Are There Cicadas in Illinois?
Cicadas are abundant in Illinois and famous for periodical emergence broods that occur every 13 or 17 years. Annual cicadas emerge reliably every summer, while periodical cicadas create major events when their broods synchronously emerge. Both types thrive across Illinois's forests, woodlands, and even urban areas. Illinois has a rich history with periodical cicada broods.
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
- 8,139
- GBIF records
- May, June, August
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Illinois. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
17,093 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Illinois, most often in May, June, August.
When cicada are recorded in Illinois
Cicadas are abundant in Illinois and famous for periodical emergence broods that occur every 13 or 17 years. Annual cicadas emerge reliably every summer, while periodical cicadas create major events when their broods synchronously emerge. Both types thrive across Illinois's forests, woodlands, and even urban areas. Illinois has a rich history with periodical cicada broods.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Illinois
Cicadas occur throughout all of Illinois, from the northern regions near Lake Michigan and Chicago to the southern areas along the Ohio River. The state's diverse habitats support both annual and periodical cicada species. The wooded regions of northern Illinois, including areas around Chicago and the Des Plaines River valley, host strong cicada populations. Central Illinois forests and woodlands surrounding Springfield and the Sangamon River provide excellent habitat. Southern Illinois contains extensive forests in the Shawnee National Forest area and along the Ohio River, supporting diverse cicada species. The Illinois River valley and its associated floodplain forests provide productive cicada habitat throughout the state's midsection. Deciduous forests of oak, hickory, and maple throughout Illinois support cicadas reliably. Urban areas including Chicago, Springfield, and other cities have cicadas in parks and residential yards with mature trees. Visit/wildlife/illinoisto explore the state's diverse wildlife areas.
Season and Timing
In Illinois, annual cicadas typically emerge in mid-to-late summer, usually beginning in June or July and peaking through August and into early September. Annual cicada sounds are a regular part of the Illinois summer soundscape. Periodical cicadas follow strict 13-year or 17-year brood cycles, and when these broods emerge, they create dramatic and conspicuous events. The periodical cicadas of Illinois are particularly famous, with various broods having historical significance. Soil temperature drives emergence timing, and Illinois's warm growing season allows both rapid and reliable cicada cycles. Once emerged, adult cicadas live four to six weeks. The buzzing and calling sounds are most intense from late morning through evening. Peak calling activity occurs during hot summer days. Periodical emergence years in Illinois draw considerable attention from scientists and the public. Learn about specific/wildlife/illinois/cicadaemergence patterns and brood schedules for your region.
How to Identify a Cicada
Illinois cicadas are sturdy insects, typically one to two inches long, with strong bodies and clear or smoky wings held tent-like over their backs. Most species are brown, tan, or black, though some display red or greenish coloring on the body or head. Males produce the loud buzzing, rasping, and vibrating sounds associated with cicadas using drumlike membranes called tymbals on their abdomens. Different species have distinct call patterns. Females lack tymbals and remain silent. Cicada eyes are simple and arranged on the head differently than other insects. Their legs are short and stout, adapted for climbing tree bark. The wings show distinctive vein patterns. Molted exoskeletons are frequently found on trees, fence posts, and buildings during late summer and early fall, appearing as hollow, papery, tan-brown shells about one to two inches long with wings still attached. For more on cicada in Illinois, see ourIllinois cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Illinois
In Illinois, cicadas concentrate in areas with abundant trees and woody vegetation. Oak, hickory, ash, and maple forests throughout the state consistently host cicada populations. The forested regions of the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois provide prime habitat. Riparian forests along the Illinois River, Sangamon River, Rock River, and other waterways support cicada populations. Northern Illinois woodlands and forest remnants around Chicago and the Des Plaines River valley contain active cicada populations. Urban and suburban areas with mature trees, including parks, residential yards, and street trees, frequently experience cicada activity. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and associated wooded areas host cicadas. Wetland edges where trees meet water or marshland create productive zones for different species. Private yards with established oak, ash, maple, or fruit trees often have significant cicada presence in summer. Explore/wildlifeto find Illinois's full range of insects and wildlife.
Typical Cicada Behavior
Cicadas spend the majority of their lives as underground nymphs, typically two to five years depending on species, feeding on sap from tree and shrub roots. Illinois's warm climate and suitable habitat support thriving nymph populations. Once they emerge as adults, cicadas are focused entirely on finding mates and reproducing. Males produce loud buzzing and rasping sounds to attract females for mating. These calls can exceed 80 to 90 decibels in large groups. After mating, females lay eggs by cutting slits in tree bark and twigs using a saw-like ovipositor. Eggs typically hatch in one to three weeks depending on temperature. Adult cicadas feed on plant sap by piercing bark or twigs with needle-like mouthparts. They are weak fliers and spend most time climbing vegetation. Cicadas are attracted to lights at night and may congregate around outdoor lighting. Their presence in Illinois represents successful ecological integration. You can also browseIllinois wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and pose no safety risks in Illinois or anywhere else. They do not bite, sting, or inject venom, and they do not transmit diseases to people or pets. While their sounds can exceed 80 decibels in large groups, this noise is normal and temporary, especially during periodical emergence years. Illinois has no restrictions on native cicadas, which are beneficial insects supporting the food chain and ecosystem. Cicadas provide important nutrition for birds, squirrels, opossums, and other wildlife throughout the state. 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 significant on healthy established trees. If protecting young ornamental or fruit trees is desired, netting or bark sleeves can minimize egg-laying damage. Cicadas should be appreciated as important and natural components of Illinois's summer wildlife. Their presence indicates healthy forests and functioning ecosystems.
Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Cicadas are sometimes confused with grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids because all are insects that produce sounds associated with warm weather and summer evenings in Illinois. 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, leafy wings and produce the recognizable "katy-did" call pattern. Illinois also has cicada killer wasps, large predatory wasps that hunt cicadas. These wasps are entirely different insects and not aggressive toward humans. 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 near tree bases. Learning to distinguish cicadas from these similar insects helps people correctly identify and appreciate them in Illinois's diverse wildlife areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will periodical cicadas emerge in Illinois next? A: Periodical brood schedules are predictable and well documented. Checking extension services or wildlife agencies provides specific emergence years for your county or region. Q: Why are periodical cicada broods so massive? A: Periodical cicadas synchronize their emergence to overwhelm predators through sheer numbers, a strategy called predator satiation. Massive broods ensure many individuals survive to reproduce. Q: Can I distinguish annual from periodical cicadas? A: Yes, periodical cicadas emerge in massive numbers in specific years, while annual cicadas appear reliably every summer in smaller numbers. Appearance and calls differ between types. Q: What should I do during a periodical emergence? A: Simply enjoy the natural phenomenon. Cicadas pose no threat and require no control. Collecting shed exoskeletons or observing them on/wildlife/illinois/cicadaoffers excellent educational opportunities for learning about Illinois's natural history.
Plan your cicada sighting in Illinois
8,139 verified cicada records have been logged in Illinois, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Illinois
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument · Find hotels
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- New Philadelphia National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Pullman National Historical Park · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Illinois