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Sebastian County Home & Garden
Outdoor Pests
Periodical Cicada

Picture of Cicada on a tree brown in color.

Picture of three cicada's in the hand of a person, black in color with some gold trim, membranous wings, and striking red eyes.

A very loud and plentiful insect called the Periodical Cicada is emerging this year in the state of Arkansas. Periodical cicadas live in the soil either 13 or 17 years and emerge as an adult for a short time to mate, and then the cycle begins again. They are similar in shape to the green "Dog Day" Cicadas that are prevalent in August. However, these are black in color with some gold trim, membranous wings, and striking red eyes. 

The current emergence is happening in LA, MS, MO, TN, KY, IL, IN, and here in AR. This is brood XXIII (23) of the 13-Year Periodical Cicada. It last emerged in the years 1976 and 1989. In 1985 and 1998 another brood emerged that was designated as brood XIX (19). This particular brood was extremely plentiful and loud, and was the cause of great concern by homeowners.

The Periodical Cicada can cause minor damage to the twigs of the trees they lay their eggs. However, they rarely cause any significant damage to landscape plants, trees, gardens, etc. Periodical Cicada’s do not have the ability to sting or bite.

These insects perpetuate their species by emerging in large numbers at the same time. Other insects, birds, and mammals prey on these insects for food.

Learn more about the Periodical Cicada

Back to Outdoor Pests

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University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
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Last Date Modified 05/16/2008
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Sebastian County
Cooperative Extension Service
535 North Waldron Road
Fort Smith, AR  72903
Phone (479) 484-7737 • Fax (479) 484-9669

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