Cicada from Wallingford, CT

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2010-12-20 | Website:

Hey Larry,

The thin narrow black stripe underneath is indicative of T. canicularis, couple that with the "golden flecks" throughout the dorsal surface is also indicative. Wallingford has 4 species of cicadas which I have been able to document:

1). T. lyricen
2). T. canicularis
3). T. linnei
4). T. auletes (this one is quite rare and is only found in one location that I know of in CT and that is where you live!) It is on Connecticut's species of concern list.

Also you may have a 5th where I heard it at Sleeping Giant State Park which is close to you and that is T. chloromerus.

Would you be willing to let me have this specimen as a voucher for Connecticut?

Posted By: Larry | On: 2010-12-20 | Website:

Hi Gerry,

Thanks so much for this info. As I don't plan to eat it, you can have my T. Canicularis. However, I do not understand why there would not be hundreds of people being able to catch / collect them anywhere in Connecticut. Are they that difficult to trap? Perhaps if they were high in the treetops it would be hard. Was I just lucky to have one pay me a visit in my living room this morning?

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2010-12-20 | Website:

Yes it is very difficult to catch cicadas but there are different methods that we employ to make the process easier,

1). We use cicada killer wasps to bring in paralyzed specimens
2). We go out late at night and try to locate nymphs as the emerge from the ground
3). We use lights at night for light-trapping.
4). We use very long nets that go up 20 feet or more.
5). We try to spot them in low shrubs and catch them by hand.

I would have to drive down from Massachusetts and it will take approximately two hours but when would be a good time to come and pick up the specimen and thanks, I really appreciate it.