Cicadas are present in Massachusetts, making their presence known through distinct calls during warmer months. Different types appear on various schedules, with some species emerging annually and others following multi-year cycles. Understanding their patterns helps clarify what to expect from these insects in the region.
Cicada Species in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to several cicada types, primarily annual or periodical. Annual cicadas, often called “Dog-Day” cicadas (Neotibicen canicularis), are the most commonly encountered species in the state. About eight annual cicada species are documented. These insects spend two to five years underground, but their overlapping life cycles ensure that some individuals emerge every summer.
Periodical cicadas, in contrast, have much longer lifecycles, emerging every 13 or 17 years. Massachusetts hosts Brood XIV, a 17-year periodical cicada, last seen in 2008 and expected to emerge again in 2025. While other well-known periodical broods are not typically found in Massachusetts, Brood XIV’s emergence is concentrated in specific areas, mainly Cape Cod and the southeastern region.
When Cicadas Appear
Cicada appearance times in Massachusetts vary significantly between annual and periodical types. Annual cicadas typically emerge in late summer, most noticeable from July through September. These individual emergences occur each year, contributing to the familiar sounds of the season.
Periodical cicadas, like Brood XIV, follow a much less frequent schedule. After spending 17 years underground, these cicadas emerge when the soil temperature reaches approximately 64°F at a depth of 12 to 18 inches, usually in late May or early June. Their adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting about four to six weeks above ground. This ensures that large-scale periodical emergences are rare and localized events in Massachusetts compared to the yearly presence of annual cicadas.
Cicada Sounds and Impact
Cicadas are known for their distinctive sound, primarily produced by males to attract mates. Male cicadas generate loud buzzing or droning noises using specialized structures called tymbals on their abdomens. These sounds can reach volumes of up to 100 decibels.
Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and mature plants. They do not bite or sting and are not considered toxic. It is important to distinguish cicadas from locusts, a type of grasshopper known for swarming and causing widespread crop destruction; cicadas do not exhibit this behavior.
Cicadas play a role in the ecosystem. Their tunneling activity as nymphs aerates the soil, and their bodies contribute nutrients to the earth upon decomposition. Cicadas also serve as a food source for various predators, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. While female cicadas lay eggs in tree twigs, which can cause some browning or “flagging” of branch tips, this is often viewed as a natural pruning process that does not significantly harm established trees.