Dogday Cicadas

Neotibicen

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder: Cicadomorpha
Superfamily: Cicadoidea
Family: Cicadidae
Subfamily: Cicadinae
Tribe: Tacuini
Genus: Neotibicen

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neotibicen: /ˌniː.oʊˈtɪbɪˌsɛn/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Neotibicen lyricen lyricen P1450720a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Robinson's Annual Cicada - Neotibicen robinsonianus by Wildreturn. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Neotibicen davisi davisi 98300942 by Sara Piotter. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Neotibicen lyricen lyricen P1450722a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Neotibicen superbus 295607746 by Meghan Cassidy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Neotibicen davisi davisi 98337922 by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Neotibicen is a genus of cicadas known for their large size and loud songs. They are common in eastern North America, with species appearing every summer, unlike the 13- or 17-year life cycle of periodical cicadas.

Physical Characteristics

Neotibicen cicadas are 1–2 inches (25–51 mm) long, with characteristic green, brown, and black markings on the top of the thorax, and tented, membranous wings extending past the abdomen. The forewings are about twice the length of the hindwings.

Identification Tips

Look for large bodies, distinctive color patterns (green, brown, black), and the presence of tymbal organs on males.

Habitat

Neotibicen cicadas inhabit eastern North America and previously inhabited Bermuda, typically in areas where host plants are present.

Distribution

Primarily in eastern North America, with historical presence in Bermuda.

Diet

Adults feed by tapping into the xylem of plants; nymphs feed on the xylem of roots.

Life Cycle

Neotibicen cicadas likely take multiple years to develop underground, with overlapping generations leading to their annual appearances.

Reproduction

Males produce loud calls to attract females, with distinctive song phrases characteristic of each species.

Predators

One of the notable predators is the cicada killer wasp, which paralyzes cicadas to use as a food source for its larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Neotibicen cicadas serve as a food source for various animals, particularly during their last days of life when they are easier to catch.

Cultural Significance

Common names include cicada, harvestfly, jar fly, and the misnomer locust.

Evolution

In 2015, Neotibicen species were separated from Tibicen and placed in their own genus; several species were moved to other genera as well.

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as locusts, which is incorrect since they belong to different orders of insects.