Cicada and Cicada Killers From New England and The United States
Below are just some of the readers who have submitted information and pictures on Annual Cicada and Cicada Killer sightings. Want your report to be seen here? Then fill in our new Cicada or Cicada Killer Report Form by clicking here or the link under the "Report Cicadas" section of the navigation menu to the left.
Report Brood XIII Cicada Activity
If you are from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin, be sure to write in and give us some reports on the Periodical Cicada emergence. You will be transfered to our online form where you will be able to even your pictures in one easy step.
Note: For privacy concerns Email Addresses, Last Names and Street Addresses are removed for public viewing and to protect the privacy of contributors but the information is required when filling in the form.
Below are the User-Submitted Reports for July 2007
07/31/07 - Cicada Sighting Watertown, MA
Comments: This little guy was dead when I found him. Not sure where he came from but I didn't even know cicadas were being seen in MA this summer.
Email:
First Name: Liz
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County:
Town: Watertown
Street:
Date of Sighting: 7/31/07
Outside Temperature:
Time of Day:
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: DSCN2548.JPG
Hi Liz
Thanks for the photo and information. This is a female Tibicen lyricen cicada. One of the two most common species we have here in Massachusetts.
Actually, we have several types of annual cicadas that appear in Massachusetts every year. They are those insects that make the strange noises coming from the trees.
Thanks again for the info.
Gerry Bunker
Masssachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/31/07 - Cicada Killer Sighting - Dunbar PA
Comments: Found This one flying around in my garage my Brother next door had three on his pool deck yesterday.
Email: tlg1@zoominternet.net
First Name: Greg
Last Name:
State: Pennsylvania
County: Fayette
Town: Dunbar
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 31-2007
Outside Temperature: 90
Time of Day: noon
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: 0731071846.jpg
Hey Greg
Thanks for the information. These cicada killers from you and your brother next door must be from a Lek in your area. I'll bet if you walk around your neighborhood, you'll find it.
Thanks
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/29/07 - Cicada Sighting - Belchertown, MA
Comments:Hiya- I found this one in my yard... its wings are damaged somehow. Not sure if this is a rare one or even remotely interesting, but maybe you'll find it interesting... I dunno. -Tom
Email:
First Name: Tom
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: Hampshire
Town: Belcherown
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 29, 2007
Outside Temperature: Est. 74 or so
Time of Day: 12:30 PM
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name:
Hi Tom,
Your specimen is a male T. lyricen cicada. What is interesting about your specimen is that it is all brown (except for the wing veins) usually on the body of the cicada there are greens that are mixed in. Very unusual morph.
Did you happen across this specimen with damaged wings or did you take it too early when it was molting.
Just curious
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/27/07 - Cicada Sighting - Ottawa, Canada
From Cicadamania.com
What kind of cicada is this?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Both my husband and I work at home. We live in a mixed hardwood forest area an hour plus outside of Ottawa. we are in a mini heatwave and have been hearing the Cicada's song for a couple of days. today while
Dave was watering plants , he noticed a Cicada emerging form its shell. He came to get me and we watched it complete its emergence in complete awe!
We managed to get some good pictures as well as retaining the shell.
Peace of Mind Creations
www.peaceofmindcreations.com
Hey Dan
This is a classic Tibicen canicularis. They are a more northern Tibicen species. I just recently found one eclosing in the middle of the day. They have a tendancy to do that.
With that large clasper at the end of the abdomen makes this a male. However, they shouldn't have touched it while it was in the middle of molting. I'd be surprised if the wings turned out ok.
Lets hope so.
Later
Gerry
07/27/07 - Cicada Killer Sighting - Northampton, MA
Comments: There are 15 nests
Email:
First Name: Jon
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: Hampshire
Town: Northampton
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 26,2007
Outside Temperature: daytime 80's-90's
Time of Day: daily thruoghout day
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
Hi Jon
Thanks for the photo. Yep, that confirms it. That is indeed a cicada killer. Right now, there are 15 burrows which the female makes. Later on there will be more. Not to worry though they will only be around for about a month then they will be gone and they are harmless, they won't bother you. They are a very non-aggressive wasp.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/27/07 - Cicada Sighting - Ashland, MA.
Comments: Not sure if this is a cicada or not, but I almost sat on it! This was taken on one of our adirondack chairs on our porch. Please let me know if this in fact a cicada if you would. Thank you.
