Morphologies in Tibicen lyricen Cicada Species
Introduction and Objective of this Page
There are subtle color differences and the way those colors are distributed within a species of cicadas which can sometimes cause a specimen from one species to be mis-identified as another. In the below specimens , no two specimens are exactly alike. You too may experience this if you collect cicadas. To make this easier to follow, I am going to break these Tibicen lyricen specimens down by gender as that is probably the easiest way.
However other differences within a species of Cicadas can also be noted like size differences and varying color patterns located ventrally (bottom or front of a Cicada.)
We will only be discussing the different morphologies in the dorsal views (a dorsal view is the view of a cicada from the top (or its back)). This is what is used in most cases to identify a species as well as the length and shape of the wings. At the end of this little article I will provide a Key to help identify Cicadas in your area.
Before we get started, you should familiarize yourself with some terms that we will be using.
Pronotum - Part of the area behind the two big compound eyes that along with the mesonotum make up the thorax.
Pronotal Collar - thin band approximately 2 mm wide (1/16th of an inch) located just below the pronotum and divides the pronotum and mesonotum.
Mesonotum - Area below the pronotal collar but above the abdomen. Front forewing hinges are located against the mesonotum.
Want to learn more about the anatomy of a Cicada? Well, click the link located in the links section to the left that says; yup, you guessed it, "Anatomy of a Cicada".
How to view the below Tibicen specimens:
1). Click on a thumbnail to view the full-sized picture. You can resize the full sized picture to any size you want so that you can compare the specimens side-by-side.
2). For a description of each specimen, simply click on the example number above the corresponding thumbnail. You will be transported to the description.
3). When done, hit the "Back ^" link to come back to the thumbnails.
Female Tibicen lyricen Morphology
Example 9
Example 10
Pronotum - Mostly green with very light orange with a noticably complete black triangular outline located medially. Within the triangular outline a greenish orange area shaped like a deer's head with antlers.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Brown patterns located to right and left above the wing hinges with a green to orange pattern medially. Note, this area more pronounced in some specimens as we will see below. A typical Tibicen lyricen.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/07/05
Pronotum - Mostly brown with a light brown to dark orange "anchor" shape located medially. No noticable complete black triangular outline medially.
Pronotoal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - No noticeable brown patterns located to right and left above the wing hinges as in above specimen. Very minor medial color pattern of dark orange to white. Not typical Tibicen lyricen. Maybe another variation other than var. engelhardti (see below).
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/07/05
Pronotum - light green to light orange "seagull shape" located medially. Within this area are two dark-red spots close to pronotal collar. Outlying areas of pronotum dark brown to black.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Brown patterns located to right and left above wing hinges but thinner than A typical lyricen. Orange to brown color pattern located medially. A typcial Tibicen lyricen.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/07/05
Pronotum - Completely black with light brown "scorpion" shape located medially.
Pronotal Collar - Completely black.
Mesonotum - Completely black with faintest white outline of color pattern typical of Tibicen lyricens. This is believed to be variation engelhardti. Click the thumbnail to the right for another view. Not typical Tibicen lyricen.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/04/05
Pronotum - Mostly green with near complete triangular shape located medially. Within the triangle is a complete dear's head as in example 1 above. There is a distinct "orange football shaped pattern located medially and just above pronotal collar. Within this football shape are two black dots.
Pronotal Collar - Completely Black.
Mesonotum - Excessive brown patches located to the left and right above wing hinges. A less distinct orange pattern with just the slightest hint of the "McDonalds Arches" located medially.
I especially like this specimen for its extremely cocoa colored eyes.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at Fairview Cemetery, Westford on 7/21/05. Photographed then released.
Pronotum - Outer areas green with light green "kite" shape located medially. No distinct "dear's head" on this specimen. Dark triangular shape less distinct. Light orange -green "football shape" located medially and just above pronotal collar with thick black distinct dot located within "football shape" just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black noteable light area located medially.
Mesonotum - Distinct dark brown patches located to left and right just above wing hinges. Dark green to orange pattern located medially. "McDonalds Arches" not distinct but outer areas are noted. This specimen is almost identical to Male Example 6 below.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/26/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Due to the lack of pruinosity in the ventral view. (See Picture) it is believed this female was stung while still tenereal. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Outer areas dark green, thick black almost complete triangular outline with light green to orange "peacock in flight" shape located medially. At wing portion of "peacock in flight" shape, a large black distinct area is noted above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Completely black.
Mesonotum - At extreme outer areas, a thin line approximately 1/2 mm thick "Dijon Mustard" color immediately above wing hinges. Excessive brown patches to left and right areas of mesonotum. Brown patches actually touch green areas of mesonotum located medially. "McDonalds Arches" not distinct.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/28/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Outer areas green fading to light orange towards the center. While no distinct triangle is located medially on this specimen, two black "accent marks" mirror opposites are noted medially. Light green "dear's head" shape is noted between accent marks.
Pronotal Collar - Completely black.
Mesonotum - Very heavy patterns are noted. Excessive brown patches located to left and right above wing hinges. At extreme outer areas, a thin line approximately 1/2 mm thick "Dijon Mustard" color immediately above wing hinges. Brown patches actually touch green areas of mesonotum located medially. "McDonalds Arches" are very thick and distinct. In addition due to the heavy mosonotum pattern, a thick black "inverted cross" shape with the long area coming to a point is noted.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/29/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Note: A golden "pubescence" is noted dorsally on first segment of abdomen. This specimen has the thickest and most distinct pattern on the mesonotum noted to date.
