Dedicated to the Study of the Cicadas of Massachusetts and New England

 

Smashed Tibicen canicularis from Woburn, Ma.

Sightings Category: Cicadas

Smashed Tibicen canicularis from Woburn, Ma.

This is what my kids thought was the biggest fly they had ever seen. We have no idea how it got in the house. All the windows were shut.

Date Posted: 2011-07-24 Comments: (1) Show Comments Hide Comments

Comments

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-07-27 | Website:

Hi Tanya,

Thanks for sending in the photos. I can tell by the remains on the right that the species of cicada is that of Tibicen canicularis. Yeah, cicadas are often confused as giant flies. But cicadas are not even in the same family as flies. Typically, cicadas are harmless and while they have mouths it is not designed to bite, pinch or sting.

I received an email several years ago from a person who had a cicada emerge on an Aloe plant in the middle of October inside her house. This was because during the summer months over several years, this same plant is brought outside and only brought in during the winter months. The emerged cicada no doubt found its way into the soil of the Aloe plant when outside. It developed over several years. Quite an amazing story really.

I wonder if this same thing may have happened to you. Are your plants kept outside during the summer then brought in during the winter?

Thanks for sharing the smashed cicada.

Add Comment
     

All Cicada Sightings

Cicada Sightings 2013

Cicada Sightings 2012

Cicada Sightings 2011

Cicada Sightings 2010

Cicada Sightings 2009

Cicada Sightings 2008

Cicada Sightings 2007

Cicada Sightings 2006

Submit Report

Did you spot an annual cicada or a cicada killer wasp? If you did and you have a photo and want to report it, please click the link below.

Brood I Information

The Brood I periodical cicada emergence happened in 2012 in Virginia, W. Virginia and Tennessee. Below are some of the highlights.

Brood XIX Information

The Brood XIX periodical cicada emergence has come and gone. Below is some information that you may find helpful.