Fall Southeastern Dusk-singing Cicada

T. figuratus is one of our largest eastern species and appears most closely related to members of the auletes species group. Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada Tibicen auletes (Germar 1834), Northern Dusk Singing Cicada (our largest). Like Tibicen resonans , these cicadas are colored a deep reddish-brown or rust with the typical black patterning seen in most Tibicen species. T. figuratus specimens are similar to resonans in shape and size, but appear slightly more flattened/dorso-ventrally compressed. Unlike T. resonans, the anterior most basal wing cell is characteristically colored BLACK (may be subject to rare exception! ... the basal wing cell may be dark brown or reddish-brown in coloration - as has been observed in a couple Florida specimens). Tibicen figuratus (Walker 1858), Fall Southeastern Dusk-singing Cicada Compare: Unlike T. figuratus, the anterior most basal wing cell ot T. resonans is characteristically colored taupe (olive-tan) instead of black (SEE IMAGE BELOW). Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada Song often described as simlar to that of chloromerus or linnei rapid short bursts - Ching.ching.ching.... Video and sound file of T. figuratus courtesy of thelope.com (16 days post emergence) Video and sound file of T. figuratus courtesy of thelope.com (17 days post emergence) T. figuratus calls in Arkansas courtesy of thelope.com Most similar in appearance to T. resonans Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada ----------------------------------------- Tibicen figuratus is a pine (Pinus spp.) adapted species. It is widely distributed across much of the Southeast, however, may be patchy and localized. This cicada is most common in and adj. to lowland pine forests. Most North American Tibicen species are not thought to be host specific, however, this cicada seems to have a preference for pine and pine habitats. It is a late season species and may be heard on warm Autumn days even after the first few light frosts.