Periodical Cicada
Category: Miscellaneous
Scientific Name: Pholcidae
Identification:
Color: Black with red eyes and orange wing veins
Size: ¾ to 2 ¼ inch long
Region: Found in the northeastern United States
Lifespan: 13-17 years
Important Considerations:
- It is typical to find hundreds of thousands of periodical cicadas living on a single acre.
- Large populations can damage young trees. Covering saplings with netting or cheesecloth can prevent damage.
- If you want to avoid contact with periodical cicadas, the best way is to avoid going outside during their most active times.
Where to Find Them on Your Property?
For all but one month of their 13-17 year lifespan, periodical cicadas live underground. Once they emerge, they live inside trees where they molt and reproduce.