Male Tibicen lyricen Morphology
Example 10
Pronotum - Mostly green with very light orange with a noticably complete black triangular outline located medially. Within the triangular outline a greenish orange area shaped like a deer's head with antlers. This specimen similar to female T. lyricen in the first example above. A typical T. lyricen.
Pronotol Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Prominent brown patterns located to right and left above wing hinges. Light brown to white pattern located medially and is more distinct than female T. lyricen in first female example above.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/04/05
Pronotum - light green to light orange "seagull shape" located medially. Within this area are two dark-black spots close to pronotal collar. Outlying areas of pronotum light brown to brown. This pattern similar to female T. lyricen in example 3 above.
Pronotol Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Prominent brown patterns located to right and left above wing hinges. Light brown to white pattern located medially and is very distinct. You can make out the "McDonalds Arches logo" on it's back. Compare this pattern to male T. lyricen described in Male Example 1.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/05/05
Pronotum - Orange "seagull shape" located medially usually this seagull transitions from one color to another but in this specimen it is all one color. Within this area are two dark-black spots close to pronotal collar. Outlying areas of pronotum dark green.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Brown patterns located to right and left above the wing hinges with a green to orange pattern medially. Note, this area more pronounced in some specimens. A typical Tibicen lyricen.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell on 7/07/05
Pronotum - Outer areas orange-brown with light brown pattern located medially. No distinct "dear's head shape" or completed triangular outline. Distinct "football" shaped pattern located medially just above pronotal collar. Two red dots located within this pattern just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - Excessive brown pattern located to left and right above wing hinges. Orange pattern located medially "McDonalds Arches" while more distinct is not as distinct as in other examples.
About Specimen - Specimen collected at Fairview Cemetery, Westford on 7/21/05. Photographed then released.
Pronotum - Outer areas dark green with light green "dear's head" located inside distinct triangular outline. Light orange "football shape" located medially just above pronotal collar. Large distinct black area inside "football shape" just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Completely black.
Mesonotum - Distinct brown patches located left to right above wing hinges. Green to orange pattern located medially. Distinct "McDonalds Arches" pattern located medially.
Note: Heavy line of pruinosity (white line) about 1.5 millimeters thick located at top of abdomen. Compare to other specimens.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/26/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Outer areas green with light green "kite" shape located medially. No distinct "dear's head" on this specimen. Dark triangular shape not distinct but very thick. Light green "football shape" located medially and just above pronotal collar with two black distinct dots located within "football shape" just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Almost completely black.
Mesonotum - very dark brown patches located to right and left above wing hinges but almost "transparent". Dark green to orange pattern located medially. "McDonalds Arches" not distinct but outer areas are noted.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/26/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Outer areas black to dark green working inwards towards the middle. Extremely thick incomplete triangle located medially. Within triangle light green to orange "peacock in flight" shape located medially. Two dark burgundy spots located within "peacock in flight" shape just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Completely black.
Mesonotum - Large brown patches located to left and right above wing hinges. A green to gold pattern located medially. Definately separation of brown and green patches. "McDonalds Arches" is distinct in this specimen.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/28/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Golden brown to light brown with thick black incomplete triangle located medially. Greenish yellow to light brown "peacock in flight" shape located medially. Distinct black "V" shape located within "peacock in flight" shape just above pronotal collar.
Pronotal Collar - Golden brown on outer edges to completely black.
Mesonotum - "Dijon Mustard" color outline approx. 1/2 mm wide located at extreme outer areas of mesonotum just above wing hinges. Excessive brown patches located left and right. Brown patches merge with green pattern located medially. Green pattern fades to gold "McDonalds Arches" which are distinct on this specimen.
Note: A golden "pubescence" is noted dorsally on first segment of abdomen.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/28/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
Pronotum - Outer areas green fading to light green medially. A distinct thin complete black triangle shape is noted medially. Within triangle is a dark green "shuttle-cock" shape instead of the standard "dear's head" shape.
Pronotal Collar - Completely Black
Mesonotum - Brown patches located to left and right above wing hinges. "Dijon Mustard" color outline approx. 1/2 mm wide located at extreme outer areas of mesonotum just above wing hinges. "MaDonalds Arches" while present are very light and not as distinct. Very small dark green also located medially below "Arches" and to left and right.
About Specimen - Specimen was collected from Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford Ma. on 7/29/05. Specimen was stung by female Cicada Killer and while alive, is totally paralyzed. Specimen was then donated to Dr. Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killers web site.
As you can probably surmise, in all the above examples all have either black or mostly black pronotal collars. While a black pronotal collar is indicative of Tibicen lyricen cicadas, black pronotal collars can also be found in other species of Tibicen Cicadas as well and should not be used as the end all be all for identifying a Tibicen lyricen.
This is why it is always adviseable to be familiar with the different species that are known to inhabit your area. Another way of course is to use a Key. Unfortunately, keys to identifying Cicadas do not exist for every state at least that I am aware of. In order to help you identify some of the most popular Cicadas that are seen over a wide area of the United States, I recommend these Keys:
Key
to identifying Cicadas by genera - North American Cicadas
Key
to the Cicadas of Michigan - Michigan Cicadas
Look for more T. lyricen specimens and their mophologies to be added in the very near future.
