Signs of Double Drummer Cicada Activity in Your Yard

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud, buzzing calls and periodic mass emergences. Among the many species of cicadas, the Double Drummer cicada stands out due to its distinctive song and unique behaviors. If you live in an area where Double Drummer cicadas are native, you might notice signs of their activity in your yard during certain times of the year. Recognizing these signs can help you understand their life cycle, protect your plants, and even enjoy the natural spectacle they provide.

In this article, we will explore the various signs that indicate Double Drummer cicada activity in your yard, how to identify them, and what to expect during their active period.

Understanding the Double Drummer Cicada

Before diving into the signs of their activity, it’s important to get a basic understanding of the Double Drummer cicada itself. The Double Drummer (Thopha saccata) is one of Australia’s largest and most iconic cicadas. It is characterized by:

• Large size: They can grow up to 7 cm (2.75 inches) long.
• Distinctive coloration: Usually dark brown or black with cream-colored markings.
• Powerful sound: Their call is extremely loud and resonant, often described as a deep drumming or buzzing noise.
• Habitat: Prefers eucalyptus trees and other native Australian trees where it spends much of its life cycle.

The life cycle of a Double Drummer cicada spans several years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults for a brief but intense period to mate and lay eggs.

When Are Double Drummer Cicadas Active?

Double Drummer cicadas typically emerge during late spring to summer months. The exact timing varies by location and climate but generally falls between November and February in Australia. During this time, adult cicadas emerge from the soil, molt into their winged form, and become active above ground.

Understanding their active season helps you anticipate when signs will appear in your yard.

Signs of Double Drummer Cicada Activity

1. Loud, Distinctive Calls

The most obvious indicator that Double Drummer cicadas are active is their loud song. Male cicadas produce a powerful “drumming” call used to attract females. This call can be heard from several hundred meters away and is unmistakable in its volume and tone.

If you notice a continuous deep buzzing or drumming noise coming from trees in your yard during late spring or summer afternoons, chances are you have Double Drummer cicadas nearby.

2. Presence of Molted Exoskeletons (Exuviae)

After emerging from underground as nymphs, cicadas climb onto tree trunks or branches to molt into their adult form. This molting leaves behind empty exoskeletons clinging to bark or leaves — commonly called “exuviae.”

Finding these tiny golden-brown shells on your trees is a clear sign that cicadas have recently emerged in your yard. The exuviae are fragile but remain attached long after the adult cicadas have flown away.

3. Increased Activity on Trees

Double Drummer cicadas spend much of their adult lives perched on tree branches and trunks, feeding on sap through their specialized mouthparts. During their active season, you may notice:

• Large numbers of cicadas resting on eucalyptus or other native trees.
• Movement as they shift position while calling or feeding.
• Mating pairs clasped together on branches.

If you see clusters of large dark insects with transparent wings on your trees during summer months, they are likely Double Drummers.

4. Damage to Branches and Twigs

Female Double Drammer cicadas lay eggs by cutting slits into small twigs or branches with their ovipositors (egg-laying organs). These cuts can cause visible damage such as:

• Small scars or slits along young twigs.
• Wilting tips where eggs have been laid.
• Occasional twig dieback if egg deposition is heavy.

While this damage usually does not seriously harm mature trees, it is a sign that females have been actively laying eggs in your yard.

5. Sudden Appearance of Adult Cicadas

Because the nymph stage occurs underground for several years feeding on tree roots, you won’t see any above-ground activity until emergence time. When they do emerge en masse, it often seems sudden:

• You may wake up one morning to find dozens or more adult cicadas buzzing around.
• Newly emerged adults will rest nearby as they harden their wings before flying off.
• This mass emergence is often accompanied by overwhelming noise levels.

This abrupt appearance is a strong visual cue that Double Drummers are active in your area.

6. Increased Bird or Predator Activity

Cicadas are an important food source for many birds and predators such as bats, lizards, and spiders. During peak cicada activity:

• You might notice increased visits by birds hunting for insects.
• Predators may be more visible around trees hosting cicada populations.
• You may find remnants such as discarded wings under trees where predators feed.

This indirect sign indicates a bustling insect presence like that created by emerging cicadas.

How to Confirm It’s a Double Drummer Cicada

If you want to be sure the insect activity you observe is from Double Drumers specifically:

• Look at size: They are among the largest Australian cicadas.
• Observe coloration: Dark body with pale markings.
• Listen closely: Their call is deeper and more drumming compared to other species’ higher pitched songs.
• Check habitat: Presence primarily on eucalyptus trees can be a clue.

You can even record their call and compare it online with known samples for positive identification.

What To Do If You Have Double Drummer Cicadas in Your Yard

Protect Young Trees

While adult cicadas generally don’t damage mature trees significantly, heavy egg-laying can weaken young saplings. Consider:

• Wrapping delicate branches with fine mesh during peak egg-laying times.
• Pruning affected twigs after egg-laying season ends to reduce potential dieback.

Enjoy Their Presence

Cicadas play vital ecological roles by aerating soil during emergence and providing food for many animals. Their loud calls mark the height of summer in many regions and can be viewed as a natural symphony rather than a nuisance.

Try sitting quietly under a tree during peak activity to observe these fascinating insects up close.

Avoid Pesticides

Using chemicals against cicadas generally isn’t effective or recommended because:

• They are short-lived above ground.
• Pesticides can harm beneficial insects and birds.

Natural observation without interference is best unless there’s serious tree damage needing attention.

Conclusion

Double Drummer cicada activity brings unique sounds and sights into your yard for a limited period each year. Loud drumming calls, molted exoskeletons on trees, visible adult insects clustering on branches, twig damage from egg-laying, sudden mass emergences, and increased predator activity all signal these impressive insects’ presence near your home.

Recognizing these signs helps gardeners appreciate the natural cycles unfolding around them while taking simple steps to protect young plants if needed. With a little patience and curiosity, you can enjoy one of nature’s most remarkable insect spectacles right in your own backyard.