Cicadas are present in California, but their presence differs significantly from the widely publicized emergences seen elsewhere in the United States. While many hear about massive swarms of periodical cicadas, California is primarily home to annual cicada species. These insects emerge every year, providing a consistent, though less dramatic, summer soundtrack.
Cicadas in California: The Reality
The main difference between cicadas in California and those making national headlines lies in their life cycles. Periodical cicadas, belonging to the genus Magicicada, synchronize their emergence every 13 or 17 years, leading to large, highly visible swarms in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. These synchronized emergences are a defense mechanism, overwhelming predators with their sheer numbers. In contrast, California’s cicadas are predominantly annual.
Annual cicadas, sometimes called “dog-day cicadas,” spend about two years underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. While their individual life cycles can span several years, different groups mature and emerge each summer, ensuring a yearly appearance. This results in a more consistent presence compared to the sporadic emergences of their periodical relatives.
Common California Cicada Species
California is home to a diverse array of cicada species, with at least 65 identified across eight genera. Among these, species from the genera Okanagana and Platypedia are particularly common, with 36 and 18 species respectively. One notable example is Cacama californica, often found in warm, low-elevation areas, especially in the southern part of the state. This species is known for its loud, distinctive song, which can reach up to 100 decibels, comparable to a lawnmower.
Another species, Diceroprocta apache, commonly known as the Citrus Cicada, is also found in California, particularly in the warmer months from June to September. These cicadas are typically black and beige. Some Okanagana species, such as Okanagana pallidula and O. vanduzeei, exhibit unique behaviors, calling from hollows at the base of trees, sometimes even below ground level. The diverse habitats across California, from deserts to mountains, support a wide range of these annual cicada species, each with its own specific calling song and emergence patterns.
Why California’s Cicadas Are Different
California’s cicada landscape, characterized by annual emergences, stems from geographical and ecological factors. The seven species of periodical cicadas, all belonging to the genus Magicicada, are exclusively found in eastern North America. Their broods, which emerge in 13 or 17-year cycles, are concentrated primarily east of the Rocky Mountains, spanning the Midwest and Southern U.S. California lies well outside these established ranges.
The state’s environment also plays a role; California generally lacks the extensive, lush deciduous forests preferred by periodical cicadas. These specific forest types are crucial for the periodical species, as their nymphs feed on the xylem fluids of tree roots for many years underground. The prevalence of annual cicadas, with their shorter and less synchronized underground development, aligns with the state’s distinct ecosystems.
Distinguishing Cicadas from Other Noisy Insects
Many summer sounds can be attributed to insects, and it is useful to distinguish cicadas from other common noisy species like crickets and katydids. Cicadas are known for their continuous, often buzzing or whirring calls, which are produced by males using specialized structures called tymbals on their abdomens. These sounds are typically heard during daylight hours and at dusk. A cicada’s song can be quite loud, sometimes reaching levels similar to a lawnmower.
In contrast, crickets produce a distinct chirping sound by rubbing their forewings together. Crickets generally begin calling at dusk and continue into the night. Katydids, which are related to grasshoppers, create a raspy or whirring sound, with some species famously sounding like “Katy did, Katy didn’t.” While katydids live in trees like cicadas, they are largely nocturnal singers, producing their calls primarily at night.