Cicada
Guides
Beameria
Aridland Cicadas
Beameria is a genus of small cicadas in the family Cicadidae, comprising at least three described species. Members are among the smallest cicadas in North America, with body lengths around 16 mm. The genus is associated with prairie habitats and has been documented producing high-frequency calling songs. Beameria was established by Davis in 1934.
Beameria venosa
Aridland Cicada
Beameria venosa is one of the smallest cicada species in North America, with a body length of approximately 16 mm. It is a prairie obligate species distributed across the Great Plains from Nebraska and Colorado south to Texas and New Mexico, with additional records from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Arizona. The species produces a high-frequency calling song that is audible to humans but appears to function as a predator avoidance mechanism by being inaudible to birds and lizards. It is listed as vulnerable in Missouri due to its dependence on restricted prairie habitats.
Cacama
Cactus Dodger Cicadas
Cacama is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as "cactus dodger cicadas." The genus contains at least 12 recognized species distributed across western North America, from the southern Great Plains to California. These cicadas are notable for their association with cacti, particularly Opuntia and Cylindropuntia species, and their ability to navigate among spiny hosts without injury. The type species, Cacama valvata, has been studied for its thermal physiology and distinctive mating behaviors.
Cacama carbonaria
Downy Cactus-Dodger
Cacama carbonaria is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1919. It is one of several 'cactus dodger' cicadas in the genus Cacama, known for their association with cactus hosts. The species occurs in Central America, with records from Mexico including Michoacán, Morelos, and Oaxaca. Like other Cacama species, it likely shares the genus-typical traits of fast flight, alert behavior, and association with Opuntia and Cylindropuntia cacti.
Cacama collinaplaga
Hill Country Cactus-Dodger
Cacama collinaplaga is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, described by Sanborn and Heath in 2011. It belongs to the genus Cacama, commonly known as cactus dodgers, which are associated with cactus hosts in arid regions of western North America. The species is found in the Hill Country region of Texas, where it inhabits areas with cactus vegetation.
Cacama crepitans
Coastal Cactus Dodger
A medium to large cicada species commonly known as the Coastal Cactus Dodger. Males produce a loud, distinctive song described as a high-pitched metallic buzz or shrill, often delivered in short bursts. The species is closely associated with cactus hosts, particularly cholla and prickly pear, in arid and semi-arid regions. Adults are fast-flying and alert, making them challenging to approach. Females oviposit into dry, dead cactus stems rather than living tissue.
Cacama dissimilis
Plateau Cactus-Dodger
Cacama dissimilis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Plateau Cactus-Dodger. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America. Like other members of the genus Cacama, it is associated with cactus habitats. The species was originally described as Cicada dissimilis by Distant in 1881.
Cacama furcata
Baja California Cactus-Dodger
Cacama furcata is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1919. It is one of several 'cactus-dodger' cicadas in the genus Cacama, which are associated with arid environments and cactus hosts. The species is known from the Baja California peninsula and adjacent regions of Mexico. Like related Cacama species, it likely exhibits adaptations for life in xeric habitats including fast flight and specialized host plant associations.
Cacama longirostris
Decorated Cactus-Dodger
Cacama longirostris is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, described by Distant in 1881. It is known from Central America, particularly Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Cacama, commonly referred to as "cactus dodgers" due to their association with cactus hosts. Like other members of this genus, it likely exhibits adaptations for navigating spiny vegetation.
Cacama maura
Black-bellied Cactus-Dodger
Cacama maura is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Distant in 1881. It is found in Central America, with records from Mexico including Morelos, Oaxaca, and Yucatán. The common name "Black-bellied Cactus-Dodger" suggests a likely ecological association with cactus habitats similar to its congener Cacama valvata, though specific details about this species remain sparse in the literature.
Cacama moorei
Moore's cactus dodger
Cacama moorei, commonly known as Moore's cactus dodger, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and the Mexican state of Sonora. As a member of the genus Cacama, it is associated with cactus habitats and shares the common name 'cactus dodger' with related species such as Cacama valvata.
Cacama pygmaea
Golden-winged Cactus-Dodger
Cacama pygmaea is a cicada species described by Sanborn in 2011 during a taxonomic revision of the genus Cacama. It is one of three new species described in that work, which brought the total known species in the genus to 12. The species is found in Central America, with confirmed records from Jalisco, Mexico. Like other members of the genus Cacama, it is commonly referred to as a 'cactus-dodger' cicada.
