Brood-emergence
Guides
Cicadidae
Typical Cicadas, True Cicadas
Cicadidae is one of two families in the superfamily Cicadoidea, containing approximately 3,400 species in over 520 genera worldwide. Members are characterized by membranous wings, triangular arrangements of three ocelli on the head, short bristle-like antennae, and acoustic communication using tymbals. The family includes both annual species with staggered emergence patterns and periodical species with synchronized multi-year life cycles. Cicadidae is distinguished from its sister family Tettigarctidae by more efficient sound-producing mechanisms.
Magicicada cassinii
Cassin's periodical cicada, dwarf periodical cicada
Magicicada cassinii is one of three species of 17-year periodical cicadas endemic to eastern North America. Adults emerge synchronously every 17 years in massive broods, with males producing distinctive calling songs peaking at 4-7 kHz. The species is morphologically indistinguishable from the 13-year Magicicada tredecassini, and the two are collectively referred to as 'cassini-type' periodical cicadas. Males are notable for their ability to synchronize courting behavior, creating choruses of tens of thousands of individuals.