The 9 Cicada Species You’ll Find in Michigan (And When to Hear Them)

Michigan summers wouldn’t be complete without the distinctive buzzing soundtrack of cicadas echoing through backyards and forests.

While many people assume all cicadas are the same, Michigan actually hosts nine distinct species that emerge at different times and produce unique sounds.

You’ll encounter both annual species that appear reliably every summer and mysterious periodical cicadas that vanish for 17 years at a time.

Understanding these fascinating insects enhances your appreciation of Michigan’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re curious about the loud buzzing outside your window or planning to observe these remarkable creatures with your family, knowing which species to expect and when transforms casual observation into informed discovery.

This guide reveals the timing, identification features, and behaviors of all nine cicada species that call Michigan home.

Annual Cicadas: Michigan’s Summer Regulars

Annual cicadas form the backbone of Michigan’s summer insect symphony, emerging predictably each year from mid-July through September. These robust insects spend 2-5 years underground as nymphs before tunneling to the surface for their brief but dramatic adult phase.

Key Insight: Annual cicadas don’t actually complete their lifecycle in one year—the term “annual” refers to their yearly emergence pattern, not their development time.

Dog-Day Cicada

The dog-day cicada (Neotibicen canicularis) stands as Michigan’s most abundant and recognizable summer cicada. These large, robust insects typically measure 1.5 to 2 inches long with distinctive green and black markings on their thorax and clear wings with prominent dark veins.

You’ll first hear dog-day cicadas in mid to late July, with peak activity continuing through August. Their characteristic call resembles a loud, rising and falling buzz that can last 15-20 seconds, often described as sounding like an electric saw or power drill. Research indicates these powerful singers can produce sounds reaching 100 decibels—equivalent to a motorcycle engine.

Pro Tip: Dog-day cicadas are most active during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM when temperatures exceed 80°F.

Look for dog-day cicadas in deciduous forests, suburban areas with mature trees, and parks throughout southern Michigan. They show particular preference for oak, maple, and hickory trees where females deposit eggs in small branches. The distinctive “flagging” damage—dead branch tips—serves as evidence of successful breeding activity.

Northern Dusk-Singing Cicada

The northern dusk-singing cicada (Neotibicen auletes) brings evening serenades to Michigan’s landscape. Slightly smaller than dog-day cicadas at 1.2 to 1.6 inches, these insects display more subdued coloration with brownish-green bodies and less distinct markings.

True to their name, northern dusk-singers become active during twilight hours when most other cicadas quiet down. Their call consists of a softer, more melodic buzz lasting 8-12 seconds, often compared to a distant violin or the sound of summer rain. This unique timing helps them avoid competition with day-active species while taking advantage of cooler evening temperatures.

Common Mistake: Many people attribute evening cicada sounds to crickets, but northern dusk-singers produce much louder, longer calls than any cricket species.

Northern dusk-singing cicadas prefer mixed hardwood forests and can be found throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with scattered populations in the Upper Peninsula’s warmer areas. They typically emerge from late July through early September, with peak activity during August evenings.

Swamp Cicada

Michigan’s swamp cicada (Neotibicen tibicen tibicen) thrives in wetland environments and bottomland forests. These medium-sized cicadas measure 1.3 to 1.7 inches and display darker coloration than their upland cousins, with black bodies marked by subtle green highlights.

Swamp cicadas produce a distinctive call that starts with a sharp buzz and transitions into a lower-pitched drone. The sound carries well across open wetlands and can be heard from considerable distances during peak summer heat.

You’ll find swamp cicadas near rivers, marshes, and floodplains throughout southern Michigan. They show strong preferences for willows, cottonwoods, and silver maples—trees adapted to wet soils. Their emergence typically begins in early August and continues through mid-September.

Linne’s Cicada

Linne’s cicada (Neotibicen linnei) represents one of Michigan’s more widespread annual species, found from suburban neighborhoods to remote forests. These adaptable insects measure 1.4 to 1.8 inches and display variable coloration ranging from bright green to brownish-bronze.

Important Note: Linne’s cicadas show remarkable color variation within populations, making visual identification challenging without considering habitat and call patterns.

The species produces a complex call beginning with rapid clicking sounds followed by a sustained buzz. This two-part structure distinguishes Linne’s cicadas from other Michigan species and helps researchers identify populations in areas where multiple species overlap.

Linne’s cicadas demonstrate exceptional habitat flexibility, thriving in both urban environments with street trees and mature forests dominated by native species. They typically emerge from late July through early September, with regional variations based on local climate conditions.

1. Early Season (Late July): First males begin calling from treetops
2. Peak Activity (Mid-August): Maximum population density and breeding activity
3. Late Season (Early September): Declining numbers, focus shifts to egg-laying

Walker’s Cicada

The Walker’s cicada (Neotibicen pruinosus) brings unique characteristics to Michigan’s cicada community. These robust insects measure 1.6 to 2.1 inches, making them among the largest annual cicadas in the state. Their bodies display striking silver-green coloration with pronounced white pruinose (powdery) markings that give them their scientific name.

