Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

Date: April 7, 2000

From: Stephen B. Bambara and James R. Baker, Extension Entomologists

The periodical cicadas are poised to reappear in western North Carolina this year. Brood VI of the seventeen year cicada is expected to be singing its way across the mountains this spring.

Cicadas are sometimes incorrectly called locusts (true locusts are Old World grasshoppers). Cicadas are medium to large insects with long, transparent wings held peaked over the body when at rest. The antennae are two short bristles.

As for the famous periodical cicadas, there may be as many as three species emerging together. The periodical cicadas are all similar in appearance, but smaller. The eyes, legs and margins of the wings are orange. Periodical cicadas sing and fly in spring whereas other species of cicadas usually sing and fly during the summer.

Compared to the periodical cicadas, the annual dogday cicadas (Tibicen sp.) which occur every summer, are large, stout, dark insects with lighter markings and greenish margins on the wings. Some of the annual cicadas are 2 inches long including the wings.

96PestNews/News1/cicad2.jpg (insect photo)
96PestNews/News1/cicad5.jpg (damage to twig)
http://www.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/magicicada/Periodical/BroodVI.html (map)

A press release will be emailed to agents. If any agent does not receive one, and wishes one, contact steve_bambara@ncsu.edu.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on April 10, 2000 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.