Explanation of Names
DOG-DAY: a reference to the hot "dog days" of late summer when this species is heard singing; at this time in the northern hemisphere the Dog Star (Sirius) becomes visible above the horizon in the Big Dog constellation (Canis Major)
CANICULARIS: from the Latin "canicula" (a little dog, the Dog Star, Sirius)
HARVESTFLY: another reference to the late season song of this species, heard during harvest time
Size
body 27-33 mm; wingspan to 82 mm
Identification
black with green markings; wing veins green, especially noticeable near the base
song: a loud, high-pitched whine (like a power saw cutting wood) lasting several seconds before fading at the end
Range
northeastern US and adjacent Canada
Habitat
mixed or deciduous woods; mature males sing from treetops, newly-emerged adults may be found in low vegetation and on tree trunks
Season
late season species: adults emerge in mid-summer; mature males sing from August through late September or early October
Food
larvae feed underground on the roots of pine and oak
Remarks
other species sometimes called "dog day cicada" include
Tibicen pruinosa and
Tibicen chloromera; the term is also used generally to refer to any ccicada that sings during late summer
Internet References
adult images and calling song (U. of Michigan)
adult images plus biology and other info (k12.va.us)
adult image and other info (McGill U., Montreal)
emerging adult (insectimages.org)
emerging adult plus biology and other info (enature.com)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 8 March, 2005 - 12:51am
Last updated 8 March, 2005 - 2:20am
