Megatibicen dorsatus

Distinguished from similar species primarily by habitat preference (prairie grasslands vs. woodlands for many congeners), large size, and male song characteristics. Most similar to Megatibicen tremulus (Cole's Bush Cicada), which was only recently described as a separate species. M. tremulus occurs in sandier habitats, has black rather than brown tymbal covers, and possesses a distinctly different song. M. dorsatus can be separated from woodland-dwelling Megatibicen species (e.g., M. auletes, M. resh) by its prairie habitat association and more robust build with more extensive white markings. From M. dealbatus (Plains Cicada), distinguished by larger size, more extensive white markings, and different song.

Large, robust cicada measuring approximately 57 mm (2.5 inches) from head to wing tips. Body predominantly dark brown to black with distinctive decorative white markings that are actually waxy and can rub off. Abdomen covered with waxy white substance, often oriented belly-up to the sun for thermoregulation. Wings large, membranous, and held tent-like over the body at rest. Eyes prominent and bulbous. Antennae short and bristle-like. Tymbal covers on male abdomen large and prominent, brown to black in color (distinguishing from the similar M. tremulus, which has black tymbal covers).

Endemic to tallgrass and shortgrass prairie remnants and savanna-like habitats in the Great Plains. Strongly associated with open grassland environments rather than wooded areas. Found in areas with native prairie vegetation including big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, and other warm-season grasses. Often uses low herbaceous vegetation and shrubs for perching, including sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). Adults frequently perch on vegetation in exposed, sunny positions despite their conspicuous appearance.

Central United States, primarily in the Great Plains region. Core range includes states from the Rocky Mountains east to the Mississippi River: Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Scattered records extend east to Indiana and Illinois. Northern limit approximately southern South Dakota and Wyoming; southern limit in Texas. Most abundant in prairie remnants in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and the Dakotas. Distribution closely tracks remaining tallgrass and shortgrass prairie ecosystems.

Adults active from July through September, with peak activity typically in August. Emergence begins as early as June in southern portions of range. Activity period corresponds with hottest summer months, earning the species the colloquial designation as a "dog day cicada" or "harvestfly." Adults are most vocal and active during the hottest parts of the day. Life cycle takes approximately five or more years to complete, but emergences are staggered (annual) rather than synchronized, ensuring some adults appear every year.

Nymphs feed on xylem sap from roots of grasses and other prairie plants, including various native warm-season grasses and forbs. Adults feed on xylem sap from above-ground parts of host plants, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to tap into vascular tissues. Specific host plant records include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and various prairie forbs.

• Andropogon gerardii - nymphal hostbig bluestem, warm-season prairie grass
• Schizachyrium scoparium - nymphal hostlittle bluestem, warm-season prairie grass
• Sorghastrum nutans - nymphal hostIndian grass, tallgrass prairie dominant
• Helianthus annuus - adult perching/feeding siteannual sunflower, common in prairie habitats
• Prosopis glandulosa - adult perching/feeding sitehoney mesquite, in mesquite chaparral habitats
• Ericameria nauseosa - adult perching/feeding siterubber rabbitbrush, in western portions of range
• Emblemasoma erro - parasitoidsarcophagid fly that acoustically hunts singing males

Hemimetabolous development with three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs laid in slits made in plant stems or twigs by female ovipositor. Nymphs hatch, drop to ground, and burrow to feed on root xylem sap for approximately 5+ years. Nymphs undergo multiple molts underground. Final instar nymphs emerge from soil, typically at night, and climb vertical vegetation to molt to adult. Adult emergence involves splitting exoskeleton along back and pulling soft body out; wings expand and harden over several hours. Adults live approximately 2-4 weeks. Males sing to attract females; mating occurs with male inserting abdomen into female genital opening. Females lay eggs in plant tissue. Life cycle staggered across years (annual emergence pattern) rather than synchronized.

Males produce loud, distinctive songs using internal tymbal organs—large muscles vibrated at high speed within abdominal cavities, amplified and projected outward as the insect contorts its body. Singing activity concentrated during hottest parts of the day. Males often perch on exposed vegetation while calling, making them vulnerable to acoustically orienting parasitoids. When singing, males may position themselves opposite females on stems. Adults are strong fliers but often remain in localized areas. Thermoregulatory behavior includes orienting belly-up to sun to prevent overheating, facilitated by waxy white abdominal coating. Adults are durable and can escape predators even after capture attempts.

Important component of prairie ecosystem soundscape; male choruses contribute to acoustic environment of native grasslands. Nymphs serve as subterranean herbivores, processing plant biomass and contributing to nutrient cycling through root feeding. Adults provide food resource for various predators including birds (e.g., Blue Jays), and serve as specialized host for the parasitoid fly Emblemasoma erro, which has evolved acoustic hunting behavior to locate singing males. Presence indicates intact or recovering prairie habitat; serves as indicator species for grassland ecosystem quality.

Subject of ecological and bioacoustic research due to distinctive song and parasitoid-host interactions. Valued by naturalists and entomologists as charismatic representative of native prairie ecosystems. No significant agricultural pest status; nymphal feeding on roots does not typically cause economically important damage. Songs contribute to summer soundscape experience in prairie regions. Presence in an area indicates conservation value of remaining grassland habitats. Occasionally collected by insect enthusiasts.

• Megatibicen tremulusRecently described sibling species with nearly identical appearance and overlapping range; distinguished by black (vs. brown) tymbal covers, sandier habitat preference, and different male song
• Megatibicen dealbatusPlains Cicada is smaller with less extensive white markings and different song; occupies similar prairie habitats but generally more eastern
• Megatibicen auletesNorthern Dusk-singing Cicada is woodland-associated, with different song timing (evening), less robust build, and more northern distribution
• Neotibicen auriferusPlains Dog-day Cicada is smaller, more greenish in coloration, with different song pattern; often syntopic but uses trees more frequently for perching

• cicada
• prairie
• grassland
• hemiptera
• auchenorrhyncha
• acoustic communication
• parasitoid
• indicator species
• annual cicada
• thermoregulation
• Great Plains
• endemic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Psychidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Cantharidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Insecta | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
• Bug Eric: Grand Western Cicada