Tibicen canicularis in West Haven, CT

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-08-14 | Website:

Hi Patt

Thanks for sharing this great photo. I have studied it closely and can tell you that this specimen is a male and its species name is Tibicen canicularis. Its a good thing it was on a screen because I was able to tell its size by counting out the number of screen mesh holes taking into account that the little squares are 1/16th inch. Its body length comes out to 1.25 inches and based on other morphologies like the black opercula, the large black stripe and green legs would be key for that species.

Thanks for sharing.

Posted By: Jimmy Wu | On: 2011-08-15 | Website:

The black line on the opercula is a definite factor in telling that this is a T. canicularis. That and the fact that it was found North in CT. also is a sign. It is one of the more Northern species of Tibicen cicada. In the Midwest, it seems to be replaced by T. pruinosus and T. auriferus.

Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2011-08-15 | Website:

I think you meant the black medial band on the ventral surface of the abdomen Jimmy. While black opercula are seen in some T. canicularis, it may not be considered an identifying key to the species and T. canicularis can vary greatly in morphology depending upon the habitat they are in.
Some can be very green and look like mini T. pruinosus cicadas and then others can be very black with black pronotal collars among other things. But what seems to be standard is that black ventral stripe.

That and other keys can help identify T. canicularis and also a familiarity with the species in a given area.

Posted By: Jimmy Wu | On: 2011-08-15 | Website:

Sorry, I did meant the medial band. They are small in size, but the calls are unmistakable.