Email:
First Name: Rebecca
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: Middlesex
Town: Ashland
Street:
Date of Sighting: 07/27/07
Outside Temperature: 81
Time of Day: 9:00AM
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name:
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for filling in our online form. Yes indeed, that is a cicada. This species is Tibicen lyricen. Judging by it's appearance it looks like it is only a few hours from molting. I'll bet if you look around the area you will find an empty shell close by.
Thank you again.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/26/07 - Cicada Sighting Glen Cove, NY
Email:
First Name: elias
Last Name:
State: New York
County: nassau
Town: glen cove
Street:
Date of Sighting: 07/22/07
Outside Temperature: 70
Time of Day: 22:30
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: ciccadas 2007 morgan park 012.jpg
Comments:
Hi Elias,
Thanks for the very cool photos of a male Tibicen chloromera teneral. He will darken up quite nicely and will look totally different than how he looks now. Nice shot of the clasper at the end of the abdomen!
Gerry
07/26/07 - Cicada Killer Sighting - Stevensville, MD
Comments: digging burrows in yard, territorial behavior, have seen two at the same time
Email:
First Name: Carol
Last Name:
State: Maryland
County: Queen Anne's
Town: Stevensville
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 2007
Outside Temperature: daytime 80's-90's
Time of Day: daily thruoghout day
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name:
Hi Carol
Yes, that is definately a Cicada Killer. The territorial behavior would indicate males, and the females are the ones that dig the burrows. As time goes on, you will see an increase in the number of males. Your yard is probably a well established lek.
I wouldn't worry though, these guys are really non-aggressive towards humans. That male's stinger contains no venom and is only a barb at the end of the abdomen. The female's stinger has venom but the only way you would get stung by her is if you accidentally stepped on her.
You should pull up a chair by a Cicada Killer's burrow and watch for her to bring in paralyzed cicadas.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/26/07 - Cicada Sighting - Stevensville, MD
Comments: found dried on ground under Viburnum nudum, underside revealed cavity in abdomen
Email:
First Name: Carol
Last Name:
State: Maryland
County: Queen Anne's
Town: Stevensville
Street:
Date of Sighting: found dead mid-July 2007
Outside Temperature:
Time of Day:
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name:
Hi Carole
Thanks for the photo of the cicada, however you filled in the form twice and I assume the one below may be for a different insect, perhaps a Cicada Killer? Let me know.
I am working on the ID of that cicada, it doesn't key out to anything that I know so I have sent it on to a few of my colleagues. I'll write back with a definate ID for you.
Thanks
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
Followup:
The photo of the cicada after discussing it with my colleagues and we agree that this is a Tibicen chloromera specimen due to the green pronotum (area directly behind the eyes). Thanks again for sending in the information.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/25/07 - Cicada Killer Sighting in Marlborough, MA
Comments: IS THIS A Cicada killer wasp??
Email:
First Name: BABS
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: MIDDLESEX
Town: MARLBOROUGH
Street:
Date of Sighting: 07/25/07
Outside Temperature: 85
Time of Day: 5:30PM
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name:
Hi Babs,
Thanks for the information. Yes, indeed that is a cicada killer wasp. These guys are really a harmless wasp, they are non aggressive so there is no need to fear them.
Can you tell me the street or area where you got the specimen?
Thanks
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
Response from Babs of Marlborough, MA
Good morning Gerry,
I have it in a container if you want it.
Oh my gosh - I was frightened last night, never saw anything like it before.
Thanks, Beth
07/23/07 - Cicada Sighting - Swansea, MA
Comments: Hello and thank you so much responding. These are the pics I took and I am also really, really curious as well and I hope it is too...lol. As I know nothing about this subject whatsoever but am very nosy about nature. Thx, Linda
Email:
First Name: Linda
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: Bristol
Town: Swansea
Street:
Date of Sighting: 07/23/07
Outside Temperature:
Time of Day:
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
Hi Linda
Thank you for the photos. Yes, that is a cicada. It is a Tibicen lyricen cicada. It is rare to find them down low like that. Maybe he just molted into the adult form and was just kind of hanging around.
Here is a page from my web site which lists all the different types of characteristics that I have found in T. lyricen here in Massachusetts.
http://www.mechaworx.com/Cicada/vspecies.asp
Thanks and well done!!
