Are There Cicadas in Minnesota?
Yes, cicadas are present and established throughout Minnesota, particularly across the southern and central regions where they emerge during hot summer months. Annual cicadas occur reliably each year, and periodical cicadas have emerged in Minnesota during recent cycles. Residents in areas south of the Twin Cities and across central Minnesota regularly encounter these insects.
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
- 683
- GBIF records
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Minnesota. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,556 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Minnesota, most often in August, July, September.
When cicada are recorded in Minnesota
Yes, cicadas are present and established throughout Minnesota, particularly across the southern and central regions where they emerge during hot summer months. Annual cicadas occur reliably each year, and periodical cicadas have emerged in Minnesota during recent cycles. Residents in areas south of the Twin Cities and across central Minnesota regularly encounter these insects.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Minnesota
Cicadas are found across central and southern Minnesota, with their range extending further north than in some colder states due to their adaptation to warming summer conditions. They thrive in deciduous and mixed forests along the Mississippi River valley, particularly in the southeastern region of the state. The Minnesota River valley supports cicada populations in hardwood forests and wooded bluffs. Areas around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul host significant cicada populations in residential neighborhoods and parks with mature trees. Cicadas extend northward through central Minnesota into regions around St. Cloud and the transition zones where deciduous forests give way to coniferous woodland. Lake Superior shorelines in northeastern Minnesota have cicada populations in coastal forests. Explore theMinnesota wildlife huband ourcicada guideto learn more about state wildlife.
Seasonal Timing and Activity in Minnesota
Annual cicadas in Minnesota typically emerge from early June through late August, with peak activity concentrated in July and early August when temperatures reach their highest levels. Periodical cicadas follow their unique brood emergence schedules and have appeared in Minnesota during recent cycles, creating intense buzzing choruses. Calls are loudest during the warmest parts of the day and extend into evening hours. Before emergence, Minnesota nymphs spend years underground in the soil, feeding on tree root sap throughout their development. Once adults emerge, they climb onto trees and shrubs, shed their final nymphal skin, and begin their brief four to six week above-ground phase. Males begin calling within hours of emergence to attract females. The entire reproductive cycle accelerates during the hottest summer days when metabolism peaks. For more on cicada in Minnesota, see ourMinnesota cicada guide.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas in Minnesota are among the larger insects, typically measuring 1 to 2 inches in length with strong cylindrical bodies. Most Minnesota species display black or brown coloring with translucent wings held tent-like over the abdomen. Many species have reddish or orange patches visible on wing undersides or the upper abdomen regions. Cicadas have large compound eyes positioned on the sides of their heads and sturdy legs designed for gripping tree bark. The specialized sound-producing organs called tymbals are located on the sides of the abdomen in males and produce the loud buzzing calls. Females lack these sound-producing structures and are silent. The piercing mouthparts are adapted for drawing plant sap and point downward from the body. You can also browseMinnesota wildlife.
Where Cicadas Concentrate in Minnesota
Cicadas concentrate most heavily in Minnesota where mature trees are abundant, particularly oak, ash, and maple species that they prefer for feeding and egg-laying. Tree-lined neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and suburban areas support dense summer populations. Older residential areas with established shade trees attract significant numbers of cicadas. Parks along the Mississippi River valley and Minnesota River valley support concentrated populations during emergence season. State parks and natural areas with extensive tree cover host abundant cicadas. Residential gardens and yards with large native trees provide concentrated feeding and breeding sites. Forested bluffs in southeastern Minnesota support important populations. The older and more mature the tree canopy in any Minnesota location, the more likely cicadas will be abundant. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Typical Cicada Behavior and Diet
Cicadas are herbivorous insects that feed exclusively on plant sap drawn from trees through their specialized piercing mouthparts. Adult cicadas in Minnesota immediately begin feeding on tree sap upon emergence and search actively for mates. Males produce loud buzzing calls by vibrating specialized abdominal structures called tymbals, creating some of the loudest insect sounds in nature. These calls serve the primary function of attracting females for mating. Females locate calling males, mate, and then use specialized ovipositors to cut precise slits into tree twigs where they deposit eggs. Eggs hatch within a few weeks and the nymphs burrow into Minnesota soil to begin their extended underground development. Nymphs spend years feeding on root sap from nearby trees before eventually emerging as adults. This underground phase comprises the majority of the cicada life cycle. OurMinnesota wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Safety and Coexistence in Minnesota
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and pose no threat whatsoever to people or pets in Minnesota. They cannot bite or sting under any circumstances and carry no diseases. The loud noise they produce during summer is purely their natural reproductive behavior. Some Minnesota residents enjoy the cicada sounds as part of the natural summer soundscape, while others may find it loud. Trees occasionally suffer minor cosmetic damage when female cicadas lay eggs in twigs, but this rarely causes serious harm to established trees. Minnesota trees recover quickly from the small slits created during egg-laying. Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife rely on cicadas as an important summer food source. Respecting cicadas as part of Minnesota's natural ecosystem enhances outdoor experiences. If cicada noise bothers you, spending time indoors or away from wooded areas provides relief.
Species Commonly Confused with Cicadas
Several insects in Minnesota are frequently mistaken for cicadas. Katydids or bush crickets produce loud calls but have green leaf-like wings and smaller bodies. Grasshoppers are more compact with shorter antennae and shorter lifespans. Tree crickets produce trilling sounds but are much more delicate insects. Leafhoppers are considerably smaller and lack the strong body structure of cicadas. Ground crickets produce different sounds in fall. The most reliable way to identify a Minnesota cicada is by its large cylindrical body, prominent compound eyes, translucent wings, and the distinctive loud buzzing call heard during daylight hours. If you find a large insect clinging to a tree trunk and hear intense buzzing sounds, it is almost certainly a cicada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Minnesota cicadas make such loud sounds each summer? A: Male cicadas produce loud buzzing calls to attract females for mating. This sound is their reproductive strategy and poses no danger to people. Q: Can cicadas bite, sting, or harm me or my pets? A: Cicadas cannot bite or sting and are completely harmless. They carry no diseases and will not bother you unless you handle them. Q: How long do cicada nymphs stay underground in Minnesota soil? A: Annual cicadas spend one or two years underground, while periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years depending on their brood. The underground phase is crucial for development. Q: Will cicadas cause serious damage to my Minnesota trees? A: Cicada damage is usually minor. Egg-laying creates small slits in twigs but rarely harms tree health. Established trees recover quickly from this damage.
Plan your cicada sighting in Minnesota
683 verified cicada records have been logged in Minnesota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Pipestone National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Voyageurs National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Minnesota