Cicadas are some of the most fascinating insects known for their loud calls and synchronized emergences. From the 17-year periodical species of North America to the buzzing giants of Central and South America, each type has its own unique features, sounds, and life cycles. In this guide, we’ll explore 15 different types of cicadas—focusing on their identification, habitat, behavior, and more—so you can better recognize them in the wild.
1. Magicicada septendecim
Magicicada septendecim is one of the most well-known periodical cicadas in North America. It emerges once every 17 years in large numbers, creating a loud chorus in forests and wooded areas. These cicadas are black with orange wing veins and red eyes, often called “17-year cicadas.”
Identification
- Black body with orange wing veins
- Bright red eyes
- Size: around 1.5 inches long
- Distinctive buzzing or “pharaoh” call
Life Cycle
Magicicada septendecim spends 17 years underground as a nymph, feeding on tree roots. After that, it emerges in massive numbers to molt into adults, mate, lay eggs, and die within a few weeks.
Habitat and Range
This species is found mainly in the eastern United States. It prefers deciduous forests, wooded neighborhoods, and areas with plenty of trees for egg-laying.
Behavior
Adult cicadas are active during the day. Males form chorusing groups to attract females. After mating, females lay eggs in small tree branches, and the nymphs fall to the ground to begin their long underground development.
2. Magicicada cassini
Magicicada cassini is another 17-year periodical cicada species. It often appears alongside other Magicicada species but is known for its synchronized, rapid wing-fluttering songs. The males create chorus groups that start and stop their buzzing almost simultaneously, creating a wave-like effect.
Identification
- Slightly smaller than M. septendecim
- Black body with orange-tinted wings
- Red eyes
- Song consists of high-pitched buzzing bursts
Life Cycle
Like other periodical cicadas, M. cassini stays underground for 17 years. Once they surface, their entire adult life spans only about four to six weeks, during which they molt, sing, breed, and die.
Habitat and Range
This species is widely distributed across the Midwest and Eastern U.S. It thrives in suburban areas, parks, and forests where deciduous trees are abundant.
Behavior
Males gather in large numbers and sing in perfect synchrony. The females respond with wing flicks, and the mating follows quickly. Cassini cicadas are less individually vocal but more rhythmic as a group.
3. Magicicada septendecula
Magicicada septendecula is the least common of the three 17-year cicadas. It is harder to spot due to its more scattered emergence and quieter call. Despite being part of the same brood cycles, it tends to stay in different areas or emerge in lower densities.
Identification
- Similar in size and appearance to M. cassini
- Slightly darker wings
- Less frequent and quieter call
- Also has red eyes and orange wing veins
Life Cycle
M. septendecula follows the same 17-year underground phase. However, their adult numbers are often fewer, making them less noticeable during emergences. They reproduce and die within a month, like their cousins.
Habitat and Range
It is mostly found in the eastern U.S. but in more patchy or isolated pockets compared to M. cassini and M. septendecim. It prefers mixed hardwood forests.
Behavior
This species is less social. Males are more solitary in their calls and don’t chorus in unison. They often remain at the edge of broods dominated by other Magicicada species.
4. Magicicada cassini
Magicicada cassini is another 17-year periodical cicada species. It often appears alongside other Magicicada species but is known for its synchronized, rapid wing-fluttering songs. The males create chorus groups that start and stop their buzzing almost simultaneously, creating a wave-like effect.
Identification
- Slightly smaller than M. septendecim
- Black body with orange-tinted wings
- Red eyes
- Song consists of high-pitched buzzing bursts
Life Cycle
Like other periodical cicadas, M. cassini stays underground for 17 years. Once they surface, their entire adult life spans only about four to six weeks, during which they molt, sing, breed, and die.
Habitat and Range
This species is widely distributed across the Midwest and Eastern U.S. It thrives in suburban areas, parks, and forests where deciduous trees are abundant.