Walker’s cicadas produce one of the most distinctive calls in Michigan—a long, continuous buzz that can last 25-30 seconds without interruption. The sound maintains consistent pitch and volume throughout its duration, creating an almost mechanical quality that stands out from other species’ variable calls.

Pro Tip: Walker’s cicadas often call from the highest branches of tall trees, making visual identification challenging. Listen for their extended, unwavering buzz to locate populations.

These cicadas show strong preferences for mature hardwood forests with substantial canopy cover. They typically emerge later in the season than most annual species, with peak activity occurring from mid-August through late September. This timing helps them avoid competition during the busy mid-summer period when multiple species are active.

Scissor Grinder Cicada

Michigan’s rarest annual species, the scissor grinder cicada (Neotibicen winnemanna), exists at the northern edge of its range in the state. These medium-sized insects measure 1.3 to 1.6 inches and display subtle gray-green coloration that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.

The species earns its common name from a distinctive call that resembles the rhythmic grinding of scissors or shears being sharpened. This unique sound pattern consists of short, repeated pulses rather than the continuous buzzes produced by most cicadas. Each “grinding” sequence lasts 3-5 seconds with brief pauses between repetitions.

Important Note: Scissor grinder cicadas are extremely rare in Michigan, with confirmed populations only in the southernmost counties. Any sightings represent significant discoveries for state entomological records.

Limited Michigan populations occur in oak-hickory forests along the Indiana border. Their emergence pattern follows typical annual cicada timing from late July through August, but low population density makes encounters unlikely for most observers.

Periodical Cicadas: Michigan’s 17-Year Mysteries

Periodical cicadas represent one of nature’s most remarkable timing phenomena, synchronizing their emergence across entire regions after precisely 17 years underground. Michigan hosts three periodical species, all members of the genus Magicicada, which create spectacular mass emergences when conditions align perfectly.

Unlike annual cicadas that emerge every year in modest numbers, periodical cicadas remain hidden for nearly two decades before erupting simultaneously in densities that can exceed 1.5 million individuals per acre. These synchronized emergences overwhelm predators and ensure reproductive success through sheer numbers—a survival strategy called predator satiation.

Key Insight: Periodical cicadas synchronize their emergence using temperature cues accumulated over their 17-year development, creating one of the most precise biological timing mechanisms in nature.

Michigan’s periodical cicadas belong to different broods—geographically distinct populations that emerge in specific years. The most recent significant emergence occurred in 2021, meaning the next major event won’t happen until 2038. However, smaller populations may emerge in other years due to localized timing variations.

Magicicada septendecim

Magicicada septendecim stands as the largest and most robust of Michigan’s periodical cicadas. These impressive insects measure 1.2 to 1.5 inches with distinctive black bodies, bright red eyes, and clear wings with prominent orange veins. The species produces a loud, rhythmic call often described as “pharaoh, pharaoh, pharaoh” repeated in steady sequences.

During emergence years, M. septendecim typically appears first among periodical species, beginning in mid to late May when soil temperatures reach consistent levels above 64°F. Males establish calling territories in deciduous trees and produce their distinctive three-part call to attract females for mating.

Common Mistake: People often confuse early-emerging M. septendecim with late-season annual cicadas from previous years, but the distinctive red eyes and orange wing veins provide definitive identification.

This species shows preferences for mature deciduous forests dominated by oak, hickory, and maple trees. In Michigan, established populations exist primarily in the southern Lower Peninsula, with scattered reports from central counties during major emergence years.

Magicicada cassini

The Magicicada cassini brings unique acoustic contributions to Michigan’s periodical cicada choruses. These medium-sized insects measure 1.0 to 1.3 inches and display the characteristic periodical cicada appearance with black bodies, red eyes, and orange-tinted wing veins.

M. cassini produces one of the most distinctive calls in the insect world—a rapid ticking sound often compared to a ratchet or castanets. This call pattern earned the species its common name “dwarf periodical cicada,” though the reference relates to call structure rather than body size.

The species typically emerges slightly later than M. septendecim, with peak activity occurring from late May through mid-June. Males often call from different positions within trees compared to other periodical species, creating complex acoustic layers during mass emergence events.

Magicicada septendecula

Magicicada septendecula completes Michigan’s periodical cicada trio as the smallest and least common species. These insects measure 0.9 to 1.2 inches and display typical periodical cicada coloration, though often with slightly more subdued orange tones in their wing veins.

The species produces a unique call consisting of a continuous buzz interrupted by regular stuttering sounds. This pattern creates an almost mechanical rhythm that distinguishes M. septendecula from its periodical relatives and helps researchers identify mixed-species choruses during emergence events.

M. septendecula typically emerges last among periodical species, with peak activity from early to mid-June. Their later timing may help reduce interspecies competition and allow specialized acoustic communication when other periodical species have completed their brief above-ground lifecycle.

Pro Tip: During periodical emergence years, visit known locations during late afternoon hours when all three species may be calling simultaneously, creating one of nature’s most complex acoustic experiences.

