About Dog-Day Cicada
A large green and black annual cicada that sings during the hottest days of summer. Its buzzing call is the quintessential sound of late summer in North America.
Did You Know?
Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.
How to Identify Dog-Day Cicada
Dog-Day Cicada (Neotibicen canicularis) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 27-33 mm.
Dog-Day Cicada Habitat
Dog-Day Cicada is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Dog-Day Cicada Diet and Feeding
Dog-Day Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Dog-Day Cicada Found?
Dog-Day Cicada can be found in Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Dog-Day Cicada can be found
Is Dog-Day Cicada Dangerous?
Dog-Day Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Dog-Day Cicada Role in Nature
Dog-Day Cicada is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Day Cicada
What does Dog-Day Cicada look like?
The Dog-Day Cicada typically measures 27-33 mm.
Where is Dog-Day Cicada found?
The Dog-Day Cicada is found in Eastern and central North America from Canada to the Gulf states and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Dog-Day Cicada eat?
The Dog-Day Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Dog-Day Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Dog-Day Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Dog-Day Cicada?
Its common name comes from its emergence during the 'dog days' of summer, the hottest period from July to August.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dog-Day Cicada (Neotibicen canicularis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dog-day-cicada
MLA:
"Dog-Day Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dog-day-cicada.