If you have stepped outside during the hottest weeks of summer and heard a high-pitched, whirring buzz filling the air, you have likely encountered the Dog-day Cicada. Belonging to the genus Neotibicen, these large insects are a familiar soundtrack to late summer across Arkansas and much of the eastern and central United States.
This year, however, their presence has been impossible to ignore in my own yard. I have seen far more Dog-day Cicadas than usual, and their shed skins tell the story. Hundreds of empty exuviae litter the ground, cling to tree trunks, and even cover my deck. I have spotted them stuck to my truck, lawn mower, and camper. It is a summer marked by cicada abundance.
What Are Dog-day Cicadas?
Dog-day cicadas, including Neotibicen canicularis, are striking insects that measure about 1.1 to 1.3 inches long with wingspans up to 3.2 inches. Their bodies are dark and sturdy, often decorated with green and black markings across the thorax. Transparent wings with greenish veins add to their unmistakable look. Seen up close, their bullet-shaped form, large eyes, and short antennae make them seem otherworldly.
Why Do They Sing So Loudly?
Only male cicadas produce the song people associate with the “dog days” of summer. They use specialized organs called tymbals to create a rapid, high-pitched buzz that can resemble the sound of a power tool. This buzzing serves one main purpose: attracting females.
Their chorus rises during the peak of hot weather, which explains the common name Dog-day Cicada. Unlike periodical cicadas, which emerge in massive numbers every 13 or 17 years, these annual cicadas appear in smaller numbers every summer, thanks to overlapping life cycles that last two to five years.
Life Cycle of the Dog-day Cicada
The life cycle of a Dog-day Cicada begins when females lay eggs in small tree branches. Once hatched, the tiny nymphs drop to the soil and dig underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots for several years. When ready, they crawl to the surface, shed their nymphal skins, and emerge as winged adults.
This year’s explosion of shed skins in my yard shows just how many of these nymphs made the journey from underground to adulthood. Their exuviae, clinging to wood and scattered across the grass, are silent reminders of a hidden world unfolding beneath our feet. You can learn more about the life span of cicadas in Arkansas here.
Role in the Ecosystem
Dog-day cicadas may be noisy, but they are harmless to people. At most, their egg-laying can cause mild twig dieback in trees, but this rarely causes lasting damage. On the other hand, they play a critical role as food for many animals, including birds, spiders, praying mantises, and the fearsome cicada-killer wasp.
By feeding these predators, cicadas help balance local food chains and contribute to biodiversity in backyards and woodlands.
The Takeaway
The Dog-day Cicada is more than just a background hum on summer afternoons. These insects are a reminder of seasonal cycles, connecting the heat of late summer with the rhythms of nature. This summer’s abundance has made them especially noticeable in my yard, where their songs and empty shells are everywhere. The next time you hear their buzz, remember you are listening to one of nature’s most resilient and fascinating songsters.
Very interesting information along with amazing images.
Thank you Steve.