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/22/07 - Cicada Killer Sighting in Milford, MA - Click Video Link
Email:
First Name: Gina
Last Name:
State: MA
County: Worcester
Town: Milford
Street:
Date of Sighting: video was taken 7/22/2007, they have been back for about a month
Outside Temperature: 72
Time of Day: 12:30
North Coordinate: 42 8' 44"
West Coordinate: 71 31' 8"
Comments: Hi,
I didn't use the form because we didn't take pictures, we did a video of what we think are cicada killers in our front steps.
I put it on youtube. We live in Milford MA, and we had the same insects in our yard last year too. I noticed someone from Milford sent a picture of some cicadas, I wonder if they live close by.
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZmJXgP8xF4
Thanks
-Gina
HI Gina,
Thank you for the video. That is definately a cicada killer. You will find that the reason they come back every year is because it is the offspring of the previous cicada killers that hatch from inside those holes and burrows. It looks like you have a crack in some cement that is wide enough for a female to capture a cicada and store in there. Cicada killer females love areas like this.
If you're industriuos enough, maybe you can sit and wait to see when the female brings back a cicada. Don't worry, Cicada Killers are harmless, they won't hurt you unless you accidentally step on one with bare feet or something.
Response from Gina of Milford, Ma.
We are having our steps repaired in about a month...so I guess the cicada killers will have to move. What does the mail spray? The video shows him chasing something off, too. It's cool he just sits there like a sentry.
When would be a good time to look for them to bring back a cicada? (mornings, evenings, etc).
Thanks for writing back!
-Gina
HI Gina,
thanks for the information. As far as I am aware, the males don't spray anything. Maybe you witnessed him urinating. Insects do urinate from time to time. I've witnessed this plenty of times with cicadas.
The behavior you are noting is exactly what male cicada killers do. They set up their own little territories and chase other male cicada killers or other insects away. He is hoping a female will wonder into his territory in order to mate with him.
Now would be a good time to sit and wait for a female CK to bring back a cicada.
Thanks for the information.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
7/20/07 - Cicada Sighting 4 Different Species, Edinburg, IL
man gerry, after looking at your pics of all the lyrecins, and looking at mine u would think its a differant species almost, i wish i could get these photos to u but i cant for a while, but whats so differat is the pronotome mine are realy dull brown or greenish brown while yours are all brighter green and yellow, i will try to send them tonight if i can borrow a cam
Hi Jake,
I saw your group photo from your mother. I count 4 separate species. T. walkeri, T. pruinosa, T. chloromera and T. lyricen.
Gerry
07/17/07 - More Cicada Killer Sightings, New Baden, Illinois
Email:
First Name: Randy
Last Name:
State: Illinois
County: Clinton
Town: New Baden
Street:
Date of Sighting: 2:15
Outside Temperature:
Time of Day: afternoon
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: P7170223.JPG
Comments: is this a cicada killer?
HI Randy,
yes, that is definately a cicada killer. Just so you know, Cicada Killers are harmless to humans. The males do not have stingers and the females only sting cicadas.
Thank you for the datapoint however and the photo.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/16/07 - And Yet Another Report of a Cicada Killer Sighting, Stratford, CT
Comments: I recently moved into my house and started to see these all over my yard. I think it's a Cicada Killers, but im not 100% positive. They only seem to like my yard as I don't see their burrows in amy other yard.
Email:
First Name: Jeremy
Last Name:
State: Connecticut
County: fairfield
Town: stratford
Street:
Date of Sighting: july 16th 2007
Outside Temperature: 85 F
Time of Day: 1PM
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: P1016216.JPG
Hi Jeremy,
That's definately a cicada killer all right. If you just moved in chances are they have been in your yard for a very long time. Cicada Killers as far as a wasp goes, is really quite harmless, the males don't sting and the females only use their stingers for cicadas. The only way that you would get stung would be by a female and if you stepped on it.
The males job is to chase all other males that wander into his territory away while at the same time, try to mate with the females.
The females, in turn are the ones that dig the burrows where they fly off and sting a cicada - paralyze it then lay an egg on the paralyzed cicada. The larva when it hatches eats the cicada.
Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to get rid of them but you can still carry on and use your yard, mow the lawn, stuff like that.
They really are interesting to watch especially when the females start to bring back cicadas.
Keep me posted on how the summer goes and try to count the number of burrows you have. They will be there probably till the end of August.
Thanks very much for the datapoint, it is indeed helpful.
Regards
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/15/07 - Another Report of a Cicada Killer Sighting North Branford, CT.
Comments: Hi there. I googled to see what on earth these scary things were and found your website. They have several burrows just along the curb near the street. I was not about to get close enough to photo, but my husband went out there for you. He saw one w/ a cicada "in hand", but didn't have the camera w/ him at that point. Can we run the lawn mower over the area, or will we be stung? Good luck in your study.
