Predator-satiation
Guides
Magicicada
Periodical Cicadas
Magicicada is a genus of periodical cicadas found in eastern North America, comprising seven species that emerge in synchronized mass events after 13- or 17-year underground development periods. These cicadas are among the longest-lived insects, spending nearly their entire lives as nymphs feeding on tree root xylem before emerging to molt, mate, and die within weeks. The genus is famous for its prime-numbered periodicity, predator satiation strategy, and the formation of distinct geographic broods that emerge on different schedules.
Magicicada septendecim
Pharaoh cicada, 17-year locust, Decim periodical cicada
Magicicada septendecim is the largest and most northern species of 17-year periodical cicada, native to eastern North America. Adults emerge in massive synchronized broods after 17 years underground as nymphs feeding on tree root xylem. The species is distinguished by broad orange stripes on the underside of the abdomen, orange patches on the thorax, reddish eyes and wing veins, and a black dorsal thorax. Males produce a high-pitched mating call described as "weeeee-whoa" or "Pharaoh." Together with the 13-year species M. neotredecim and M. tredecim, it forms the "decim" group of periodical cicadas.
Magicicada septendecula
Decula Periodical Cicada
Magicicada septendecula is one of three species of 17-year periodical cicadas endemic to the eastern United States. It is typically the rarest of the three species in mixed-species populations and exhibits stronger habitat specificity than its congeners. The species prefers upland woodland habitats dominated by hickories and walnuts, particularly Carya glabra (pignut hickory), and shows a strong association with Juglandaceae host trees. First described in 1962, it has been recorded from Connecticut southward through the eastern states, with the northeastern-most record from Totoket Mountain in North Branford, Connecticut in 2013. M. septendecula is distinguished from M. septendecim by its smaller body size and hind tibial length (less than 6.3 mm versus 6.3 mm or greater). The species exhibits greater susceptibility to delayed emergence compared to other Magicicada species, which may contribute to its comparative rarity.
Magicicada tredecim
Riley's 13-Year Cicada
Magicicada tredecim is a 13-year periodical cicada native to the southeastern and midwestern United States. It is one of four species comprising the 13-year broods, with which it emerges in synchronized mass emergences numbering up to 1.5 million individuals per acre. The species is distinguished from its close relative M. neotredecim by differences in male song pitch, female song pitch preferences, abdomen coloration, and mitochondrial DNA. Adults are characterized by reddish eyes, black dorsal thorax, and light orange or caramel-colored abdominal underside lacking dark bands. Nymphs feed on xylem sap of tree roots underground for 13 years before emerging to molt, mate, and die within four to six weeks.
Magicicada tredecula
Little 13-Year Cicada
Magicicada tredecula is a periodical cicada endemic to the United States that emerges every thirteen years as part of synchronized broods. It is one of four species comprising Brood XIX, the Great Southern Brood, and is typically the least common among the 13-year Magicicada species in most areas where it occurs. Adults are active for four to six weeks, during which they mate and females lay eggs in tree branches before dying.