Are There Cicadas in Nebraska?
Yes, cicadas are found throughout Nebraska, with both annual and occasional periodical species occurring in the state. Annual cicadas are present every year in suitable habitats, especially in eastern and central Nebraska where trees are more abundant. Nebraska sits within the range where periodical cicadas have emerged historically, though their appearance is sporadic and not predictable year to year.
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
- 664
- GBIF records
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Nebraska. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,400 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Nebraska, most often in August, July, September.
When cicada are recorded in Nebraska
Yes, cicadas are found throughout Nebraska, with both annual and occasional periodical species occurring in the state. Annual cicadas are present every year in suitable habitats, especially in eastern and central Nebraska where trees are more abundant. Nebraska sits within the range where periodical cicadas have emerged historically, though their appearance is sporadic and not predictable year to year.
Where in Nebraska Cicadas Are Found
Cicadas in Nebraska are most common in the eastern counties where deciduous forests and riparian corridors provide abundant host trees. The eastern Missouri River floodplain and tributaries like the Platte River support regular cicada populations. Wooded areas around the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska occasionally host them as well. South-central counties including the areas around Medicine Creek and the Republican River drainage support cicada activity. Western and northwestern Nebraska, dominated by grasslands and short-grass prairie, has fewer trees and correspondingly fewer cicadas, though scattered populations can occur in tree-lined creek valleys. Urban and suburban areas in Omaha and Lincoln have cicadas if adequate trees are present for the insects to complete their lifecycles. VisitNebraska's wildlife guidefor details about other animals found statewide. TheNebraska cicada resourceoffers state-specific information.
Season and Timing
Annual cicadas in Nebraska emerge throughout the summer months, with peak activity occurring in July and August when temperatures are highest and tree sap flows most actively. Individual emergence events can span several weeks as soil temperature and moisture conditions favor nymphs working their way to the surface. Some years produce more cicadas than others depending on weather patterns and how many nymphs are ready to emerge from the previous cycle. Periodical cicadas, famous for their synchronized mass emergences, have occurred in Nebraska historically. The state is within or near the range of several periodical brood cycles, though their appearances are irregular and cannot be reliably predicted. When periodical cicadas do emerge in Nebraska, the event is dramatic, with thousands of insects emerging simultaneously and creating intense choruses. Monitoring predictions from entomologists can help you anticipate possible periodical emergences. Checkthe national wildlife hubfor broader regional information about cicada cycles.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas are among the most distinctive insects in Nebraska. They are large, strong insects measuring between 1 and 2 inches in length with a stout, squat body. The head appears oversized and features bulging compound eyes positioned on the sides, giving them a distinctive, somewhat alien appearance. Two pairs of membranous wings are held roof-like over the back at rest, creating a tent-like profile. The wings are mostly transparent with visible veining. A short, stout piercing mouthpart called a rostrum protrudes downward from the head and is used to feed on plant sap. The abdomen is chunky and often marked with dark brown or black patterns, sometimes with reddish accents. Males produce loud buzzing or droning sounds through specialized abdominal structures called tymbals. Shed nymph skins, called exuviae, cling to tree trunks and are a reliable sign of recent cicada emergence. For more on cicada in Nebraska, see ourNebraska cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Nebraska
Cicadas concentrate in Nebraska wherever deciduous or mixed forests provide suitable habitat. The eastern hardwood forests near the Iowa border have reliable populations. