Are There Cicadas in Georgia?
Cicadas are common throughout Georgia, appearing annually during summer months and occasionally emerging as periodical broods. Both annual and periodical cicada species thrive across the state's diverse regions, from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the coastal plain in the south. Georgia's varied forests and woodlands provide ideal habitat for multiple cicada species year-round.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Cassin's 17-year Cicada · Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) CC BY
Dark Lyric Cicada · Cecil Smith CC BY
Prairie Cicada · Peter Chen 2.0 CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 2,531
- GBIF records
- August, July, May
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Georgia. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
6,575 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Georgia, most often in August, July, May.
When cicada are recorded in Georgia
Cicadas are common throughout Georgia, appearing annually during summer months and occasionally emerging as periodical broods. Both annual and periodical cicada species thrive across the state's diverse regions, from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the coastal plain in the south. Georgia's varied forests and woodlands provide ideal habitat for multiple cicada species year-round.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Georgia
Cicadas occur throughout all of Georgia, from the mountainous northern regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian foothills south through the piedmont plateau and into the coastal plain near the Atlantic. The Appalachian hardwood forests of north Georgia, including protected areas around Springer Mountain and the Chattahoochee National Forest, host strong cicada populations. Central Georgia's piedmont forests and mixed oak-hickory woodlands surrounding Atlanta and Athens provide excellent cicada habitat. Southern Georgia's coastal plain includes the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge near the Florida border, where cypress swamps and hardwood areas support specialized species. The Savannah River valley and associated wetlands in eastern Georgia also contain cicada populations. Major river systems including the Chattahoochee River, Ocmulgee River, and Ogeechee River corridors support cicadas throughout their ranges. Visit/wildlife/georgiafor information on the state's full wildlife diversity.
Season and Timing
In Georgia, annual cicadas typically emerge in mid-summer, usually beginning in late June and peaking through July and August, sometimes extending into September. The exact timing varies by elevation and local conditions, with higher elevations in the mountains emerging slightly later than piedmont and coastal plain areas. Periodical cicadas, emerging on 13-year or 17-year cycles, have occurred in Georgia historically and will continue on predictable schedules. Soil temperature is the primary driver of emergence, with cicadas needing accumulated warmth to complete their underground development. Once emerged, adults live four to six weeks. The buzzing and rasping sounds are most intense from late morning through evening hours. May through September is the primary season for cicada activity across Georgia, though some early species appear in late May and late species persist into October. Learn about local/wildlife/georgia/cicadaemergence patterns for your region.
How to Identify a Cicada
Georgia cicadas are sturdy insects, typically one to two inches long, with strong bodies and clear, smoky, or amber-tinted wings held tent-like over their backs. Most species are brown, tan, or black, though some display reddish or greenish coloring on the body or head regions. Males produce the loud buzzing, rasping, and whining sounds associated with cicadas using drumlike membranes called tymbals on their abdomens. Females lack tymbals and remain silent. Cicada eyes are simple and arranged on the head differently than other insects, positioned between the antennae. Their legs are short and stout, adapted for climbing rather than jumping. The wings show distinctive vein patterns that help identify species. Molted exoskeletons are frequently found clinging to trees, fence posts, and building foundations, appearing as hollow, papery, tan-brown shells approximately one to two inches in length, often with intact wings still attached. For more on cicada in Georgia, see ourGeorgia cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Georgia
In Georgia, cicadas concentrate in areas with abundant trees and woody vegetation. Oak, hickory, ash, and maple forests throughout the piedmont and mountains consistently host active populations. The Appalachian hardwood forests of the Blue Ridge region and Chattahoochee National Forest provide prime habitat. Pine and mixed pine-hardwood forests across central and southern Georgia also support cicadas. Coastal plain cypress swamps, hardwood bottomlands, and mixed forests near the Okefenokee support specialized species. Urban and suburban areas with mature trees, including oak, ash, elm, and fruit trees, frequently experience cicada activity. River valley woodlands and riparian forests throughout the state support concentrated populations. Wetland edges where trees border marsh or swamp areas create productive zones. Private yards with established trees often have significant cicada presence in summer. Explore/wildlifeto find Georgia's full range of insects and arthropods.
Typical Cicada Behavior
Cicadas spend the majority of their lives as underground nymphs, typically three to five years in Georgia, feeding on sap from tree and shrub roots. Once they emerge as adults, cicadas are entirely focused on reproduction. Males produce loud buzzing and rasping sounds to attract females for mating. These calls can reach 80 to 90 decibels and serve no purpose other than communication during the mating season. After mating, females lay eggs by cutting slits in tree twigs and bark using a saw-like ovipositor. The eggs typically hatch within one to three weeks depending on temperature. Adult cicadas feed on plant sap by piercing bark or twigs with their needle-like mouthparts. They are weak fliers and spend most time climbing vegetation. Cicadas are attracted to lights at night and may congregate around porch lights or street lamps. They prefer to remain in trees rather than venture onto the ground. You can also browseGeorgia wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and pose no safety risks whatsoever. They do not bite, sting, or inject venom, and they do not transmit diseases to people or pets. While their loud sounds can exceed 80 decibels in groups, this noise is normal, temporary, and part of their natural behavior. Georgia has no restrictions on native cicadas, which are beneficial insects supporting the food chain. Cicadas provide nutrition for birds, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and other wildlife. Even cicada killer wasps, large predatory wasps that hunt cicadas, are solitary insects and not aggressive toward humans. Minor tree damage from cicada egg-laying is rarely a concern on established trees. If protecting young ornamental trees is desired, netting or bark sleeves can minimize egg-laying damage. Cicadas are a natural and important component of Georgia's summer ecosystem. Their presence indicates healthy forests and functioning natural processes.
Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Cicadas are sometimes confused with grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids, as all produce sounds associated with warm weather and outdoor summer evenings. However, these insects are distinctly different. Grasshoppers have long hind legs adapted for jumping and produce sounds by rubbing legs together. Crickets have long antennae and distinctive chirping created by rubbing wings together. Katydids have large, leaf-like wings and produce the recognizable "katy-did" call very different from cicada sounds. Georgia also has cicada killer wasps, large solitary wasps that hunt cicadas. These wasps are not aggressive toward humans and are entirely different insects from cicadas. Some people mistake cicada exit holes in soil for damage from other pests, but these holes are characteristic quarter-inch diameter openings forming in neat clusters. Learning to distinguish cicadas from these similar insects prevents unnecessary confusion or concern about their natural presence in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do cicadas make such loud noise? A: Male cicadas produce loud sounds using drumlike structures called tymbals on their abdomens to attract females for mating. Different species have distinct call patterns. Q: When will periodical cicadas emerge in Georgia? A: Periodical cicadas follow 13-year or 17-year emergence schedules determined by accumulated soil warmth. These broods emerge on specific years. Checking local extensions or wildlife resources provides brood information. Q: Do cicadas harm trees? A: Female cicadas lay eggs in tree bark, which may cause minor twig damage or bending. Healthy mature trees recover easily without treatment. Q: Can I collect cicada exoskeletons? A: Yes, collecting shed cicada shells is legal and common. These natural artifacts are popular educational materials found throughout the state, especially on trees near/wildlife/georgia/cicadahabitats.
Plan your cicada sighting in Georgia
2,531 verified cicada records have been logged in Georgia, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Georgia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Pulaski National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Andersonville National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Georgia