When and Where to Find Michigan’s Cicadas

Understanding cicada timing and preferred habitats transforms random encounters into planned observations. Each species follows predictable patterns based on temperature, habitat requirements, and evolutionary adaptations that have developed over millions of years.

Seasonal Timeline for Michigan Cicadas:

• Late July: Dog-day and Linne’s cicadas begin emergence
• Early August: Northern dusk-singers and swamp cicadas join the chorus
• Mid-August: Walker’s cicadas reach peak activity
• Late August: Scissor grinder cicadas (rare sightings)
• September: Late-season annual species continue calling
• May-June (17-year cycles): Periodical cicada emergences

Best Observation Locations

Michigan’s diverse landscapes provide excellent cicada viewing opportunities across multiple habitat types. State parks and nature preserves offer protected environments where cicada populations thrive without urban disturbances.

For annual species, focus on areas with mature deciduous trees including Warren Dunes State Park, Yankee Springs Recreation Area, and Highland Recreation Area. These locations support diverse cicada communities with multiple species present throughout the summer season.

Periodical cicada observations require different strategies due to their 17-year cycles and specific habitat requirements. Historical emergence sites in southern Michigan include areas around Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and southern counties bordering Indiana and Ohio.

Important Note: Periodical cicada emergence sites can remain active across multiple 17-year cycles, making historical records valuable for predicting future events.

Daily Activity Patterns

Cicada Identification Quick Reference

Distinguishing between Michigan’s nine cicada species requires attention to size, coloration, timing, and acoustic characteristics. This systematic approach helps observers make accurate identifications even when visual access is limited.

Size Categories:

• Large (1.5+ inches): Dog-day, Walker’s
• Medium (1.2-1.5 inches): Dusk-singer, Swamp, Linne’s, M. septendecim
• Small (0.9-1.2 inches): Scissor grinder, M. cassini, M. septendecula

Call Pattern Recognition:

• Continuous buzz: Dog-day, Walker’s, M. septendecula
• Pulsed/rhythmic: Dusk-singer, Scissor grinder, M. cassini
• Complex patterns: Linne’s, Swamp, M. septendecim

Habitat Associations:

• Urban/suburban: Dog-day, Linne’s
• Forests: Walker’s, Dusk-singer, periodical species
• Wetlands: Swamp cicadas
• Rare/specialized: Scissor grinder

Pro Tip: Record cicada calls with a smartphone app to compare against online databases—acoustic identification often proves more reliable than visual observation for distant or high-perched individuals.

The Science Behind Cicada Sounds

Cicada calls represent some of the most sophisticated acoustic communication in the insect world. Males produce sounds using specialized organs called tymbals—ribbed membranes that buckle rapidly to create vibrations. These structures can produce sounds exceeding 100 decibels and carry for distances up to half a mile.

Each species has evolved distinct call characteristics that prevent interbreeding and allow individuals to locate appropriate mates. Research from the University of Connecticut demonstrates that cicada calls include multiple acoustic elements including frequency, pulse rate, and amplitude modulation that create species-specific signatures.

Common Mistake: Many people assume louder calls indicate larger cicadas, but call volume depends more on tymbal structure and resonance chambers than body size.

Temperature significantly affects cicada calling behavior, with most species requiring minimum temperatures between 70-80°F for sustained acoustic activity. Cooler conditions slow tymbal muscle contractions, reducing call frequency and volume until activity stops entirely.

Understanding these acoustic principles enhances field identification and helps observers predict peak calling times based on weather conditions and daily temperature cycles.

Cicada Lifecycle and Behavior

Michigan’s cicadas demonstrate remarkable lifecycle adaptations that allow survival in harsh northern climates. Annual species spend 2-5 years underground as nymphs, feeding on tree root fluids while avoiding freezing temperatures through deep soil penetration and antifreeze proteins.

Nymph development occurs entirely underground where they molt through five instars (growth stages) before reaching maturity. The final molt occurs above ground when nymphs emerge and split their brown exoskeletons to reveal winged adults—a process taking several hours during vulnerable early morning periods.

Adult cicadas live only 4-6 weeks, during which they must find mates, reproduce, and ensure species continuation. Females use saw-like ovipositors to cut slits in small tree branches where they deposit 20-30 eggs per site. These eggs overwinter before hatching into tiny nymphs that burrow into soil to begin the lengthy development cycle.

Key Insight: Cicada populations can survive harsh Michigan winters because nymphs burrow below frost lines, sometimes reaching depths of 8 feet in northern areas.

Periodical cicadas extend this strategy to remarkable extremes, spending 17 years underground while tracking seasonal temperature changes to synchronize emergence timing. This extended development allows them to outlive most predators and overwhelm survivors through sheer numbers during emergence years.

Conservation and Ecological Importance

Cicadas play crucial roles in Michigan’s forest ecosystems as both consumers and prey species. As nymphs, they process significant quantities of root nutrients, cycling nitrogen and other elements between deep soil layers and surface vegetation. Their feeding rarely damages healthy trees but can help stressed specimens