SP341-F-Periodical Cicadas

The periodical cicada, Magicicada species, has the longest developmental period of any insect in North America. There is probably no insect that attracts as much attention in eastern North America as does the periodical cicada. Their sudden springtime emergence, filling the air with their high-pitched, shrill-sounding songs, excites much curiosity.

Two races of the periodical cicada exist. One race has a life cycle of 13 years and is common in the southeastern United States. The other race has a life cycle of 17 years and is generally more orthern in distribution. Due to Tennessee’s location, both the 13- year and 17-year cicadas occur in the state.