Email:
First Name: Paula
Last Name:
State: Connecticut
County: New Haven
Town: North Branford
Street:
Date of Sighting: 07/15/07
Outside Temperature: 77-88 F
Time of Day: all day!
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: P1010303.JPG
Hi Paula,
Thank you for the information. Yes, that is definately a cicada killer. You should be ok in mowing your lawn you won't get stung. These wasps are non-aggressive. If you or your husband are so inclined, maybe you can get a photo of one with a cicada to identify the species of cicadas they are catching.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/12/07 - Second Report of Cicada Killers in Omaha, NE.
Comments: Found this buzzing around our little one's sand box. I think this may be a female as her stinger was revealed after she died. (She will be added to our budding entomolgist's bug collection.) She also has a friend that has been trying to find her. We hope to catch that one in the coming days.
Email:
First Name: Beth
Last Name:
State: Nebraska
County: Douglas
Town: Omaha
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 12, 2007
Outside Temperature: 77?
Time of Day: 9:30 am
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: cicadakiller.jpg
Hi Beth,
yes that is definately a cicada killer. I really appreciate the information. It helps a lot. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to drop me a note.
I wonder what species of cicadas that are in Nebraska that cicada killers prey upon. Perhaps maybe T. cultriformis or T. dorsata. I am unfamiliar with the cicadas that far out west unfortunately.
Best Regards
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/09/07 - First Report of Cicada Killers In New Palistine, IN
I have numerous burrows of cicada killers in my yard and in the cracks around my driveway. My name is Lori, New Palestine, IN 46163. We live in a rural area and have always heard lots of cicadas in the summer (I’m sorry, I have no idea what kind…always took them for granted and my boys love to collect their old “skins” from our and neighboring trees). I can’t send on a picture but I have looked this critter up and it’s definitely a cicada killer (coloring, body type, a wasp, size, behavior, wings, etc). They are all over buzzing above our yard. My kids aren’t fond of them but I’ve tried to convince them that they are harmless and looking for nectar or cicadas. We only see them the first of July through August and they mainly buzz over their burrow holes and fly off at times. We’ve wished to see them carrying a cicada but haven’t witnessed that yet. We’ve never been stung although they will “dive bomb” someone walking out to get the mailJ. After 2 years now, we’re getting used to them. Just info for any mapping you’d be interested in. Thank you. Lori Ruble
HI Lori
Thanks for your email. The behavior you describe sure does sound like a cicada killer. I think right now, it may be a bit too early for the cicada killers to hunt cicadas. In your area, I would probably wait a few more days. I think what is happening now is the males are trying to mate with fthe emales while at the same time, they are trying to chase other male cicada killers out of their territory. That is why they may seem aggressive towards humans but trust me their "bark" is worse than their bite. The males have what is called a "pseudo-stinger" more like a barb but they do not use it and it contains no venom.
Only the female cicada killer has a stinger and she will not waste her precious venom on a human unless someone accidentally steps on one or squeezed on with their hands.
But of course, like with all wasps, you should exercise caution especially since I cannot 100% identify one without a photo. If you're so inclined, you can catch one and send it to me for confirmation of ID.
I think by this weekend and thereafter, if you're patient enough, you will see the females starting to bring in cicadas. It really is quite amazing to watch.
Best Regards
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
07/07/07 - First Report of a Cicada In Milford, MA
Comments: I don't know how robust a cicada should be, but this one doesn't seem very active. Very easy to pick up. I have other pictures of it, but this picture is among the better ones.
Email:
First Name: David
Last Name:
State: Massachusetts
County: Worcester
Town: Milford
Street:
Date of Sighting: July 7, 2007
Outside Temperature: 79° F
Time of Day: 2:00pm
North Coordinate:
West Coordinate:
File Name: CIMG0390.JPG
Hi David
Thanks for the datapoint. That specimen is a Tibicen lyricen. One of the two very common species we have here in Massachusetts. However, it is the first datapoint I have for Milford Ma so it is very much appreciated.
Don't know why it was so sluggish. When you picked it up, was did it give off an alarm squawk? You'd know it if you heard it. It may be that it is probably teneral, meaning it is only a few hours from molting form nymph.
Thanks again.
Gerry Bunker
Massachusetts Cicadas
http://www.mechaworx.com/cicada/masscic1.asp
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