How to Distinguish Scissor Grinder Cicadas from Other Species

Cicadas are among the most fascinating insects, known for their distinctive loud calls that echo through forests, fields, and urban parks during the warmer months. Among the diverse variety of cicada species, the Scissor Grinder cicada stands out due to its unique sound and physical characteristics. For entomologists, nature enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the natural world, distinguishing the Scissor Grinder cicada from other species can be both intriguing and rewarding. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to identify Scissor Grinder cicadas by examining their appearance, behavior, habitat, and particularly their signature calls.

Understanding Cicadas: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the specifics of the Scissor Grinder cicada, it’s important to understand what makes cicadas unique as a group. Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. Famous for their loud mating calls produced by specialized structures called tymbals, male cicadas use their sounds primarily to attract females during the breeding season.

There are thousands of cicada species worldwide, each with different sizes, color patterns, life cycles, and songs. These differences help scientists and hobbyists alike to classify and identify them.

Introduction to the Scissor Grinder Cicada

The Scissor Grinder cicada (Neotibicen pruinosus) is a species commonly found in parts of North America, especially in the eastern United States. It is named after its distinctive call that resembles the sound of scissors grinding or shears clipping.

Key Characteristics:

Medium to large size
Greenish and black coloration with subtle markings
Loud, repetitive buzzing call
Active during mid to late summer

Physical Identification

Size and Shape

The Scissor Grinder cicada typically measures about 1.5 to 2 inches (40-50 mm) in length. Compared to other cicadas in its region, it falls into a medium size range—larger than some tree-dwelling species but smaller than giant cicadas found elsewhere.

Its body is robust and somewhat elongated with a broad head characteristic of many Neotibicen genus members.

Coloration and Markings

One of the best ways to distinguish Scissor Grinder cicadas visually is by examining their color pattern:

Head: Generally has a greenish hue with black markings around the eyes.
Thorax: The thorax often shows a combination of green and black with intricate but subtle patterns.

Wings: Transparent wings with prominent dark veins; when folded back over the body they give a netted appearance.
Abdomen: Mostly dark with slight green or yellow tinges on segments.

Compared to similar species such as the Dog-Day cicada (Neotibicen canicularis) or Annual cicada (Neotibicen tibicen), the Scissor Grinder displays a more muted green coloration rather than bright yellow-green or brown tones.

Eyes and Legs

Scissor Grinder cicadas have large compound eyes that are often greenish or olive in color. Their legs are sturdy, adapted for gripping tree bark firmly while they sing or rest.

Behavioral Traits

Call/Song Identification

The most definitive way to distinguish a Scissor Grinder cicada is by listening to its call. Each cicada species has a unique song that males use during mating season. The Scissor Grinder’s call is described as:

A loud buzzing sound resembling scissors grinding or metal shears snapping repeatedly.

The call lasts several seconds and often pauses briefly before repeating.
It tends to be sharper and more mechanical sounding compared to other species’ smoother trills or whistles.

Field recordings confirm this unique acoustic signature helps differentiate it from other Neotibicen species whose calls might be more continuous or have different tonal qualities.

Activity Period

The Scissor Grinder is primarily active during mid to late summer months (July through September). Their calling activity peaks during hot afternoons when temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C). This temporal pattern can also help separate them from early-emerging or later-season cicadas.

Habitat Preference

Scissor Grinder cicadas prefer deciduous forests, suburban woodlands, and areas with abundant mature trees like oaks and maples. They are commonly found perched on tree trunks or branches where they blend into bark patterns due to their coloration.

Unlike some species that favor open fields or pine forests, Scissor Grinders show a strong preference for hardwood forest environments across much of their range.

Comparison With Other Common Cicada Species

To clearly identify a Scissor Grinder cicada, it helps to compare it against commonly mistaken neighbors:

Understanding these differences helps prevent confusion when identifying specimens in the field.

Tips for Observing Without Disturbing

If you want to observe Scissor Grinder cicadas personally:

Go out on hot summer days in wooded areas between midday and early evening.
Listen carefully for their distinctive scissor-like buzz.
Approach quietly as they are sensitive to movement.
Use binoculars or close focus lenses if you wish to photograph details without handling.
Avoid touching them since they play an important role in ecosystems as prey for birds and maintain healthy forest soundscapes.

Why Identification Matters?

Being able to distinguish Scissor Grinder cicadas from other species matters for several reasons:

Ecological research: Monitoring population changes can indicate forest health.
Conservation efforts: Some cicada populations decline due to habitat loss; proper ID helps prioritize protective measures.
Entomological studies: Understanding species diversity enriches scientific knowledge.
Educational purposes: Teaching others about native wildlife fosters appreciation for biodiversity.

Citizen science: Accurate observations contribute valuable data for tracking insect distributions amid climate change.

Conclusion

The Scissor Grinder cicada is a distinct member of North America’s rich insect fauna, identifiable through its moderate size, muted green-black coloring, preferred hardwood habitats, and most importantly, its unmistakable scissoring buzz call. By combining physical observation with attentive listening during peak summer months in deciduous forests, anyone can learn how to distinguish this fascinating species from its close cousins.

Next time you find yourself surrounded by the chorus of summer insects, tune your ears carefully—you might just hear the sharp mechanical serenade of the Scissor Grinder announcing its presence in the trees overhead.

Embrace nature’s symphony by learning more about each unique voice—starting with the resilient buzz of the Scissor Grinder cicada.