Annual cicada

Common Name: Annual cicada
Order: Homoptera
Family: Cicadidae

Pest Status: A cicada feeding on tree roots seldom does serious injury, but when a female cuts tender twigs to insert her eggs, she can cause damage to young or tender trees.

Appearance: Adult cicadas can be over 2 inches long with very unique green or brown bodies and large eyes. The wings of the adults are clear and are held roof-like over their abdomens.

Life Cycle: After the eggs hatch, the nymphs drop to the ground to feed on tree roots. The following summer they climb up on trunks, molt, and then emerge as adults.

Where to Collect: During mid- to late-summer when the weather is cold, cicadas can be found in trees or on the ground nearby. They are most often heard rather than seen and are known for their very loud, shrill song.