Cacama valvata
common cactus dodger
Cacama valvata, commonly known as the common cactus dodger, is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is distributed across the southern Great Plains and western North America, from Texas and New Mexico west to California. The species is notable for its tight ecological association with cacti, particularly cholla (Cylindropuntia spp.) and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), which serve as both host plants for nymphal root-feeding and perching sites for adults. Males produce a loud, distinctive song described as a high-pitched metallic zing or shrill buzz, often likened to a table saw cutting through wood. Adults are fast-flying, alert, and capable of landing on spiny cactus hosts without becoming impaled. The species has been observed engaging in courtship singing, with males approaching females while producing long, wavering shrills that transition to shorter sequences upon close approach, followed by leg touching, mounting, and copulation. Females oviposit almost exclusively in dry, dead, skeletonized cactus stems, where eggs may remain for several months awaiting fall rains to trigger hatching.
Cacama variegata
Variegated Cactus Dodger
Cacama variegata is a large cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the variegated cactus dodger. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Texas and Mexican states including Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Like other members of the genus Cacama, this species is associated with cactus habitats.
Chlorocanta
Chlorocanta is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, subfamily Tibicininae, and tribe Tibicinini. It was described by Chatfield-Taylor in 2023. The genus belongs to a group of cicadas characterized by particular morphological features associated with the Tibicinini tribe. As a recently described genus, detailed biological information remains limited.
Cicadettana
Cicadettana is a genus of small cicadas established in 2017, previously classified under Cicadetta. These insects measure 12–20 mm in body length and produce high-pitched songs. The genus comprises five species, with one species endemic to Hispaniola and the remainder distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Cicadettana calliope
Southern Grass Cicada
A small North American cicada species known as the Southern Grass Cicada. Adults emerge and lay eggs in late spring. The species has a median total life cycle of approximately four years from egg to natural adult death. Formerly placed in the genus Cicadetta, it was transferred to the revalidated genus Cicadettana. The species is notable for increasing in abundance in prairies managed with spring and fall prescribed burns, unlike prairie cicadas in the genus Tibicen which are negatively impacted by such burns.
Cicadettana calliope floridensis
little green cicada
Cicadettana calliope floridensis is a subspecies of the little green cicada, a small cicada in the family Cicadidae. It belongs to a genus with only two species in the United States. The subspecies was described by Davis in 1920 and is currently considered valid. Like other members of its species, it is associated with grassland habitats and has a biology adapted to fire-prone environments.
Cicadettana kansa
Kansas Grass Cicada
Cicadettana kansa is a small North American cicada species formerly classified in the genus Cicadetta. Adults are lime green in coloration and produce a soft, barely audible buzzing call. The species inhabits mixed shortgrass prairie and is active in late spring and summer. It is distinguished from the similar C. calliope by having 4–5 apical cells in the hind wing rather than 6.
Cicadettini
True Largeclasper Cicadas
Cicadettini is a large tribe of cicadas within the family Cicadidae, comprising at least 110 genera and over 520 described species. Members are distributed worldwide except for the Neotropics, with notable radiations in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Palearctic. The tribe includes diverse ecological specialists, from grassland inhabitants to species associated with seasonal riverine floodplains. Many species produce species-specific acoustic signals used for mate recognition.
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.
Clidophleps
American Stridulating Cicadas
Clidophleps is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, established by Van Duzee in 1915. The genus comprises eight described species, all endemic to western North America. Members are commonly known as American Stridulating Cicadas, a name referencing their sound production. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tibicininae and tribe Tibicinini.
Clidophleps vagans
Clidophleps vagans is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Tibicininae and tribe Tibicinini. The species is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, and Nevada. As a member of the cicada family, it produces sound through tymbal organs and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with nymphal stages spent underground.
Cornuplura nigroalbata
Western Pinto Cicada
Cornuplura nigroalbata is a rarely collected cicada species first described by Davis in 1936. The species exhibits a distinctive black and white color pattern. Males produce amplitude-modulated calling songs with a dominant frequency of approximately 6.5 kHz. The Arizona population represents the northernmost known extension of the species' range.
Diceroprocta
Scrub Cicadas
Diceroprocta is a genus of scrub cicadas in the family Cicadidae, comprising at least 60 described species. The genus originated in Mexico, where it exhibits the highest genetic diversity. Many species were historically misassigned to the related genus Tibicen. Diceroprocta species are distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, with 21 species occurring in the United States and Canada. They are commonly associated with mesquite, willow, and other woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions.
Diceroprocta apache
citrus cicada, Apache cicada
Diceroprocta apache is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the citrus cicada or Apache cicada. It has a median life cycle of three to four years from egg to adult death. The species is an important component of riparian food webs in desert regions. It serves as a documented host for the Pacific Cicada Killer wasp (Sphecius convallis). Research indicates its population density is negatively affected by invasive saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) monocultures and positively associated with native Goodding's willow (Salix gooddingii) canopy cover.
