Are There Cicadas in Maine?

Where Cicadas Live in Maine

Cicadas in Maine are found mainly in southern and central regions where deciduous forests and mixed woodlands provide suitable habitat. The most abundant populations occur in areas with oak, maple, and birch trees. The Penobscot River valley in central Maine supports cicada populations. The Kennebec River region hosts cicadas. The western mountains and forests of Maine contain cicada populations, though typically at lower densities than southern New England. Urban areas including Portland, Augusta, and Lewiston have cicadas in parks and residential neighborhoods with mature trees. Rural areas throughout southern and central Maine with farmsteads surrounded by established trees attract cicadas. Northern Maine and the boreal forest regions have cicadas, though in reduced numbers compared to lower elevations and southern regions. Cicadas depend on tree roots during their underground development, so any area with established trees can support small populations. The northern coniferous forests have fewer cicadas than deciduous woodland regions. Seethe Cicada guide for Mainefor more.

Seasonal Emergence in Maine

In Maine, annual cicadas typically emerge in mid-July and continue through August, with peak activity occurring in late July and early August. The cooler climate of Maine limits the cicada season compared to southern states, with activity generally declining by early September. Periodical cicadas follow their own emergence schedule on 13-year or 17-year cycles. When a periodical brood emerges in Maine, which occurs roughly every other year in some part of the state, the phenomenon is notable. The cooler northern climate affects the intensity and duration of cicada choruses compared to warmer regions. The length of the Maine cicada season is shorter than in southern states due to shorter warm months. Nymphs develop underground for years, with longer development times possible in the cooler Maine climate. The warmest parts of summer days produce the most intense cicada sounds. As fall approaches and temperatures cool, cicada activity rapidly declines. Understanding seasonal timing helps you time visits to forests for cicada observation.

Identifying Maine Cicadas

Maine cicadas typically measure between one and a half and two inches in length. Annual cicadas display dark brown or black bodies with transparent wings folded tent-like over their backs. Periodical cicadas, which include the 13-year and 17-year broods found occasionally in Maine, have distinctive features. These include red eyes, black bodies, and red or orange markings on wings. The wing structure provides a reliable identification feature for accurate identification. Cicada wings show prominent veins in a complex pattern creating visible lines across the transparent surfaces. The body is strong and chunky compared to many other insects of similar size. Male cicadas are generally more visible than females because males produce the loud buzzing and whirring sounds used for mating. The sound-producing structures, called timbals, are located on the sides of the abdomen. Female cicadas typically remain quieter and less conspicuous than calling males.

Cicada Concentration Areas in Maine

The highest densities of cicadas in Maine occur in southern regions with more extensive deciduous forest cover. The Penobscot River valley provides excellent habitat and consistent cicada populations. The Kennebec River region in central Maine hosts cicadas. Areas with oak and maple trees attract more cicadas than predominantly coniferous forest regions. Urban parks in Portland, Augusta, and other southern Maine cities host cicadas. Residential neighborhoods with mature trees throughout southern and central Maine support cicada populations. Rural farmsteads surrounded by established trees attract cicadas. Northern Maine and the boreal forest regions have fewer cicadas than southern areas. State parks and wildlife management areas with deciduous or mixed forests attract cicadas. The cooler climate of Maine generally supports lower cicada densities than more southern regions. ConsultingMaine wildlife resourcesprovides specific local information about nearby cicada activity andwildlifeobservations.

Cicada Feeding and Behavior

Cicadas are herbivores that feed exclusively on plant sap using needle-like mouthparts to pierce plant tissues. Both adult cicadas and their underground nymphs obtain nutrition this way. For most of their lives, cicadas develop underground as nymphs, gradually growing through multiple molts over 2 to 17 years depending on species. During this underground phase, nymphs feed on fluids extracted from tree roots. When environmental conditions trigger emergence, nymphs tunnel to the surface and shed their final exoskeleton as adults. Adult cicadas live for only three to four weeks after emerging. During this brief time, they feed, seek mates, reproduce, and die. Males create sound by rapidly vibrating specialized timbals on their abdomens. The sound serves to attract females. Females recognize and move toward male calls. After mating, females cut small slits in tree bark and deposit eggs. These eggs hatch into nymphs that burrow underground to begin their long development.

Living With Cicadas in Maine

Cicadas are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite, sting, or attack anything. They cause no pain or injury. The buzzing and humming sounds, while noticeable, represent purely natural mating behavior. Cicadas occasionally lay eggs in small branches of young trees, causing minor twig damage, but this rarely affects tree health significantly. Established trees easily recover from such minor damage. Young or newly planted trees can be protected with netting during peak emergence if you wish to prevent branch damage. Cicadas provide ecological benefits by serving as food for birds, spiders, wasps, and other animals. Their presence indicates a healthy environment with established trees. The shorter Maine cicada season means that the insect chorus is a more limited seasonal phenomenon compared to southern regions. Many people enjoy the brief cicada chorus as a natural late summer soundtrack. There are no health risks or safety precautions needed beyond appreciating these insects from a distance. Cicadas are a part ofMainesummer wildlife.

Insects That Resemble Cicadas

Several insects in Maine can be confused with cicadas. Grasshoppers are similar in size but have different body proportions and powerful hind legs built for jumping. Crickets produce sounds but have distinct body shapes and markings different from cicadas. Cicada killers are large wasps that hunt cicadas for food and are sometimes confused with cicadas themselves, though they are predatory insects. Katydids produce high-pitched calls and resemble grasshoppers more than cicadas. The whirring sound of spinning maple or ash seeds can be mistaken for cicada calls. The strong body shape, transparent wings with complex venation patterns, and distinctive loud buzzing help distinguish true cicadas from lookalikes. Field guides to Maine insects and recorded sound samples provide excellent identification tools. Learning these distinctions helps you accurately identifyMaine's insect diversity.

Common Questions About Maine Cicadas

Why do cicadas make such loud buzzing sounds? Male cicadas produce sound using specialized structures called timbals located on their abdomens. Rapid contractions of these timbals vibrate to create the characteristic buzzing and humming calls that reach volumes of up to 90 decibels.

How long do adult cicadas live? Adult cicadas live for approximately three to four weeks after emerging from underground. During this brief time, they feed, call, mate, and reproduce. The vast majority of the life cycle occurs underground during the nymph stage.

When should I listen for cicadas in Maine? Annual cicadas typically produce choruses from mid-July through August, with peak activity in late July. The cooler Maine climate limits the season compared to southern states. Periodical broods follow their own 13-year or 17-year cycles.

Do cicadas cause damage to Maine trees? Cicadas do not eat leaves and cause only minor damage from egg-laying. Established trees easily recover from minor twig damage. Young trees can be protected with netting during peak emergence if desired.