Northern Dusk Singing Cicada
Megatibicen grossus
This record describes Megatibicen grossus (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cicada auletes Germar was recently (Sanborn, 2023) found to be a synonym of Tettigonia grossa Fabricius. Since T. grossa is the older name, it takes priority. Replaced by Megatibicen resh in western Gulf States (Louisiana & Texas) Replaced by M. resonans in Pine dominated habitats across the southeast (east of the Miss. Riv.) The calls of Megatibicen resh , M. resonans and M. grossus are very similar and frequently confused with one another. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- M. grossus is the largest cicada in the eastern USA! Characteristically, M. grossus in the South is a dark olive green with some tans and browns overlaid with a heavy dusting of white wax, giving it a powdered appearance. It is closely related to Megatibicen resonans which it replaces in the southern hardwood forests. Although both species are sympatric across much of the resonans range, the two seem to have preferences in host and habitat specifics (resonans w/pine and grossus w/oak). When teneral, M. grossus is usually a bright blue-green or mint-green turning to dark olive and tan as they sclerotize (harden). NOTE: A rare exception involves the red color from which is usually salmon-pink when teneral. This red-brown color morph of auletes is easily confused with Megatibicen resonans; however, as with most auletes, these cicadas are typically very pruinose and the wings are a bit broader by comparison. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Frequently confused and closely related - T. auletes , T. resh & T. resonans . T. auletes is our LARGEST EASTERN Tibicen SPECIES. T. resh T. resonans
Wikipedia reference for Megatibicen grossus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megatibicen_grossus.
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
Reported to be oak woodlands. Rarely associated with other plant communities, however, oaks are typically near by.
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NJ-KS) - Map ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite the common name, this cicada is most common across the South. Extreme n. Florida ("the Highlands"), Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina & Virginia Moderately abundant in the Mid-West: Mississippi River Basin Moderately abundant in the Mid-Atlantic: incl. Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York RARE in New England: incl. Connecticut & Massachusetts
Seasonal Activity
Late summer. July-September (North Carolina). July-November (Gulf States & northern Florida).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Oaks, Quercus sp.
Life History
eggs usually laid in dead twigs, wood or bark (occasionally eggs will 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 oaks, Quercus spp.) Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species usu. occurs at night - into early morning)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megatibicen grossus. 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 Northern Dusk Singing Cicada (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Bill Reynolds , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Dusk Singing Cicada
What is Northern Dusk Singing Cicada?
Northern Dusk Singing Cicada (Megatibicen grossus) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Northern Dusk Singing Cicada?
circa 45 mm body length
Where is Northern Dusk Singing Cicada found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reported to be oak woodlands. Rarely associated with other plant communities, however, oaks are typically near by. |
| Range | e US (TX-FL-NJ-KS) - Map ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite the common name, this cicada is most common across the South. Extreme n. Florida (the Highlands), Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina & Virginia Moderately abundant in the Mid-West: Mississippi River Basin Moderately abundant in the Mid-Atlantic: incl. Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York RARE in New England: incl. Connecticut & Massachusetts |
What does Northern Dusk Singing Cicada eat?
The diet of the Northern Dusk Singing Cicada includes Oaks, Quercus sp..
When is Northern Dusk Singing Cicada active?
Northern Dusk Singing Cicada: seasonal activity - Late summer. July-September (North Carolina). July-November (Gulf States & northern Florida)..
What is the life cycle of a Northern Dusk Singing Cicada?
eggs usually laid in dead twigs, wood or bark (occasionally eggs will 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 oaks, Quercus spp.) Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species usu. occurs at night - into early morning)