before carrying them to their underground nests. They dig burrows in sandy soil and deposit a single egg on the paralyzed cicada. The larvae hatch and feed on the cicada, eventually pupating and emerging as adult wasps.

Megascolia maculata is not considered to be a major threat to humans, although their large size and impressive appearance can be intimidating. Their sting is not particularly venomous, but it can still be painful. They are generally docile and will only attack if provoked or threatened.