Behavior
Males gather in large numbers and sing in perfect synchrony. The females respond with wing flicks, and the mating follows quickly. Cassini cicadas are less individually vocal but more rhythmic as a group.
5. Magicicada septendecula
Magicicada septendecula is the least common of the three 17-year cicadas. It is harder to spot due to its more scattered emergence and quieter call. Despite being part of the same brood cycles, it tends to stay in different areas or emerge in lower densities.
Identification
- Similar in size and appearance to M. cassini
- Slightly darker wings
- Less frequent and quieter call
- Also has red eyes and orange wing veins
Life Cycle
M. septendecula follows the same 17-year underground phase. However, their adult numbers are often fewer, making them less noticeable during emergences. They reproduce and die within a month, like their cousins.
Habitat and Range
It is mostly found in the eastern U.S. but in more patchy or isolated pockets compared to M. cassini and M. septendecim. It prefers mixed hardwood forests.
Behavior
This species is less social. Males are more solitary in their calls and don’t chorus in unison. They often remain at the edge of broods dominated by other Magicicada species.
6. Neotibicen pruinosus
Neotibicen pruinosus, also called the scissor grinder cicada, is known for its long, rattling song that resembles the sound of a scissor blade being sharpened. It is one of the more commonly heard cicadas during late summer in the central and eastern U.S.
Identification
- Black body with green and white markings
- Dusty or “frosted” appearance due to pale hair
- Green-veined wings
- Song sounds like a mechanical grinding noise
Life Cycle
Nymphs develop underground for about 3 years but emerge annually due to overlapping broods. After emerging, adults molt, sing, and reproduce, completing their life cycle within a few weeks.
Habitat and Range
Found in a wide range of environments, including urban areas, woodlands, and farmlands. Prefers large deciduous trees like elms, cottonwoods, and oaks.
Behavior
Males perch on branches and produce a long, grinding buzz to attract mates. They usually call in the afternoon or evening and prefer warmer temperatures for activity.
7. Neotibicen linnei
Neotibicen linnei, or Linne’s cicada, is an annual species most active in midsummer. Its song is a long, steady buzz that rises and falls in pitch, and it often blends in with other background sounds in nature.
Identification
- Dark body with subtle green markings
- Pale dusting on the thorax
- Wings clear with green veins
- Call is a droning buzz that slightly pulses
Life Cycle
Like other annual cicadas, it has a multi-year nymph stage underground, but individuals emerge each summer. After molting, adults live a few weeks to mate and lay eggs.
Habitat and Range
This species is widespread across the eastern U.S., especially in open woodlands, suburban areas, and forest edges.
Behavior
Linne’s cicadas sing during the heat of the day, often blending their calls into the hum of summer. Males perch high in trees and emit their signature droning sound to attract females.
8. Neotibicen lyricen
Neotibicen lyricen, also called the lyric cicada, is known for its musical, oscillating call that sounds like a rising and falling hum. It is commonly found across the eastern United States during the late summer months.
Identification
- Black body with bold green markings
- Wings are clear with greenish veins
- Large and robust, about 2 inches long
- Song rises and falls in a rhythmic, lyrical tone
Life Cycle
The nymphs stay underground for about 3 years feeding on sap from tree roots. Due to overlapping generations, adults appear annually. They live a few weeks to mate and lay eggs before dying.
Habitat and Range
Prefers mature deciduous forests, woodland edges, and tall tree groves. Commonly found in the central and southeastern U.S.
Behavior
Males sing from tree trunks or large branches during the day. Their melodic call is distinct and often one of the loudest summer insect sounds in rural and suburban areas.
9. Neotibicen robinsonianus
Neotibicen robinsonianus, or Robinson’s cicada, is a less common species known for its quick, pulsing song. It can be difficult to distinguish visually from related cicadas but has a unique call pattern and a specific geographic range.
