PHILADELPHIA - They look mean, they sound mean, they even have an alarming name, but experts say Cicada Killers aren't as aggressive as they might seem.
The massive wasp-like insects are commonly seen buzzing around rural areas during the summer months, causing one man to describe them "like a wasp on steroids." The females look the most daunting with large wings and a thick black body.
They're busy this time of year hunting cicadas used to nourish their offspring. John Cambridge from the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion explained that the female will stun a cicada with its large stinger and drag the bug underground. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES"The paralyzed cicada will be sitting next to the egg she lays, that wasp will hatch out and the grub will munch on the cicada," Cambridge explained.
For some New Jersey residents, the intimidating bag equipped with a serious stinger, has been a common yard partner this summer. "I've seen them four, five times in the past two weeks all over the place," Vincent Amico said.