06/10/2026
Singing Cicadas 🐛☀️🦟🌿
The northern dusk singing cicada, otherwise known as Megatibicen grosses, is the biggest cicada we have here in North America! They reside high in the trees, found in deciduous woodlands. Although it is the largest, you wouldn’t be able to tell from its song! It is monotonous, deep, and not very loud, singing in the afternoons on and off until dark.
Every cicada species has its own distinct song that males use to attract females during mating. Distinct calls prevent cross breeding among cicadas. It also allows them to check out territory and warn off rivals by singing. The loudest cicadas can reach noise levels similar to that of a rock concert.
The dusk singing cicadas, like the name says, are very crepuscular, which means they are most active during dusk. They have very large heads, with olive green and brown accents. They also have black, tan, and white on their bodies as well. They have very broad, distinct wings, and eyes on either side of their head.
The nymphs spend several years underground, around 3-5 years, feeding xylem sap from tree roots, before emerging in broods from late June through August. They do only live a few weeks, where they mate and lay eggs in tree branches. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, and they contribute to the food web as this specific cicada is eaten by birds, mammals and other insects. This is just one of the many cicada species we have here in West Virginia.
