Tibicen auletes in Maryville, TN

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-08-04 | Website:

Hi Amy,

What a truly awesome series of photos of a Tibicen auletes cicada. This is not a Brood XIX periodical cicada that emerged earlier in Tennessee this year. This type of cicada is known as an annual cicada as they are seen every year. Not only do you have this species but Tennessee has many different species of cicadas that emerge every year. All you have to do is listen to their different calling songs in the trees.

This one looks like it is young a.k.a. teneral. It must have just molted from its nymph shell a few hours ago. As it ages it will get darker and will develop this white powdery wax substance all over its body and as it matures, it will also start to exhibit little squawking noises. Good luck and keep us posted.

Posted By: Bill Meyers | On: 2011-08-05 | Website:

Awesome pictures! That's a beauty!

Man! I'm sooooo jealous! I've been looking for one of these monsters here in Missouri with no luck and nary a peep. I know that they have been reported in Kansas to the west of us, and Tennessee is just to the east of us, so I'm hoping among hope that one eventually wanders our way.

Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?

- Bill

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-08-05 | Website:

Hey Bill,

I agree. Tibicen auletes is one of my favorite cicadas. I was elated when I captured a voucher specimen on Martha's Vineyard back in 2006.

Posted By: Jacob Readnour | On: 2011-08-10 | Website:

i have benn looking as well. they are found in western /southwestern IL. i heard 5 or six last night. it seems you have to serch on oaks that are on elavated areas among conifers in MO and IL. if you hear them calling in those trees keep serching those trees. they also tend to stratify with T.robinsoniaus....at least from my limited observation of this amazing species. very little reserch has benn done in illinois/indiana and ohio....would love to hear more about the latter two states

Posted By: Bill Meyers | On: 2011-08-10 | Website:

Jacob,

Thanks for the tip! I know a location not too far from here where conifers and oaks grow with reckless abandonment. I'll make an effort to check it out in a few days.



Bill M. - Missouri

Posted By: Jacob Readnout | On: 2011-08-10 | Website:

make shure you listin for them at dusk@ bill As they do not call much...only for an hour or so at sunset...good luck

Posted By: Elias Bonaros | On: 2011-08-25 | Website:

My favorite species as well and clearly teneral (young). This supports the observations by Davis that this species is more likely to eclose during the day. They strongly prefer oaks, and sandy soil. They can call throughout the day but peak calling is at or just after sunset for 15 min to 45 minutes depending on heat and humidity. They are strongly attracted to lights so check gas stations and bright vapor lamps especially if the night is above 80deg F and highly humid. Good luck!!