Cassin's 17-year Cicada
Magicicada cassinii
This record describes Magicicada cassinii (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fisher seems to have been active in Philadelphia, and was a colleague of John Cassin, both active in the Academy of Natural Sciences. Perhaps the same person as J. Coleman Fisher?
Wikipedia reference for Magicicada cassinii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magicicada_cassinii.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Cicadettinae
- Tribe
- Lamotialnini
- Genus
- Magicicada (Periodical Cicadas)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. and s. Great Plains to New England apparently ranges south to Dallas per this Map showing presence/absence of Magicicada reports heard while driving
Diet and Behavior
Life History
17-year species. Years: 1981, 1998, 2015, 2032 - part of the The Kansan Brood - Brood IV Groups of males of this species, and of its relative Magicicada tredecassini , may synchronize calls and flights, giving an effect called a "giant game of musical chairs" ( Michigan Cicadas ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for John Cassin (1813–1869), an American ornithologist.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Magicicada cassinii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cassin's 17-year Cicada (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassin's 17-year Cicada
What is Cassin's 17-year Cicada?
Cassin's 17-year Cicada (Magicicada cassinii) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cassin's 17-year Cicada?
20-28 mm
Where is Cassin's 17-year Cicada found?
Range: c. and s. Great Plains to New England apparently ranges south to Dallas per this Map showing presence/absence of Magicicada reports heard while driving
What is the life cycle of a Cassin's 17-year Cicada?
17-year species. Years: 1981, 1998, 2015, 2032 - part of the The Kansan Brood - Brood IV Groups of males of this species, and of its relative Magicicada tredecassini , may synchronize calls and flights, giving an effect called a giant game of musical chairs ( Michigan Cicadas ).