Cassin's 13-year Cicada
Magicicada tredecassini
This record describes Magicicada tredecassini (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Some characters (Magicicada.org): Link to video/audio showing the distinctive buzzy sound of this species in chorus:
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
Southeastern and south-central United States
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A 13-year species. Groups of males of this species, and of its relative Magicicada cassini , 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: Species name tredecassini is from the name of its 17-year equivalent, Magicicada cassini --Latin tredecim thirteen + cassini . That species named for zoologist John Cassin .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Magicicada tredecassini. 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 13-year Cicada (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassin's 13-year Cicada
What is Cassin's 13-year Cicada?
Cassin's 13-year Cicada (Magicicada tredecassini) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cassin's 13-year Cicada?
Body length circa 20-28 mm; intermediate in size for member of this genus (Alexander and Moore, 1962)
How do you identify Cassin's 13-year Cicada?
Some characters (Magicicada.org): Link to video/audio showing the distinctive buzzy sound of this species in chorus:
Where is Cassin's 13-year Cicada found?
Range: Southeastern and south-central United States
What is the life cycle of a Cassin's 13-year Cicada?
A 13-year species. Groups of males of this species, and of its relative Magicicada cassini , may synchronize calls and flights, giving an effect called a giant game of musical chairs ( Michigan Cicadas ).