Magicicada

Definition

A genus of periodical cicadas (family Cicadidae) endemic to eastern North America, comprising seven species distinguished by their extraordinarily long, synchronized life cycles of 13 or 17 years spent underground as nymphs before mass emergences of adults. The genus is notable for its prime-numbered periodicity, which is hypothesized to be an evolutionary strategy to minimize overlap with predators and hybridization between broods.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek μάγος (mágos, "magician") + Latin cicada, alluding to the seemingly magical, sudden appearance of vast numbers of adults after years of subterranean invisibility.

Example

Brood X of Magicicada septendecim emerged across fifteen U.S. states in 2021, with densities reaching over one million individuals per acre in mature deciduous forests.

Synonyms

• Periodical cicadas

Related Terms

• periodical cicada
• cicada
• Brood
• straggler
• prime-numbered periodicity
• hemipteran
• exuvia

Usage Notes

The common name "periodical cicada" refers specifically to Magicicada species; other cicadas with shorter or irregular cycles are called annual or dog-day cicadas (genera such as Neotibicen). The genus contains three distinct species groups: the Decim group (M. septendecim, M. tredecim, M. neotredecim), the Cassini group (M. cassini, M. tredecassini), and the Decula group (M. septendecula, M. tredecula), distinguished by male calling songs and abdominal coloration. "Brood" designates a geographically distinct population sharing the same emergence year, not a taxonomic rank; some broods comprise multiple Magicicada species.