Many people wonder if cicadas exist in California, often due to the absence of the large, highly publicized emergences seen elsewhere in the United States. Despite this perception, cicadas are indeed present throughout California. These insects are a regular part of California’s natural environment, though their presence is less conspicuous than in other regions.
Cicadas Found in California
California is home to a diverse array of cicada species, with at least 65 identified species belonging to eight different genera. All are “annual” cicadas, meaning individuals emerge every year rather than in synchronized, multi-year cycles. Common genera include Okanagana, with at least 36 species, and Platypedia, with at least 18 species. Okanagana arboraria is unique to the Sacramento Valley, thriving in deciduous woodlands along the Sacramento River corridor.
Another distinct species found across California is the Cacama californica, known for its unique songs and presence in various habitats. Other species, like Diceroprocta apache (the Citrus Cicada), are found in parts of California and neighboring states. These cicadas inhabit specific environments such as oak woodlands, chaparral, and desert regions. Adult cicadas in California generally measure about 1½ inches in length. They are commonly black or brown with clear wings, though some species may display green, orange, or red markings.
California’s Distinct Cicada Landscape
The common misconception that California lacks cicadas stems from the absence of periodical cicada broods. Unlike eastern North America, California does not host the well-known periodical cicada populations that emerge en masse every 13 or 17 years. These massive, synchronized emergences, such as those seen in the Midwest and South, create highly visible and audible events elsewhere.
Annual cicadas emerge in smaller, less synchronized numbers each year. Their populations are not as dense or widespread as periodical cicada broods. California’s varied landscape, with less extensive deciduous forests compared to the eastern United States, also contributes to differing cicada prevalence. Their yearly appearances are far less dramatic than the cyclical swarms experienced elsewhere.
Activity and Sounds of California Cicadas
California’s annual cicadas become active during late spring and summer, peaking from June through September. Their emergence is often triggered when soil temperatures approximately eight inches below the surface reach around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike widespread periodical cicada swarms, California cicada activity is often localized, confined to specific trees or habitats.
Male cicadas produce sounds to attract mates, using a specialized organ called a tymbal at the base of their abdomen. These sounds vary among species, described as buzzing, whirring, or clicking. The Cacama californica can produce sounds up to 100 decibels, while other species may generate sounds around 90 decibels. While noticeable, these sounds are less intense and synchronized than the choruses produced by large periodical cicada broods.