Where to Find Scissor Grinder Cicadas During Their Lifecycle

Scissor grinder cicadas (Neotibicen pruinosus) are a fascinating species of large, loud cicadas native to North America. Known for their distinctive “scissor grinder” call, these insects have intrigued naturalists, entomologists, and casual observers alike. Understanding where to find scissor grinder cicadas throughout their lifecycle can enhance your chances of witnessing these incredible creatures in all stages—from egg to nymph to adult. This article explores the habitat preferences, behavior, and seasonal patterns of scissor grinder cicadas to help you find them during their fascinating lifecycle.

Understanding the Scissor Grinder Cicada

Before diving into the specifics of locations to find scissor grinder cicadas, it’s important to understand the insect itself.

Appearance: Scissor grinder cicadas are relatively large, with adults measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. They have mottled green and brown bodies that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.

Sound: The males produce a high-pitched, mechanical buzzing sound reminiscent of a scissor grinder at work—hence the name.
Habitat: These cicadas prefer deciduous forests and woodland edges where various hardwood trees thrive.

Their lifecycle involves spending most of their time underground as nymphs before emerging as adults for a brief but noisy summer stage.

The Lifecycle of Scissor Grinder Cicadas

The lifecycle of scissor grinder cicadas is typical of most periodical or annual cicada species, consisting of four main stages:

Egg Stage
Once mating occurs, female cicadas deposit their eggs into slits they cut into small branches or twigs of host trees. The eggs hatch after several weeks.

Nymph Stage
After hatching, nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil where they feed on sap from roots. This underground stage lasts between 2 to 5 years depending on environmental factors and species variations.
Emergence and Molting
When ready, the mature nymphs tunnel to the surface, typically at night or early morning. They then climb nearby vegetation and molt into their winged adult form.
Adult Stage
Adults live above ground usually for 4 to 6 weeks during late summer when they mate and the cycle begins anew.

With this general overview in mind, let’s explore where you can find these cicadas during each stage.

Finding Scissor Grinder Cicadas During the Egg Stage

Tree Branches and Twigs

During the egg stage, female scissor grinder cicadas lay eggs by cutting slits into thin branches of hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, maple, and ash. These slits may cause noticeable damage including brown or dead tips on twigs—a telltale sign that eggs might be present.

Look for:

Thin woody twigs about pencil thickness.
Branch tips with dried or browned ends.
Presence of adult cicada activity nearby as a clue.

Seasonal Timing for Eggs

Egg-laying generally occurs in mid to late summer shortly after adults emerge and mate. In many regions, this is from July through August.

Best Locations

Focus on deciduous forests, suburban woodlots, parks with mature trees, and forest edges where host trees grow densely. Avoid conifers since these are not preferred egg-laying sites.

Finding Cicada Nymphs Underground

Soil Around Host Trees

After hatching, nymphs immediately burrow into the soil near the base of host trees to feed on roots. Although difficult to spot directly due to their subterranean lifestyle, you can estimate where they are by examining soil quality and tree health.

Look for:

Loose soil around healthy hardwood trees.
Areas with mature oaks or hickories especially.
Avoid overly compacted urban soils or lawns with heavy foot traffic.

Seasonal Timing for Nymphs

Nymphs remain underground for several years—around 2 to 5 depending on environmental conditions—feeding on root sap before emerging as adults. There is no easy way to visually detect nymphs during this stage without specialized excavation.

Tips for Observation

Locate areas where emergence holes appear (small circular holes about 1 inch in diameter).
Check late spring or early summer after rainfall when nymphs begin tunneling upward.

Locating Cicada Emergence Sites

Soil Surface at Base of Trees

Emergence generally occurs after dark or early morning when nymphs tunnel out of soil near host tree bases. You may find:

Small vertical exit holes in soil roughly half an inch wide.
Exuviae (shed exoskeletons) attached to tree trunks or nearby plants.

Freshly molted adults nearby waiting for wings to harden.

Best Habitat Features for Emergence

Undisturbed forest floors with leaf litter and loose soil.
Areas with mature deciduous trees like oak and maple.
Moist soils after rains increase likelihood of emergence activity.

When To Check for Emergence

Late June through July is prime time depending on your geographic region. Early mornings are best for spotting newly emerged adults and exuviae.

Finding Adult Scissor Grinder Cicadas

Preferred Trees and Habitat

Adults congregate primarily in the upper canopies of mature hardwood trees such as:

Oak (Quercus spp.)
Hickory (Carya spp.)
Maple (Acer spp.)
Ash (Fraxinus spp.)

The thick foliage provides shelter while males sing loudly from exposed branches to attract females.

Sounds Guide You

One of the easiest ways to locate adult scissor grinder cicadas is by listening for their distinctive calls—the continuous grinding buzz that sounds like a metal file or scissors being sharpened. Their call can be heard from a considerable distance on warm summer days.

Seasonal Window for Adults

Adults typically appear from late June through August depending on latitude and climate conditions. Peak calling often occurs mid-July into early August during hot afternoons.

Visual Identification Tips

Adults are large (~1.5–2 inches) with greenish mottled coloration blending well with leaves and bark making them tricky to spot visually despite their loud presence.

Look carefully at:

Sunlit leaves fluttering from movement.
Branches vibrating slightly from sound-producing muscles.
Male cicadas perched conspicuously while calling.

Other Tips For Locating Scissor Grinder Cicadas

Use Binoculars for Canopy Viewing

Since adults stay high up in tree canopies, a pair of binoculars can help you spot them more easily without disturbing them.

Early Morning and Late Afternoon Are Ideal Times

These insects tend to be less active but more visible during cooler parts of the day compared to midday heat when they are noisily calling but harder to see.

Examine Tree Bark and Leaves Close-Up

Sometimes resting adults will cling low on trunks or larger branches where spotting exuviae is also easier after molting events.

Avoid Pesticide-Treated Areas

Cicadas are sensitive to chemical treatments; focus efforts on natural forests and parks for more reliable sightings.

Conclusion

Finding scissor grinder cicadas throughout their lifecycle requires patience, observation skills, and knowledge about their habitats and behaviors. From locating carefully cut twigs harboring eggs in mid-summer branches to finding emergence holes near tree bases in early summer soil; from spotting shed exoskeletons on tree trunks to hearing—and eventually seeing—their distinctive buzzing calls high in hardwood canopy leaves during summer heat—each stage offers unique opportunities for discovery.

By exploring deciduous forest edges populated with oaks, hickories, maples, and ashes during appropriate seasonal windows while listening closely for their trademark calls at dawn or dusk, you stand a great chance of encountering these enigmatic insects throughout their remarkable lifecycle. Whether you’re an entomology enthusiast or nature lover simply curious about one of North America’s iconic insects, understanding where and when to look will greatly enhance your experience with scissor grinder cicadas in their natural environment.