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Photo#336935
Tibicen sp.  - Neotibicen linnei - female

Tibicen sp. - Neotibicen linnei - Female
Adams County, Pennsylvania, USA
September 24, 2009
Is it possible to ID this cicada? It is one of the last ones I have seen here in PA. In fact I haven't heard or seen any others for over a week. The thing that struck me the most was it appeared to be more green than others I am used to seeing. The wings seemed to be longer then T. tibicen, the species I see more than any other.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

maybe Tibicen linnei
This looks like a pretty good match, but best to wait for Bill's diagnosis.


 
Tibicen linnei (?)
Strangely pallid greens, but possibly T. linnei (?)
For now we can place it under this taxon and hope for more feedback.

Challenging image: In support of T. linnei, most of the "traditional characters" seem in place - with the exception of the more "subdued lighter greens" seen in this individual. In particular, the green coloration of the pronotum and mesonotum in this cicada more strongly resembles that seen in T. winnemana & some T. canicularis specimens from n. Maryland & s. Pennsylvania. (??)

There is a tendency for T. linnei to persist later into the season than its relative T. winnemana,.... both of which are often confused due to similarity of appearance and an overlap in size and traits. Another persistent late season species is T. canicularis, and this individual does seem to conform to some of the more southerly canicularis specimens I have reviewed as well (i.e. lighter coloration & strong pattern). You mention the wings in this cicada are longer than those of T. tibicen (chloromerus), which suggests this cicada is likely too large to be canicularis, hence I find it unlikely this is the "Common Dog-day Cicada".
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F.Y.I. - Recent observations by several cicada specialists have indicated that hybridization between and among several of the taxa exists, particularly those collectively referred to as the "Green Cicadas". These include the following taxa: T. linnei, T. pruinosus, T. winnemana, and T. canicularis.

There is no DOUBT that T. linnei, T. winnemana and T. canicularis produce hybrids across parts of their ranges, particularly in disturbed areas (i.e. cities and heavily used agricultural zones). These observations have been made in parts of the mid-Atlantic incl. the Carolinas northward into Pennsylvania.

Due to observed introgression, it can be difficult to identify some individuals, even when the specimen is in hand.

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NOTE: Other possibilities include a Tibicen Hybrid, T. winnemana & T. canicularis.

 
Thanks.......
Thanks, Andrew. I was looking at linnei pretty close but could not be certain. Hope Bill sees it.

Appreciate your reply.

 
Dimensions ??
Do you by any chance know the length (body + wings)?

2 inches or more in length is likely T. linnei, less than 2 inches in length is possibly T. canicularis.

 
earlier cicada
Bill, here is a photo of a cicada I took in the same area.
http://www.pbase.com/rcm1840/image/116244776
I called this one T.canicularis at the time. what do you think?

Thanks.

 
Cicada
Bill, I recall it being rather long compared to the Swamp Cicadas I usually see. But no, I did not measure it. Sorry.