Cicada Killer Wasp

I was having a very nice chat with my neighbor this weekend when something buzzed by us. I saw clear wings and a large insect, and thought of a hummingbird moth, which was common in other places I've lived. My neighbor, though, knew it was a cicada killer wasp.

A few minutes later, it flew by again, buzzing by his head like a dirigible that was speeding out of control toward the ground. It had a cicada in its legs and proceeded to drag it under ground. This is where it went.

How the wasp was able to fly while carrying a cicada is beyond me. It surely didn't seem to fly well with such a heavy load.

The cicadas have been very loud the past few days. The summer insect symphony continues.