Diceroprocta apache-cinctifera-semicincta
Apache Cicada, Silver-bellied annual cicada
Diceroprocta apache-cinctifera-semicincta is a cicada species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a host for the Pacific Cicada Killer wasp (Sphecius convallis), which paralyzes adults to provision underground nests. The species belongs to the 'annual' cicada group, with staggered generations appearing each year rather than synchronized mass emergences.
Diceroprocta arizona
Plateau Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta arizona is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, described by Davis in 1916. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Central America, with records from Arizona and several Mexican states including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, and Morelos. Like other members of the genus Diceroprocta, it is an annual cicada with a multi-year nymphal development period spent underground feeding on plant roots.
Diceroprocta averyi
Western Plain Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta averyi is a species of annual cicada described by Davis in 1941. It belongs to the genus Diceroprocta, a group of cicadas commonly known as flag-bearers. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Texas. Like other Diceroprocta species, it likely exhibits the typical cicada life cycle involving multiple years spent underground as a nymph feeding on root xylem, followed by emergence as a short-lived adult.
Diceroprocta azteca
Verdant Plain Flag-Bearer
A cicada species in the family Cicadidae with a documented range spanning Central America, North America, and South America. First recorded in Kansas in 2009, representing a northward range expansion from previously known southern distributions. Associated with riparian habitats, particularly where cottonwood trees occur.
Diceroprocta bequaerti
Gulf Saltmarsh Cicada
Diceroprocta bequaerti is a species of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae, native to North America. It is one of several Diceroprocta species found in the southern United States, where it inhabits coastal and near-coastal environments. Like other cicadas in this genus, it produces sound through tymbal organs to attract mates. The species was described by William T. Davis in 1917.
Diceroprocta delicata
Delicate Flag-Bearer
A small cicada species in the family Cicadidae, Diceroprocta delicata occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southern United States and Mexico. Like other Diceroprocta species, it produces sound using tymbal organs. The specific epithet 'delicata' suggests relatively small or slender proportions compared to congeners. Available records indicate it is an 'annual' cicada with staggered generations rather than synchronized periodic emergence.
Diceroprocta knighti
Dusty Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta knighti is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is an annual cicada with a multi-year nymphal stage spent underground feeding on tree and shrub roots. Adults emerge during summer months, with males producing species-specific acoustic signals to attract females. The species is part of the diverse cicada fauna of the Sonoran Desert region, where it co-occurs with related congeners at different elevations.
cicadaDiceroproctaSonoran-Desertannual-cicadaHemipteraCicadidaeacoustic-communicationroot-feeding-nymphssummer-emergencesouthwestern-North-Americaxylem-feederdesert-arthropodinsect-songmulti-year-life-cycletymbal-organmonsoon-associated-emergenceCicadinaeFidicininiDavis-1917Dusty-Flag-BearerArizonaCaliforniaBaja-CaliforniaSinaloaSonoraMexicoUnited-Statesarthropodinsecttrue-bugAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaCicadoideaGuyalninaDiceroprocta marevagans
Scrub Cicada
Diceroprocta marevagans is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, distributed across parts of Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Diceroprocta, it shares traits with other "annual" cicadas that appear every year due to staggered generations, rather than the synchronous emergences seen in periodical cicadas. The species inhabits scrubland and arid environments where it feeds on plant sap.
Diceroprocta olympusa
Olympic Scrub Cicada
Diceroprocta olympusa is a species of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. As with other Diceroprocta species, it likely spends multiple years underground as a nymph feeding on plant roots before emerging as an adult.
Diceroprocta semicincta
Sonoran Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta semicincta is a cicada species native to the Sonoran Desert region of southwestern North America and adjacent areas of Mexico. Adults are active during the hottest months of summer, with males producing loud calling songs from mesquite trees and other vegetation. The species has an annual life cycle with overlapping generations, unlike the periodical cicadas. Two subspecies are recognized: D. s. semicincta and D. s. nigricans.
Diceroprocta swalei
Stripewing Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta swalei is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It inhabits oak-juniper woodland zones at moderate elevations, where males produce loud calling songs to attract mates. The species is distinguished by a prominent dark zig-zag band across each forewing. It is one of several Diceroprocta species occurring in the Sonoran Desert region, where it replaces D. semicincta at higher elevations.
Diceroprocta texana
Texas Plain Flag-Bearer
A small cicada species distributed across the south-central United States and northern Mexico. Males produce audible songs and have been observed singing from vegetation including mesquite and blazingstar. The species exhibits a pale, nearly white venter that serves as a distinguishing field mark. Activity has been documented during mid-summer months.
