Plains Cicada
Megatibicen dealbatus
This record describes Megatibicen dealbatus (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tibicen dealbatus largely replaces T. pronotalis as one travels west into the Plains. Both T. dealbatus and T. pronotalis are riparian species often associated with tree thickets and permanent/quasi-permanent water sheds. Not only are they similar ecologically, they are very similar behaviorally and the calls of the males are identical. They are also thought to intergrade along a thin band where the ranges abut. The males of both dealbatus and pronotalis will often call an hour or two after sunset, a strange behavior for Tibicen here in the US...as most other species call from sunrise to sunset and rarely later. I have observed dealbatus specimens from southern Texas are often larger and browner than those from Kansas and Nebraska. It seems as though populations along the southern perimeter of the range are often browner and rarely characterized by the greens seen in many populations in the heart of the Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, & Montana). Regarding brown coloration in T. dealbatus, read comments by David J. Ferguson here
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Cicadinae
- Tribe
- Tacuini
- Genus
- Megatibicen
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
usu. associated with Riparian ecosystems plentiful in Cottonwoods & Willows (+ adj./associated Hardwood forests and grasslands)
Geographic Range
Replaces T. pronotalis in the Plains States Reported from the following: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado & New Mexico
Seasonal Activity
For most parts of the range, July-Sept June-Oct across the southern part of the range
Diet and Behavior
Diet: This species (& related taxa - pronotalis & cultriformis) seems to prefer cottonwoods & willows (Salicaceae) Also reported from sycamore (Platanaceae) & less commonly associated with maples and misc. other flood plain hardwoods.
Life History
eggs usually laid in dead twigs, wood or bark (occasionally eggs may be laid in living stems and twigs) eggs hatch and nymphs burrow into the soil nymphs feed on the sap in roots for several years (prefer Pines) Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species usu. occurs at night)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: dealbata is Latin for "whitewashed, whitened"
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megatibicen dealbatus. 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 Plains Cicada (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Ron M. , Bill Reynolds , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Plains Cicada
What is Plains Cicada?
Plains Cicada (Megatibicen dealbatus) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Plains Cicada found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | usu. associated with Riparian ecosystems plentiful in Cottonwoods & Willows (+ adj./associated Hardwood forests and grasslands) |
| Range | Replaces T. pronotalis in the Plains States Reported from the following: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado & New Mexico |
What does Plains Cicada eat?
The diet of the Plains Cicada includes This species (& related taxa - pronotalis & cultriformis) seems to prefer cottonwoods & willows (Salicaceae) Also reported from sycamore (Platanaceae) & less commonly associated with maples and misc. other flood plain hardwoods..
When is Plains Cicada active?
Plains Cicada: seasonal activity - For most parts of the range, July-Sept June-Oct across the southern part of the range.
What is the life cycle of a Plains Cicada?
eggs usually laid in dead twigs, wood or bark (occasionally eggs may be laid in living stems and twigs) eggs hatch and nymphs burrow into the soil nymphs feed on the sap in roots for several years (prefer Pines) Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species usu. occurs at night)