Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder
Neotibicen winnemanna
This record describes Neotibicen winnemanna (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

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
Usually associated with inland deciduous & mixed forests. Occasionally found in pine dominated forests here in the Southeast. *"Riparian" - often associated with forests along river systems
Seasonal Activity
Across the range: June-October NC: June-Sept (more common in late summer-early autumn) SC & GA: June-OCT (Most common in late summer-early autumn)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Seems to prefer various Hardwoods (Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Sweet gum + others) but can be found in pine dominated systems. Emerging nymphs have occasionally been collected on Pines (host?) and in fair numbers.
Life History
eggs laid in twigs and/or bark eggs hatch and nymphs fall to the ground Nymphs burrow in to the ground and feed on the sap in tree roots After several years, the mature nymphs surface, climb and the adults emerge
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Neotibicen winnemanna. 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 Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , JohnMaxwell22 , Bill Reynolds , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder
How big is Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 37 mm body length Length - Generally 1.75 to 2.25 inches (incl. |
| Wings | wings) Average length incl. |
| Wings | wings: ~2" - 2.25" |
Where is Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder found?
Habitat: Usually associated with inland deciduous & mixed forests. Occasionally found in pine dominated forests here in the Southeast. *Riparian - often associated with forests along river systems
What does Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder eat?
The diet of the Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder includes Seems to prefer various Hardwoods (Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Sweet gum + others) but can be found in pine dominated systems. Emerging nymphs have occasionally been collected on Pines (host?) and in fair numbers..
When is Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder active?
Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder: seasonal activity - Across the range: June-October NC: June-Sept (more common in late summer-early autumn) SC & GA: June-OCT (Most common in late summer-early autumn).
What is the life cycle of a Eastern Scissor(s) Grinder?
eggs laid in twigs and/or bark eggs hatch and nymphs fall to the ground Nymphs burrow in to the ground and feed on the sap in tree roots After several years, the mature nymphs surface, climb and the adults emerge
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