Cicadas are a common feature across New York State, known for their lengthy life cycles and loud summer sounds. The state hosts multiple populations on different schedules, meaning their presence is not limited to a single species or time of year. Cicada nymphs spend the majority of their lives feeding on tree root fluids underground before emerging as winged adults to reproduce. The loud, buzzing chorus heard in wooded areas is the males’ mating call, signaling the start of the adult phase.
Distinguishing Between Annual and Periodical Cicadas
The cicadas found in New York fall into two distinct biological categories, separated by the regularity of their emergence. Annual cicadas, despite having a life cycle that lasts between two to five years, are seen every summer because their individual broods overlap. This yearly appearance contrasts sharply with the periodical cicadas, which synchronize their emergence to occur on strict 13-year or 17-year cycles.
Physical appearance also offers a reliable way to differentiate the two types of cicadas. The periodical species, belonging to the genus Magicicada, are typically smaller, featuring jet-black bodies, striking red eyes, and orange wing veins. Conversely, the annual species are generally larger insects with mottled green, black, or brown bodies, and their eyes are usually dark.
The Annual Cicadas of New York
The annual cicadas, often referred to as “Dog Day” cicadas, are responsible for the sounds heard every year across the state. They primarily belong to the genus Neotibicen, with Neotibicen canicularis being a prominent species. Their name is derived from the “dog days” of summer, as they typically emerge from late July through September.
Unlike their periodical relatives, Dog Day cicadas appear in smaller, more scattered numbers each year. The male’s song is a continuous, high-pitched whine, often compared to the sound of a power saw or electric buzz. This annual emergence pattern ensures New Yorkers experience cicadas every summer, even between the mass emergences.
Periodical Broods and Their Emergence Schedule
Periodical cicadas cause the largest emergence events in New York, appearing in massive, synchronized numbers. These insects (Magicicada species) time their emergence once the soil temperature eight inches below the surface reaches approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit, typically occurring from mid-May into June. Their appearance is grouped into distinct regional populations called broods, each designated by a Roman numeral.
New York is home to the historical range of several 17-year broods, which affect specific geographic areas. Brood XIV, for example, recently emerged in 2025, primarily affecting limited sections of Long Island. The last time this brood surfaced was in 2008, meaning its next appearance will not occur until 2042.
A widespread event is expected from Brood II, which last emerged in 2013 across the Lower Hudson Valley and parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. This brood is slated for its next synchronized emergence in 2030, bringing millions of the black-bodied, red-eyed insects to those areas. Brood VII is historically present in parts of Western New York and is scheduled to emerge in 2035.
Only certain regions of New York experience the deafening volume and sheer numbers of periodical cicadas during a given emergence year. This localized phenomenon means residents in one part of the state may witness an overwhelming event, while others experience only the usual annual cicadas. These periodic mass emergences are a biological strategy to overwhelm predators, ensuring enough individuals survive to reproduce.