What You Need to Know About Scissor Grinder Cicadas

Cicadas are fascinating insects that have captured the attention of nature enthusiasts and scientists alike for centuries. Among the many types of cicadas, the Scissor Grinder Cicada stands out not only for its unique name but also for its distinct characteristics and behaviors. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about Scissor Grinder Cicadas—from their appearance and life cycle to their habitat, behavior, and significance in the ecosystem.

Introduction to Scissor Grinder Cicadas

The Scissor Grinder Cicada is a species native to the eastern United States, scientifically known as Neotibicen pruinosus. These cicadas belong to the genus Neotibicen, which comprises several large annual cicada species commonly found across North America. The nickname “Scissor Grinder” comes from the insect’s distinctive call, which sounds remarkably like the repetitive, metallic grinding noise produced by old-fashioned scissors being sharpened.

These cicadas are typically heard in late summer and early fall, making their presence known through their loud and persistent calls that can fill woodlands, suburban neighborhoods, and open fields.

Physical Characteristics

Unlike some other cicada species that exhibit bright colors or striking patterns, Scissor Grinder Cicadas tend to have a more muted appearance that allows them to blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings.

• Coloration: They usually have a mottled greenish-brown body with black markings on their thorax and abdomen. This camouflage helps them avoid predators.
• Size: Adult Scissor Grinder Cicadas are relatively large insects, measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length.
• Wings: Their transparent wings feature prominent veins and can sometimes show a slight iridescent sheen when caught in sunlight.
• Eyes: They have large compound eyes that are widely spaced on either side of their head, aiding in detecting movement around them.

Life Cycle of Scissor Grinder Cicadas

Understanding the life cycle of Scissor Grinder Cicadas sheds light on their intriguing and somewhat mysterious existence.

Egg Stage

Female cicadas lay their eggs in small slits they cut into tree branches using an ovipositor. Each female deposits numerous eggs during her lifetime. These eggs take several weeks to hatch into nymphs.

Nymph Stage

After hatching, the nymphs drop down from the branches and burrow into the soil where they spend most of their lives underground. Here, they feed on sap from plant roots using specialized mouthparts.

One notable aspect of Scissor Grinder Cicada nymphs is their relatively short underground period compared to some periodic cicada species. Instead of emerging every 13 or 17 years like some of their relatives, many annual cicadas—including the Scissor Grinder—have a life cycle ranging from two to five years underground. This results in adult emergences every year, though peak populations fluctuate.

Emergence and Molting

When mature, nymphs tunnel back to the surface and molt one last time, shedding their exoskeletons to become winged adults. This transformation usually happens at night or early morning to reduce vulnerability to predators.

Adult Stage

Adult Scissor Grinder Cicadas live for about four to six weeks after emerging. During this time, males are primarily focused on calling out to attract females using their unique “scissor grinder” song produced by vibrating membranes called tymbals located on their abdomen.

Females respond by flying towards calling males for mating. After mating, females lay eggs, completing the cycle.

Habitat and Distribution

The Scissor Grinder Cicada is predominantly found in:

• Eastern United States: Particularly widespread across states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and parts of the southern Great Lakes region.
• Preferred Habitats: They thrive in deciduous forests but are also common in suburban areas where mature trees provide ample egg-laying sites.
• Tree Associations: Commonly associated with oak trees but can also be found on maples, hickories, elms, and other hardwood species.

Because these cicadas rely heavily on trees both for shelter and reproduction, conservation of forested areas is important for maintaining healthy population levels.

The Unique Call: Why Does It Sound Like a Scissor Grinder?

One of the defining features of this cicada species is its call. The male’s song is often described as a mechanical buzzing or grinding sound similar to scissors being sharpened or ground against a file.

How Do They Produce This Sound?

Males generate sound by rapidly flexing special drum-like structures called tymbals located on either side of their abdomen. The movement causes air sacs beneath these membranes to vibrate loudly. The entire process is powered by strong abdominal muscles capable of creating rapid pulses.

Purpose of the Call

• Attracting Females: The primary purpose is mating communication; females recognize males based on this distinct call.
• Territorial Displays: Males also use calls to assert dominance over a territory and deter rival males.

The volume can be quite loud—often exceeding 90 decibels—which can be startling if you’re nearby!

Behavior and Ecology

Scissor Grinder Cicadas display interesting behaviors beyond just their signature song.

Daily Activity

They are mostly diurnal (active during the day), with peak calling activity occurring during warm afternoons when temperatures range between 85°F and 95°F (29°C – 35°C).

Feeding Habits

Both nymphs and adults feed on plant fluids:

• Nymphs extract sap from roots underground.
• Adults feed by inserting their mouthparts into twigs or branches above ground.

Although they damage plant tissue minimally due to feeding habits, heavy egg-laying activity by females can cause twig dieback—generally not harmful unless populations become extremely dense.

Predators

Scissor Grinder Cicadas face predation from various animals:

• Birds such as blue jays and crows
• Small mammals like squirrels
• Reptiles including lizards
• Insects such as wasps (notably cicada killer wasps)

Their camouflaged coloration helps reduce visibility from predators but vigilance is always necessary during vulnerable periods like molting or while calling.

Ecological Importance

Despite being considered noisy pests by some people during late summer months, Scissor Grinder Cicadas play significant roles in ecosystems:

• Nutrient Cycling: When they die off en masse after reproduction seasons, cicada bodies decompose and enrich soil with nitrogen.
• Food Source: Provide an abundant protein source for a variety of wildlife during emergence periods.
• Soil Aeration: Nymph burrowing activity helps aerate soil layers which benefits plant roots.
• Pollination Assistance: Although not primary pollinators themselves, their presence encourages biodiversity around flowering plants by supporting other insect populations indirectly.

How to Identify Scissor Grinder Cicadas

If you want to identify these insects in your backyard or local park during late summer:

1. Listen for Their Call: The loud grinding buzz distinguishes them from other cicada species whose calls may be more melodic or buzzing without grinding sounds.
2. Look for Size & Color: Look for large greenish-brown insects about 1.5–2 inches long perched on tree trunks or branches.
3. Check Wings: Transparent wings with dark veins held roof-like over the abdomen.
4. Habitat: Presence in deciduous forests or wooded suburban areas during August through October months.

Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas Harmful?

Generally speaking:

• They do not bite or sting humans.
• They do not cause lasting harm to healthy trees.
• Their noise level can be irritating if present in large numbers near residential areas.

They are harmless creatures that pose no threat beyond temporary disturbance caused by noise during mating seasons.

Conclusion

Scissor Grinder Cicadas are remarkable insects that add character and intrigue to late summer landscapes across much of eastern North America. Their distinctive call earned them a memorable name while serving key roles in forest ecosystems through feeding habits and life cycles.

Understanding these fascinating insects helps foster appreciation rather than fear or annoyance when their buzzing fills the air each year. Whether you’re a homeowner curious about strange noises outside your window or a naturalist observing insect life cycles firsthand, knowing what makes Scissor Grinder Cicadas unique enriches your connection with nature’s diverse world.

By recognizing the importance of these noisy neighbors in our environment—and respecting their place within nature’s balance—we promote coexistence with one more extraordinary species sharing our planet.