Lyric Cicada
Neotibicen lyricen
This record describes Neotibicen lyricen (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Neotibicen lyricen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neotibicen_lyricen.
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
- Neotibicen (Dogday Cicadas)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coastal scrub, Upland deciduous forests of the eastern US, and scattered forests along rivers in the eastern Great Plains (most associated with deciduous hardwoods). Can be found in the following regions: Atlantic Coastal Plain, Gulf Coastal Plain, Appalachia, Cumberland Plateau, Piedmont Plateau, Mississppi River Valley, southern Great Lakes and Eastern Plains. (Southeast, Gulf States, Mid-West, Mid-Atlantic and New England)
Seasonal Activity
April-September depending on loction
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults often congregate in large numbers during the heat of the day to feed/drink on the sap of several hardwoods (preferred adult hosts seem to incl. Pecan, Hickory, Walnut, Wild Cherry, Apple, Pear + many other species in the rose and walnut families) Nymphs are reported to emerge in good numbers on hardwood deciduous trees (rarely conifers). Among the preferred hosts are Ash, Sweetgum and misc. woody shrubs. "Host" associations for this taxon are often regional!
Life History
eggs laid in twigs or dead wood. T. lyricen appears to prefer dead wood (I know of no reports for this taxon laying eggs in living twigs), where as related taxa have been reported to oviposit in dead twigs, wood, bark and living branches. eggs hatch and nymphs burrow into the soil nymphs feed on the sap in roots for several years Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species may be at night or during the day)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Neotibicen lyricen. 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 Lyric Cicada (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , Lynette Elliott , anitagould , Bill Reynolds
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyric Cicada
Where is Lyric Cicada found?
Habitat: Coastal scrub, Upland deciduous forests of the eastern US, and scattered forests along rivers in the eastern Great Plains (most associated with deciduous hardwoods). Can be found in the following regions: Atlantic Coastal Plain, Gulf Coastal Plain, Appalachia, Cumberland Plateau, Piedmont Plateau, Mississppi River Valley, southern Great Lakes and Eastern Plains. (Southeast, Gulf States, Mid-West, Mid-Atlantic and New England)
What does Lyric Cicada eat?
The diet of the Lyric Cicada includes Adults often congregate in large numbers during the heat of the day to feed/drink on the sap of several hardwoods (preferred adult hosts seem to incl. Pecan, Hickory, Walnut, Wild Cherry, Apple, Pear + many other species in the rose and walnut families) Nymphs are reported to emerge in good numbers on hardwood deciduous trees (rarely conifers). Among the preferred hosts are Ash, Sweetgum and misc. woody shrubs. Host associations for this taxon are often regional!.
When is Lyric Cicada active?
Lyric Cicada: seasonal activity - April-September depending on loction.
What is the life cycle of a Lyric Cicada?
eggs laid in twigs or dead wood. T. lyricen appears to prefer dead wood (I know of no reports for this taxon laying eggs in living twigs), where as related taxa have been reported to oviposit in dead twigs, wood, bark and living branches. eggs hatch and nymphs burrow into the soil nymphs feed on the sap in roots for several years Final instar nymphs emerge and develop into winged adults (emergence for this species may be at night or during the day)