Cicadas are present in Arizona, filling the air with their characteristic sounds during the warmer months. They are a common element of the Arizonan landscape.
Cicada Species in Arizona
Arizona is home to a variety of cicada species, predominantly annual cicadas that emerge each year. One of the most common and recognizable is the Apache Cicada (Diceroprocta apache), known for its dark body with a pale tan band behind its head. Other genera found in the state include Cacama and some species of Tibicen, though the latter are less prevalent in the deep desert. These cicadas are well-adapted to arid environments.
Unlike the well-known periodical cicadas found in other regions of the United States, which emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years, Arizona’s cicadas are primarily annual. While an individual annual cicada’s life cycle underground can span several years, adults of various species emerge every summer. This ensures a consistent presence of cicadas in the state during the warmer parts of the year.
When and Where to Find Them
Cicadas emerge in Arizona during late spring, through early fall. Peak emergence often coincides with the onset of the monsoon season, earning them the nickname “rain bugs” because their appearance seems to precede the summer rains. These insects thrive in various habitats across Arizona, including desert scrub, riparian areas, and even at higher elevations.
The life cycle of an Arizona cicada involves a significant period spent underground as nymphs. After hatching from eggs laid in tree branches, the nymphs drop to the soil and burrow down, feeding on the sap from plant roots. This subterranean nymphal stage can last for several years, from two to five years for annual cicadas. Once mature, they emerge from the soil, shed their exoskeletons, and transform into winged adults, living for only a few weeks above ground to mate.
The Distinctive Sounds of Arizona Cicadas
Cicadas in Arizona are recognized by their loud, pervasive sounds. Male cicadas are responsible for this acoustic display, producing distinct calls to attract mates. These sounds are generated by specialized structures called tymbals, located on their abdomens. The males rapidly vibrate these ribbed membranes, and their hollow bodies amplify the sound, creating a powerful resonance.
Different cicada species produce unique calls, ranging from continuous buzzing to rhythmic clicking and whirring noises. The volume of these calls can be quite high, with some cicada songs reaching decibel levels comparable to a chainsaw. This constant chorus is the “sound of summer” in the Arizona desert during the hottest months.
Common Cicada Misconceptions
A common misconception about cicadas is confusing them with locusts. Cicadas are true bugs belonging to the order Hemiptera, while locusts are a type of grasshopper, which are part of the order Orthoptera. Despite historical mislabeling, these are distinct insect groups with different behaviors and life cycles. Locusts are known for swarming and consuming vast amounts of plant life, but cicadas do not exhibit this destructive feeding behavior.
Cicadas are harmless to humans; they do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases. While their sheer numbers and loud sounds can be noticeable, they are not considered agricultural pests. Instead, cicadas play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil through their burrowing activities and serving as a food source for various animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Their decomposition also contributes nutrients back into the soil, supporting plant growth.