About Scissor Grinder Cicada
A large North American annual cicada with a buzzing call resembling a grinding wheel. Its body is coated in a whitish waxy pruinose layer.
Did You Know?
Its common name comes from the call's resemblance to the sound of a knife sharpener at work.
How to Identify Scissor Grinder Cicada
Scissor Grinder Cicada (Neotibicen pruinosus) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 33-40 mm.
Scissor Grinder Cicada Habitat
Scissor Grinder Cicada is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Scissor Grinder Cicada Diet and Feeding
Scissor Grinder Cicada feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Scissor Grinder Cicada Found?
Scissor Grinder Cicada can be found in North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Scissor Grinder Cicada can be found
Is Scissor Grinder Cicada Dangerous?
Scissor Grinder 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.
Scissor Grinder Cicada Role in Nature
Scissor Grinder 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 Scissor Grinder Cicada
What does Scissor Grinder Cicada look like?
The Scissor Grinder Cicada typically measures 33-40 mm.
Where is Scissor Grinder Cicada found?
The Scissor Grinder Cicada is found in North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Scissor Grinder Cicada eat?
The Scissor Grinder Cicada feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Scissor Grinder Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Scissor Grinder Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Scissor Grinder Cicada?
Its common name comes from the call's resemblance to the sound of a knife sharpener at work.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Scissor Grinder Cicada (Neotibicen pruinosus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/scissor-grinder-cicada
MLA:
"Scissor Grinder Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/scissor-grinder-cicada.