Cicadas

There are two types of cicadas, annual and periodic. The periodic species emerge as nymphs every 13 or 17 years at our two nature centers, climb a tree to shed their exoskeletons and mate and lay eggs in slits cut into tree branches. The nymphs feed on the juices of tree roots. The more numerous annual cicadas appear every year in the same location, but their nymphs require 2-3 years to mature, emerge and reproduce. Expert advice is often required to positively identify cicadas down to the species level. They change coloration as they dry after shedding their exoskeleton. Experts can also tell them apart by the particular sound produced by the males vying to attract the females.

Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.

• LINNE’S CICADA
• SCISSOR GRINDER
• WALKER’S CICADA
• LYRIC CICADA
• BUSH CICADA
• CICADETTA CALLIOPE
• PERIODIC CICADA
• CASSIN’S PERIODICAL CICADA
• DECIM PERIODICAL CICADA