Identification
- Dark brown body with green highlights
- Slightly smaller than other Neotibicen species
- Wings transparent with greenish veins
- Call is a rapid burst of clicking or pulsing
Life Cycle
Follows the typical annual cicada timeline with a multi-year nymph stage underground. Adults appear each year due to overlapping life cycles and live for several weeks above ground.
Habitat and Range
Primarily found in the southeastern U.S., particularly in swampy or riverine forests with high humidity and thick tree cover.
Behavior
Robinson’s cicadas are shy and prefer higher tree canopies. Males produce rapid, clicking calls, especially in warm, late afternoons. They are more active in shaded, moist habitats compared to other species.
10. Diceroprocta vitripennis
Known as the green winged cicada, Diceroprocta vitripennis is an annual cicada species found primarily in the southern United States. It’s recognizable by its vibrant green wings and lighter body coloration.
Identification
- Pale brown to tan body with greenish hues
- Bright green, transparent wings
- Red or brown eyes
- Softer buzzing call compared to Neotibicen species
Life Cycle
This species has a shorter underground nymph phase, typically 2–3 years, but due to staggered development, adults emerge yearly. They live a few weeks to breed, lay eggs, and die.
Habitat and Range
Found in southern and southwestern regions of the U.S., especially in dry or semi-arid environments with scattered trees and shrubs.
Behavior
Diceroprocta vitripennis is most active in the afternoon and early evening. Males sing from shrubs or lower tree branches. Their presence is often more visual than auditory compared to louder cicada types.
11. Okanagana rimosa
Okanagana rimosa is a cold-climate cicada species most commonly found in northern U.S. states and parts of Canada. It has a shorter emergence window and is adapted to cooler weather conditions.
Identification
- Small to medium size
- Black body with orange markings
- Wings clear with black veins
- Call is a short, buzzing rattle
Life Cycle
This cicada has a longer development time of 4–6 years underground, though adults emerge annually due to overlapping generations. Adults appear for only a few weeks in early summer.
Habitat and Range
Commonly found in the northern U.S., especially in forested regions near the Great Lakes and parts of southern Canada. Prefers pines and mixed hardwood forests.
Behavior
Unlike other cicadas, O. rimosa emerges earlier in the summer and prefers cooler temperatures. Males produce a soft, vibrating call and tend to perch lower in trees or on shrubs.
12. Quesada gigas
Quesada gigas, often called the giant cicada, is one of the largest cicada species in North and Central America. It is known for its impressive size and powerful, sustained call that can carry across long distances.
Identification
- Very large body, up to 2.5 inches long
- Dark brown to black with mottled wings
- Transparent wings with dark veins
- Loud, droning, continuous call
Life Cycle
The nymph stage may last several years (5 to 8 years underground), but adults appear annually due to overlapping broods. Adults emerge during late summer, breed, and die within several weeks.
Habitat and Range
Found in southern Texas, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Prefers subtropical forests, woodlands, and scrubby regions with scattered trees.
Behavior
Males produce a long, buzzing hum that sounds like a distant engine or generator. They call from high branches, usually during hot afternoons. Despite their size, they are well-camouflaged among tree bark and foliage.
13. Tettigades chilensis
Tettigades chilensis is a South American cicada species native to Chile. It is well adapted to dry climates and is part of a larger genus of cicadas found throughout the Andes and southern regions of the continent.
Identification
- Medium-sized with a compact body
- Brown or gray coloring with dark markings
- Clear wings with fine veins
- Call consists of repeated clicking or buzzing pulses
Life Cycle
This species likely has a 3–5 year underground nymph stage. Adults emerge during the warmest months and complete their reproductive cycle in just a few weeks.
Habitat and Range
Native to central and northern Chile, particularly in dry, shrubby, or rocky areas. It can be found from coastal regions to mountain slopes.
Behavior
Males are active during midday and produce a pulsing, rhythmic call. They prefer exposed perches on shrubs and small trees, using their songs to attract nearby females in sparse environments.