Neotibicen

Hill & Moulds, 2015

Dog-day Cicadas, Annual Cicadas, Harvestfly, Jar Fly

Species Guides

12

Neotibicen is a of large-bodied cicadas ( Cicadidae) found in eastern North America, formerly including Bermuda. These cicadas are commonly known as "dog-day cicadas" or " cicadas" due to their appearance every summer, typically from July through August. Unlike periodical cicadas (Magicicada), which emerge in synchronized 13- or 17-year cycles, Neotibicen appear annually because overlapping ensure emerge every year. The genus was established in 2015 when species were moved from the formerly broader genus Tibicen, which was redefined to include only European species. Neotibicen species are among the most commonly encountered cicadas in the eastern United States and are known for their loud, complex songs produced by males to attract females.

Neotibicen linnei by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Neotibicen by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Neotibicen by (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski. Used under a CC-BY license.

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.

Identification

Neotibicen can be distinguished from periodical cicadas (Magicicada) by their larger size, pattern, and different coloration—Neotibicen typically show green and brown markings rather than the orange-red and black bodies of Magicicada. Species within Neotibicen are best identified by their distinctive songs, which vary from loud buzzes to long rattling sounds with pulsating qualities; each species produces a unique call. From the related Megatibicen (formerly included in Neotibicen), species are distinguished by subtle morphological differences and song characteristics. From Hadoa (western North American species formerly in Tibicen), Neotibicen is separated geographically, as Hadoa occurs west of the Great Plains.

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Habitat

Found in diverse environments including deciduous forests, mixed hardwood-pine forests, grassland edges with trees, shortgrass prairie with scattered trees, mesquite chaparral, and sand dune with vegetation. are arboreal, occurring in tree . Nymphs develop underground, feeding on root xylem. Specific habitat associations vary by : Neotibicen superbus is associated with trees in grassland environments and dolomite glades; Neotibicen auriferus occurs in prairie and mesquite chaparral; Neotibicen pruinosus and N. lyricen inhabit deciduous forests.

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging from Canada (Ontario, Québec) through the eastern and central United States. Formerly present in Bermuda. Western boundary approximately at the Great Plains, where distribution overlaps with and transitions to related Megatibicen and Hadoa. Specific have more restricted ranges: Neotibicen superbus occurs primarily in eastern Texas, Oklahoma, southern Missouri, and northern Arkansas; Neotibicen auriferus ranges through the Great Plains.

Seasonality

emerge in mid- to late summer, typically July through August, with some extending into early September. Peak activity occurs during the hottest, most humid periods—the "dog days" of summer. Males sing primarily in the afternoon or evening, depending on species. of nymphs from soil occurs after sunset, with adults ready to fly by sunrise following hardening.

Diet

feed on xylem sap from plants using their piercing-sucking beak. Nymphs feed on xylem sap from plant roots underground.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Nymphs live underground for multiple years (exact duration unknown but estimated at 2–5+ years based on related cicadas), feeding on plant root xylem. Fully developed nymphs emerge from soil after sunset, climb vertical structures (trees, shrubs, buildings), and into . Adults require several hours for hardening before is possible. After mating, females insert into small tree branches using an ovipositor. Eggs hatch after approximately one month; nymphs drop to ground and burrow into soil to begin feeding on roots. overlap, ensuring adult despite multi-year nymphal development.

Behavior

Males produce loud, complex songs using abdominal tymbal organs to attract females; each has a distinctive song. Singing typically occurs in afternoon or evening hours depending on species. When threatened by or handled, males produce a sharp "squawk" call by vibrating the tymbal. are highly vigilant with excellent vision; they are skittish and rapid fliers, making them difficult to approach or capture in treetops. Newly emerged adults are soft-shelled and vulnerable; likely reduces risk from predators.

Ecological Role

Nymphs act as root-feeding sap consumers, potentially affecting plant water relations. serve as food resources for diverse including birds, squirrels, and specialized predators such as cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus). Carcasses support sarcophagid flesh fly , contributing to nutrient cycling and carrion . As xylem feeders, adults and nymphs may play roles in plant transmission, though this is not well documented.

Human Relevance

Commonly heard and recognized summer insects; their loud choruses are characteristic soundscape elements of eastern North American summers. Sometimes considered a nuisance due to noise, but not economically damaging. Frequently misidentified as "locusts," an erroneous . Subject of citizen science observation and bioacoustic study. Serve as indicators of summer season and healthy forest . Some (e.g., Neotibicen superbus) are sought after by collectors and photographers due to striking appearance.

Similar Taxa

  • Magicicada (periodical cicadas)Similar size and appearance; distinguished by 13- or 17-year synchronized , red , black bodies with orange markings, and spring emergence rather than summer
  • MegatibicenFormerly included in Neotibicen; separated based on morphological and acoustic differences, with Megatibicen generally larger and having different song characteristics
  • HadoaFormerly included in Tibicen; western North American distribution, separated from Neotibicen by geography and subtle morphological differences
  • LyristesEuropean formerly conflated with Neotibicen under Tibicen; now restricted to European

Misconceptions

The "locust" is a persistent misnomer; Neotibicen are cicadas ( Cicadidae), not locusts (which are grasshoppers, family Acrididae). The term " " is misleading in that it does not imply a one-year ; nymphs take multiple years to develop, but overlapping produce every year. The name "dog-day cicada" refers to their during the hot "dog days" of summer (associated with the star Sirius, the Dog Star), not any association with dogs.

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was erected in 2015 by Hill & Moulds to accommodate North American previously placed in Tibicen. The redefinition followed phylogenetic studies showing Tibicen sensu lato was polyphyletic. European species remain in Lyristes (formerly Tibicen), western North American species were moved to Hadoa, and several large-bodied eastern species were transferred to Megatibicen.

Acoustic Diversity

are best distinguished by male calling songs, which range from continuous loud buzzes (e.g., N. lyricen) to pulsating rattles (e.g., N. pruinosus, the "scissors grinder") to whining metallic tones (e.g., N. auriferus). This acoustic diversity facilitates species recognition and reproductive isolation.

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