Are There Cicadas in Montana?
Cicadas are present in Montana, but they are uncommon in most of the state and limited mainly to lower elevations, river valleys, and the southwestern corner. The annual cicada species that do occur here are quieter and less conspicuous than their relatives in eastern states. They prefer warmer microclimates and are most often found near forested areas along major waterways.
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
- 163
- GBIF records
- June, July, May
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Montana. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
407 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Montana, most often in June, July, May.
When cicada are recorded in Montana
Cicadas are present in Montana, but they are uncommon in most of the state and limited mainly to lower elevations, river valleys, and the southwestern corner. The annual cicada species that do occur here are quieter and less conspicuous than their relatives in eastern states. They prefer warmer microclimates and are most often found near forested areas along major waterways.
Where in Montana Cicadas Are Found
Cicadas in Montana are restricted to warmer, lower elevation areas where they can find suitable host trees. The Clark Fork River valley and lower Flathead River regions of western Montana support small populations, particularly around Missoula and the areas south toward Hamilton. The Yellowstone River drainage in south-central Montana occasionally hosts cicadas as well, especially in canyon bottoms where temperatures remain mild. The state's extensive high elevation terrain, mountain passes, and northern latitude all work against cicada establishment. Unlike eastern states where cicadas thrive in varied habitats, Montana's cooler climate and shorter growing season limit where these insects can complete their life cycles. Visitour Montana wildlife guideto learn about other insects and animals in the state. Thecicada pages for Montanaprovide detailed local sighting information.
Season and Timing
Annual cicadas that occur in Montana typically emerge in late summer, usually beginning in July and continuing through August and into September. Their activity peaks during the warmest part of the year when tree sap flows most actively. Unlike the famous periodical cicadas of eastern states that synchronize emergence by the thousands in 13 and 17 year cycles, Montana's annual species are solitary and scattered. Each year produces individuals of various ages, so sightings are sporadic and unpredictable. The timing of emergence depends heavily on local temperature conditions. A particularly warm summer may bring more cicadas into areas where they can survive, while a cool year might see very few. Checkthe national wildlife resourcefor information about cicada cycles in regions where they are more abundant and predictable.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas are large insects with distinctive features that make them recognizable once you know what to look for. They have strong, squat bodies ranging from about 1 to 2 inches in length, with two pairs of long, transparent wings held roof-like over their backs. The head appears disproportionately large with prominent bulging eyes positioned on the sides, and they have a short, stout beak used for piercing plant tissue and feeding on sap. The abdomen is chunky and often marked with patterns of brown, black, or reddish coloration depending on species. Most striking is their behavior: adult males produce loud buzzing or droning sounds that can exceed 100 decibels, though Montana's species are quieter. Wings make a distinctive whirring sound during flight. Shed nymph skins, called exuviae, are found clinging to tree trunks and branches and offer proof of recent emergence. For more on cicada in Montana, see ourMontana cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Montana
When cicadas do appear in Montana, they concentrate in riparian forests and mixed conifer stands with abundant aspen and cottonwood trees. The lower reaches of river valleys provide the warm microclimates necessary for survival. Along the Blackfoot River southeast of Missoula and in the Bitterroot Valley near Hamilton, explorers and naturalists have documented cicada presence. Canyon bottoms of the Jefferson River and Madison River systems in southwest Montana occasionally host them. Grasslands and higher elevation forests are unsuitable. State parks like Flathead Lake and the areas around Fort Peck Lake in northeastern Montana lack the warm season conditions cicadas need. Homeowners and hikers in forested valleys might encounter cicadas by listening for their sounds during peak summer heat and looking for exuviae on lower tree trunks. You can also browseMontana wildlife.
Typical Behavior
Montana cicadas follow the standard lifecycle of annual species across North America. Nymphs spend years underground in soil, feeding on sap from tree roots before finally emerging as adults. When soil warms to the right temperature, usually after a season's growth, nymphs tunnel upward and molt into winged adults. Males produce sound through rapid abdominal vibrations of tymbals, which are specialized drum-like structures. The sound serves to attract females and establish territory. In Montana's cooler climate, this period of activity is brief. Females lay eggs in slits cut into small tree branches, and the cycle repeats. Because Montana's growing season is short, nymphs often take multiple years to develop, and not all reach adulthood in the same year. The insects feed exclusively on plant xylem fluid, causing minimal damage to trees. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas in Montana pose no health or safety risks to humans. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are not aggressive and will not attack. Homeowners should know that cicadas are harmless to people and pets, though the sound may be surprising to those unfamiliar with them. In Montana, they are so uncommon that most residents never encounter them. Trees suffer negligible damage from cicada feeding in the state, though in areas with large populations concentrated on young saplings, some twig dieback can occur. Montana has no special laws protecting or regulating cicadas. They are considered native beneficial insects that are part of the natural ecosystem. The few nymphs that emerge in any given year pose no threat to agriculture or forestry. Learning to recognize their sound and appearance helps naturalists appreciate this part of Montana's biodiversity.
Common Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Cicadas are occasionally mistaken for other large insects found in Montana. Robber flies are similar in size and predatory nature, but they have pointed heads, long legs, and faster flight patterns. Grasshoppers are stocky but have strong back legs built for jumping and antennae, while cicadas have short antennae and weak legs. Crane flies can seem cicada-like due to their long legs and wings, but they are much more delicate and lack the strong body and prominent eyes of cicadas. Sphinx moths have similar wingspans but hold wings differently and are much more colorful. Dragonflies are aquatic-dependent and have larger compound eyes and different wing arrangements. Damselflies are slimmer and hold wings along their body. In Montana, confusion is less likely because cicadas are so uncommon that most residents simply never see them. Learning the distinctive bulging eyes and roof-like wing position helps confirm identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do cicadas eat? Cicadas feed exclusively on plant sap, using a tube-like mouthpart to pierce the xylem tissue of trees and shrubs. They cause minimal damage compared to other sap-feeding insects and do not eat wood or leaves. Are Montana cicadas dangerous to humans? No. Cicadas do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to people or pets. They are entirely harmless. When will I hear cicadas in Montana? Cicada sounds in Montana are rare. If they are present in your area, you might hear them on hot July or August evenings in river valleys. They produce buzzing or droning sounds. How long do cicadas live? Adult cicadas live only a few weeks to a few months, during which they focus on mating. Nymphs can spend two to five years developing underground before emerging as adults.
Plan your cicada sighting in Montana
163 verified cicada records have been logged in Montana, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Montana