Diceroprocta viridifascia
salt marsh cicada, seaside cicada, Atlantic Saltmarsh Cicada
Diceroprocta viridifascia is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the salt marsh cicada or seaside cicada. It is restricted to coastal salt marsh habitats in the southeastern United States. The species is named for the green fasciae (bands) on its body. Like other cicadas, it produces sound via tymbal organs for communication.
Fidicinoides
Monk Cicadas
A genus of Neotropical cicadas distinguished by a partially exposed timbal not completely covered by the meta-scutellar plate, contrasting with the fully covered timbal of the related genus Fidicina. The genus exhibits extensive geographic distribution across Central and South America, with particularly high species diversity in Brazil. Several species have been documented in association with cultivated plants, including coffee plantations. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with multiple species transferred from Fidicina and some subsequently moved to Dorisiana.
Fidicinoides pronoe
Fidicinoides pronoe is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, originally described by Walker in 1850 as Cicada pronoe. It belongs to the tribe Fidicinini, a group of cicadas distributed primarily in the Neotropics. The species has been recorded from multiple states in Mexico. Like other cicadas, it has a subterranean nymphal stage and aerial adult stage, with males producing acoustic signals for mate attraction.
Hadoa
Western Annual Cicadas
Hadoa is a genus of large-bodied cicadas (family Cicadidae) native to Western North America. The genus was erected in 2015 by Moulds to accommodate species previously placed in Tibicen, which was redefined to include only European species. Hadoa species are annual cicadas, with adults typically emerging during summer months. The genus contains approximately 20 species distributed across western North American habitats including deserts, woodlands, and montane regions.
Hadoa bifida
Tablelands Sun-Singer
Hadoa bifida is a North American cicada species in the family Cicadidae, originally described as Cicada bifida by Davis in 1916 and later transferred to the genus Hadoa. The species is commonly known as the Tablelands Sun-Singer. It occurs in the southwestern and south-central United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. As a member of the cicada family, it is presumed to be a subterranean root-feeder as a nymph and an aerial, plant-sap feeding adult, though specific life history details have not been documented.
Hadoa chisosensis
Southern Piñon Sun-Singer
Hadoa chisosensis is a species of annual cicada in the genus Hadoa, native to Texas and adjacent areas of northern Mexico. The species is commonly known as the Southern Piñon Sun-Singer. As a member of the Cicadidae family, it produces acoustic signals typical of cicadas. The specific epithet 'chisosensis' refers to the Chisos Mountains region of Texas, indicating its association with this geographic area.
Hadoa duryi
Orange-and-black Cicada
Hadoa duryi is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Orange-and-black Cicada. The species was originally described as Tibicen duryi by Davis in 1917 and later transferred to the genus Hadoa. It occurs in the southwestern United States, where adults have been observed on trunks and branches of recently dead pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). The species appears to be associated with pinyon-juniper woodland habitats.
Hadoa longiopercula
Spade Sun-Singer
Hadoa longiopercula is an annual cicada species in the genus Hadoa, native to southeastern Arizona. It inhabits desert scrub ecosystems, particularly areas with Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana). The species was originally described as Tibicen longiopercula by Davis in 1926 and later transferred to the genus Hadoa. Known records are sparse, with confirmed observations limited to a few localities in the southeastern corner of Arizona.
Hadoa montezuma
Aztec Sun-Singer
Hadoa montezuma is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Aztec Sun-Singer. It was originally described by Distant in 1881. The species belongs to the genus Hadoa, which was established to accommodate several North American cicada species previously placed in other genera. Distribution records indicate presence in Arizona, California, and Morelos, Mexico.
Hadoa parallela
Corrupted Sun-Singer
Hadoa parallela is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species was originally described by Davis in 1923 under the genus Tibicen before being reclassified to Hadoa. Like other cicadas, it produces acoustic signals for communication. The common name 'Corrupted Sun-Singer' reflects its calling behavior.
Hadoa simplex
Madrean Grassland Sun-Singer
Hadoa simplex is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, originally described by Davis in 1941 as a subspecies of Tibicen bifidus before being elevated to species status and transferred to the genus Hadoa. It is known from Arizona and is associated with Madrean grassland habitats. The species is one of relatively few confirmed observations, with limited documented occurrence data.
Hadoa texana
Texas Dog-day Cicada
Hadoa texana is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Texas Dog-day Cicada. It is native to the south-central United States, with records from Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Like other cicadas, it produces loud acoustic signals using specialized tymbal organs. The species was originally described by Metcalf in 1963 and was later transferred to the genus Hadoa following taxonomic revision that split the broadly defined genus Tibicen.