Cicada ID? - Tibicen canicularis

Moved

Moved from Tibicen.

… John R. Maxwell, 24 March, 2009 - 11:24pm

Tibicen

Probably T. auletes, the largest of the northern cicadas. If you know how large the mesh is on the screen background, you should be able to get an accurate measurement for the width of the head. Then a definite identification would be possible.

… Andy Hamilton, 15 October, 2008 - 1:23pm

Screen Measurement

Based on seven or eight vertical strands of screen across from eye to eye, the head is almost exactly 1/2" wide.

… Ray Lemke, 16 October, 2008 - 9:48pm

Tibicen canicularis

As far as I am aware T. auletes' distribution range does not extend to the state of Wisconsin. If your head measurements are accurate the width of 1/2 inch is too small. T. auletes head averages between 16 and 17 millimeters which is around .7 inches wide.

In addition patterns on the mesonotum - or lack thereof on this specimen is not indicative of T. auletes. T. auletes has a clearly defined black mesonotum with varying degrees of overlaying greens and browns and is covered in a heavy pruinosity dorsally.

I estimate this specimen to be around 1.5 inches long including the wings. This is too small to be T. auletes which averages between 2.5 and 3 inches long. This specimen keys to T. canicularis which is found in the northern ranges of the US and into Canada as well. Its dull brown color is characteristic of the species but depending upon geographic locations and habitat, T. canicularis can also vary in color.

Wisconsin is a funny state as far as Tibicen species. Like Massachusetts there just aren't that many probably due to your more northern climate.

… Gerry Bunker, 28 October, 2008 - 8:44am

T. canicularis

Thanks so much for your identification. I appreciate it!

… Ray Lemke, 18 November, 2008 - 7:33pm