Tibicen canicularis in Augusta, ME

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-07-24 | Website:

Hi Bill,

What an awesome photo of a Tibicen canicularis cicada. I can tell by this dorsal view that it is male. The timbal covers located laterally at the base of the abdomen are quite apparent. Tibicen canicularis is known as the Northern Dog-day cicada and they are quite common throughout New England and into Canada. They can vary morpholgoically though, depending upon habitat. This one looks unusually dark so I am curious if your neighborhood has mostly pine trees and sandy soil? Since we lack adequate voucher specimens for Maine, I would be curious if you'd consider donating it? I can send my address in a private email.

You also will have at least two other species of cicadas in Maine, Okanagana rimosa and Okanagana canadensis. These two other species are quite illusive and are often high in trees with the latter being extremely difficult to capture.

Thanks for sharing your photo. We are always glad to get cicada sightings from Maine.

Posted By: Bill Hixon | On: 2011-07-25 | Website:

Thanks for all the info .. I was quite suprised as I said. I have never seen one in Maine. I used to see them all the time when I lived in Maryland.

Your are right on as far as the surroundings around my house. There are quite a few pines and the soil is sandy ..

I would love to donate this specimen. Just tell me what I need to do to get it to you.

Posted By: Amanda Cogswell | On: 2011-08-17 | Website:

This is the same as the one I have that fell upon me today. I was very grateful & happy. Good Medicine as my great grandmother would say =] (08/17/2011)