How to Identify Different Species of Bush Cicadas

Bush cicadas are fascinating insects known for their distinctive sounds and appearances. These insects belong to the family Cicadidae and are commonly found in various habitats, particularly in wooded and bushy areas. Identifying different species of bush cicadas can be a rewarding experience for entomologists, nature enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. This article will guide you through the process of identifying different species of bush cicadas by focusing on key characteristics such as physical appearance, sound patterns, habitat, behavior, and geographic distribution.

Understanding Bush Cicadas

Before diving into species identification, it’s important to understand what bush cicadas are. They are medium to large-sized insects with prominent eyes set wide apart, short antennae, and membranous wings. Unlike other cicadas that may prefer tree canopies, bush cicadas primarily inhabit bushes and low vegetation, making them easier to observe up close.

Cicadas are most famous for their loud mating calls produced by males using specialized structures called tymbals. These calls vary significantly between species and can be a crucial factor in identification.

Key Characteristics for Identifying Bush Cicada Species

1. Physical Appearance

Physical traits are among the most straightforward ways to distinguish between species:

• Size: Bush cicadas vary in size across species, typically ranging from 20mm to 50mm in length.
• Coloration: Look for differences in body coloration — some species exhibit green or brown hues for camouflage among leaves and twigs; others have more vivid markings such as orange or black patterns.
• Wing Markings: Wings can be clear or patterned. Vein coloration and wing transparency are important identifiers.
• Body Shape: The shape of the thorax and abdomen varies; some have a more robust build while others appear slender.

Close examination with a magnifying glass or macro lens often reveals subtle but important details like the shape of the head or the presence of specific ridges on the thorax.

2. Sound Patterns (Calls)

Each male cicada species produces unique calling songs used to attract females. These calls differ in:

• Pitch: High-pitched versus low-pitched calls.
• Rhythm: Some produce continuous buzzing while others emit rhythmic pulses.
• Duration: Calls may last seconds to minutes with varying repetition rates.

Using audio recording apps or dedicated insect call identification tools can help you capture and analyze these calls. Comparing your recordings with reference databases is an effective method to identify species.

3. Habitat Preferences

Although all bush cicadas favor bushes or shrubs, their microhabitat preferences often differ:

• Some species prefer dry, open scrublands.
• Others inhabit moist forests or riparian zones.
• Certain species are restricted to specific plant hosts or geographical niches.

Understanding local flora and ecology helps narrow down which species are likely present in your observation area.

4. Behavior Patterns

Behavioral traits can also serve as identifiers:

• Calling times: Some species call during daytime, others at dusk or nighttime.
• Flight patterns: Some bush cicadas are strong flyers; others tend to stay close to the ground or vegetation.
• Seasonality: Different species emerge at distinct times of the year — some early summer, others late summer or even autumn.

Tracking these behaviors over time provides additional clues about species identity.

5. Geographic Distribution

Knowing the range of each species can prevent misidentification:

• Each bush cicada species has a defined geographic distribution influenced by climate and habitat availability.
• Regional field guides often include maps showing where particular species occur.

Combining geographic data with ecological knowledge helps pinpoint likely candidates when identifying unknown specimens.

Common Bush Cicada Species and How to Identify Them

Below are some examples of common bush cicada species along with specific traits that help identify them.

1. Neotibicen pruinosus (Scissor-Grinder Cicada)

• Size: Large (about 40mm).
• Color: Greenish with dark markings on the thorax.
• Wings: Transparent with dark veins.
• Call: Loud buzzing call that sounds like a mechanical “scissor grinder.”
• Habitat: Prefers deciduous woodlands and bushes near water.

If you hear a loud grinding buzzing from bushes in late summer, this is likely Neotibicen pruinosus.

2. Megatibicen dorsatus (Bush Cicada)

• Size: Medium-large (around 35mm).
• Color: Brownish with green tinges; body has distinct stripes on thorax.
• Wings: Clear but heavily veined.
• Call: Continuous buzzing that often starts slowly then builds in intensity.
• Habitat: Found primarily on bushes in prairies and open woodland edges.

3. Diceroprocta apache

• Size: Smaller (25–30mm).
• Color: Pale green or yellowish with faint brown markings.
• Wings: Slightly smoky transparent wings with brownish veins.
• Call: Series of repetitive chirps followed by continuous buzzes.
• Habitat: Dry scrubland bushes especially in southwestern United States.

4. Tibicen tibicen

• Size: Medium (about 30–35mm).
• Color: Brown with orange highlights on legs and wing veins.
• Wings: Clear with orange-brown veins.
• Call: A rhythmic pulsing trill lasting about 15 seconds repeatedly.
• Habitat: Bushes and low trees in eastern North America.

Tools and Tips for Effective Identification

Use a Field Guide

Investing in a region-specific insect field guide helps immensely with visual matching and call descriptions. Books often include photographs, distribution maps, and seasonal notes.

Record Audio Calls

Mobile phone apps like iNaturalist or specialized sound recording devices allow you to capture cicada calls for later analysis.

Take Detailed Photos

Focus on capturing multiple angles showing body shape, wing structure, leg coloration, and face profile. Macro photography reveals fine details not visible to the naked eye.

Observe Multiple Specimens

Sometimes individual variations exist within a species; observing several specimens helps confirm characteristic patterns versus anomalies.

Consult Local Experts or Online Communities

Entomologists, naturalists, and forums dedicated to cicada identification provide valuable input when you encounter difficult cases.

Conclusion

Identifying different species of bush cicadas requires patience, careful observation, and familiarity with their physical characteristics, calls, behaviors, habitats, and geographic distributions. With practice using tools like field guides, audio recordings, photography, and expert consultations, you’ll become adept at distinguishing these remarkable insects from one another. Next time you hear that iconic buzzing from the undergrowth, take a moment to investigate—you might discover an entirely new favorite species among the chorus of bush cicadas around you.