why kind of insect is this? - Ask Extension
what kind of insect is this? Dangerous? Should I be concerned? Murder hornet vs Eastern Cicada Killer
Knowledgebase
why kind of insect is this? #941862
Asked August 08, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT
what kind of insect is this? Dangerous? Should I be concerned? Murder hornet vs Eastern Cicada Killer
Allegan County Michigan
Expert Response
Identifying insects from photographs is not always possible with any degree of certainty. I cannot see all of the details that I would need to see in your photo to make a definitive identification. However, this does look like an Eastern Cicada Killer, and does not look like the European Hornet. The nesting habits of the two species are also very different. If you are seeing these nesting in small holes in the ground, then it is definitely the Eastern Cicada Killer. The European hornet does not nest in the soil, but will nest in hollow trees, rotting logs, or cavities within structures.
You can read more about the European hornet here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/european-hornet-a-large-wasp-active-in-spring
And the Cicada Killer here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cicada_killer_wasps_are_no_cause_for_concern
You can read more about the European hornet here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/european-hornet-a-large-wasp-active-in-spring
And the Cicada Killer here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cicada_killer_wasps_are_no_cause_for_concern
