Are There Cicadas in Colorado?

Where Cicadas Are Found in Colorado

Cicadas in Colorado occur primarily in the lower foothills, western slope valleys, and eastern plains regions. The Front Range foothills between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs host populations in oak and pine woodland. Areas along the South Platte River drainage in the foothills support cicadas. The Arkansas River valley west of Pueblo contains populations. The Gunnison River valley in western Colorado has cicada presence. The valleys and lower elevations of the Uncompahgre Plateau support populations. The eastern plains of Colorado, particularly in Logan, Phillips, and Sedgwick counties, host populations adapted to Great Plains conditions. The North Platte River drainage in northern Colorado contains cicadas. High mountain regions above 8,000 to 10,000 feet are generally too cold for cicadas. Urban and suburban areas in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins with shade trees may host cicadas. TheColorado wildlife hubdocuments insects across the state's many elevation zones and ecological regions.

When Cicadas Are Active in Colorado

Cicadas in Colorado emerge from June through August, with peak activity typically in July and early August. The timing is closely tied to elevation and local temperature conditions. Lower elevation sites may see emergence as early as June, while higher elevations may not see activity until mid-July. Colorado's shorter summers and cooler temperatures compress the cicada season compared to southern states. Unlike eastern states, Colorado rarely experiences periodical cicada broods, so annual species provide the summer sounds. The duration of active buzzing is typically 4 to 6 weeks depending on location and weather patterns. Early morning and late evening hours are quieter than peak afternoon temperatures when buzzing intensifies. Colorado's cicadas are generally quieter than many eastern species and may be less noticeable to unfamiliar observers. By late August and September, as nighttime temperatures cool, cicada activity diminishes substantially and may cease entirely. For more on cicada in Colorado, see ourColorado cicada guide.

How to Identify Cicadas in Colorado

Colorado cicadas range from 0.5 to 2 inches in length, with most species falling in the 1 to 1.5 inch range. Their bodies are typically dark brown, greenish-brown, or black, depending on species. Most Colorado cicadas have dark brown or reddish eyes. The wings are transparent or slightly cloudy and fold tent-like over the back when at rest. Male cicadas produce the characteristic buzzing sound as a mating call during warm daylight hours. Colorado's native species tend to produce quieter sounds than many eastern varieties. Females are generally silent and structurally similar to males. Some Colorado species have more subtle coloring than their flashier eastern relatives. If you hear buzzing in trees during hot Colorado summer days, particularly in foothill areas, you may be hearing cicadas. Colorado's cicadas are adapted to the state's variable weather and short growing season. You can also browseColorado wildlife.

Where Cicada Sightings Concentrate in Colorado

Cicadas are most abundant in Colorado's lower foothills, oak woodland areas, and river valleys. Rocky Mountain National Park has limited cicada presence at high elevations but populations may occur in lower entrance areas. Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley provides habitat in pinyon-juniper woodlands and lower elevations. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park supports populations in its canyon habitat. Pike National Forest, particularly in areas below 8,000 feet, contains suitable habitat. Clear Creek Canyon and other major river corridors between Denver and the mountains concentrate populations. Red Rocks Park and Open Space near Denver hosts cicadas in its canyon and woodland habitat. Bear Creek Lake area and other riparian zones on the eastern slope support populations. The/wildlifehub identifies areas where cicadas are documented across Colorado. Foothills with ponderosa pine mixed with oak and riparian areas along major rivers provide the best viewing opportunities.

Cicada Behavior and Biology

Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground as nymphs, feeding on sap from tree and shrub roots. Colorado cicada nymphs typically spend 2 to 5 years underground before emerging as adults. Once ready to emerge, nymphs tunnel upward and shed their hard brown exoskeletons on trees, shrubs, or soil surfaces. The newly transformed adults require time to harden and dry their wings before they can fly. Adult cicadas feed on xylem fluid from tree branches using their specialized straw-like proboscis to tap into the vascular system. Males produce sound by rapidly vibrating tymbals, specialized abdominal membranes that amplify vibrations into audible buzzing. The sound serves as a mating call to attract females. Cicadas coordinate their emergence with soil temperature and tree physiology, typically triggered by sustained warmth. Colorado's cool temperatures and short growing season constrain cicada populations compared to warmer regions. See all of ourwildlife guides.

Coexistence and Safety Notes

Cicadas are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases of any kind. Their presence poses no health risk or safety concern whatsoever. While their buzzing during activity can be audible, it is a natural, temporary seasonal phenomenon lasting only a few weeks. Cicadas provide ecological benefits to Colorado's environment. Their emergence aerates soil, enriches it with nutrient-rich exoskeletons, and provides food for birds, lizards, squirrels, and small mammals. Colorado's wildlife depends on this seasonal protein source. In Colorado, cicadas have no legal protection status, though they are natural wildlife. Trees show minimal damage from female cicadas laying eggs in twigs, and damage rarely affects tree health or function. Some cicada species are parasitized by specialized flies and wasps. If cicada sounds bother you during their active season, spending time indoors or away from forested areas reduces exposure. Most Colorado residents view cicadas as part of healthy summer conditions in the state's foothills. OurColorado wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.

Species People Confuse with Cicadas in Colorado

Several Colorado insects can create confusion with cicadas. Grasshoppers are abundant in Colorado and produce sounds, but they have much longer legs and antennae relative to body size and more angular shapes. Katydids and bush crickets produce calls, but their sound is typically gentler buzzing or chirping rather than the mechanical cicada buzz. Colorado's wasp and hornet species appear in summer but have slender bodies, stinging capabilities, and different behaviors. Dragonflies occur near Colorado water bodies but have sleek bodies and entirely different anatomy and behavior. Robber flies are large predatory insects but have distinctly different body structures and hunting methods. Some large beetles and longhorn beetles might cause confusion but lack the acoustic abilities of cicadas. Understanding these distinctions helps accurately identify Colorado insects during your outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Do cicadas cause damage to Colorado trees?** Colorado cicadas cause minimal tree damage. Female cicadas create small slits in twigs for egg-laying, but healthy Colorado trees easily recover from this minor damage, which rarely affects tree function or health.

**How long do Colorado cicadas live as adults?** Adult cicadas typically live 4 to 6 weeks after emerging from underground. During this period, their sole focus is mating and reproduction. The adult lifespan remains consistent regardless of how many years were spent underground.

**Why are Colorado cicadas quieter than eastern cicadas?** Colorado's native cicada species generally produce quieter buzzing sounds than many eastern species. This may make them less noticeable unless you are actively listening in a foothill area during peak afternoon heat.

**Where are cicadas most common in Colorado?** Cicadas concentrate in foothills, lower elevations, and river valleys, particularly along the Front Range between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. They are rare above 8,000 feet and very uncommon in high mountain regions.