This is the largest of the cicadas found in our two nature centers, with a length of over 2 inches and a wingspan of over 4 inches. Its colors are mostly light browns and tans, with some greens when it first emerges from its exoskeleton. Identified with the help of Bill Reynolds, a volunteer expert on BugGuide,
This cicada prefers mixed woodland, especially Cottonwood and Box Elder. So we would expect them every year during August on the floodplains of our two nature centers. Although they are heard and seen every year at that time to reproduce, it probably takes three years for the nymphs to emerge from the ground where they feed on tree root juices.
This cicada can produce one of the loudest insect sounds in the world. Its alarm call when disturbed can be ear splitting.
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