Species Megatibicen figuratus - Fall Southeastern Dusk-singing Cicada

figurata (See discussion on Tibicen page.)

Avg. 2.1-2.4 inches in total length (may vary some).

T. figuratus is one of our largest eastern species and appears most closely related to members of the "auletes species group".

Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), "Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada"

Tibicen auletes (Germar 1834), "Northern Dusk Singing Cicada" (our largest).

Like Tibicen resonans, these cicadas are colored a deep reddish-brown or rust with the typical black patterning seen in most Tibicen species. T. figuratus specimens are similar to resonans in shape and size, but appear slightly more flattened/dorso-ventrally compressed. Unlike T. resonans, the anterior most basal wing cell is characteristically colored BLACK (may be subject to rare exception! ... the basal wing cell may be dark brown or reddish-brown in coloration - as has been observed in a couple Florida specimens).

Tibicen figuratus (Walker 1858), "Fall Southeastern Dusk-singing Cicada"

Compare: Unlike T. figuratus, the anterior most basal wing cell ot T. resonans is characteristically colored taupe (olive-tan) instead of black (SEE IMAGE BELOW).

Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), "Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada"

Song often described as simlar to that of "chloromerus" or "linnei"

rapid short bursts - Ching.ching.ching....

Video and sound file of T. figuratus courtesy of thelope.com (16 days post emergence)

Video and sound file of T. figuratus courtesy of thelope.com (17 days post emergence)

Southeastern US

Gulf States: FL, AL, MS, LA & e. TX

Mid-South: e. OK, AR, s. TN, & se. MO(?)

Atlantic: GA, SC, NC & se. VA(?)

Pine woodlands

Late Season

July-November

prefers Pines

Most similar in appearance to T. resonans

Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), "Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada"

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Tibicen figuratus is a pine (Pinus spp.) adapted species. It is widely distributed across much of the Southeast, however, may be patchy and localized. This cicada is most common in and adj. to lowland pine forests. Most North American Tibicen species are not thought to be "host specific", however, this cicada seems to have a preference for pine and pine habitats.

It is a late season species and may be heard on warm Autumn days even after the first few light frosts.

Most often confused with Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), "Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada"

(Although "divergent" in some traits, figuratus appears to be closely related to the "auletes group"; however, additional studies may prove otherwise.)

"The auletes Group"

Tibicen auletes (Germar 1834), "Northern Dusk Singing Cicada"

Tibicen resh (Haldeman1852), "Resh Cicada"

Tibicen resonans (Walker 1850), "Southern Resonant/Great Southern Pine Barrens Cicada"

Tibicen figuratus (Walker 1858), "Fall Southeastern Dusk-singing Cicada"

"The pronotalis Group"

Tibicen dealbatus (Davis 1915), "Plains Cicada" (no accepted common name applies)

Tibicen pronotalis Davis 1938 - [syn. marginalis (Walker 1852)], "Walker's Cicada"

Tibicen cultriformis (Davis 1915), "Grand Western Flood Plain Cicada"

"The dorsatus Group"

Tibicen dorsatus (Say 1825), "Grand Western Annual Cicada" or "Bush Cicada"