What describes the cicada killer wasp?

The cicada killer wasp is accurately described as a large black or rust-colored wasp that preys on cicadas. This species exhibits fascinating behavior, as the female wasps hunt and paralyze cicadas to provide food for their offspring. After capturing a cicada, they will bring it back to their burrow, where they lay their eggs on the cicada, ensuring a fresh food source for the developing larvae once they hatch. This predatory behavior is essential for the lifecycle of the cicada killer wasp, distinguishing it clearly in the realm of beneficial insects that control cicada populations.

Other options do not reflect the true nature of the cicada killer wasp. For instance, describing the insect as small and feeding on leaf tissue does not align with its actual size or feeding habits. Similarly, representing it as tiny and laying eggs in soil misses the key aspects of its lifecycle and hunting strategy. Lastly, mentioning a wingless insect with no complete life cycle does not relate to the cicada killer wasp at all, as this species is winged and undergoes a complete metamorphosis.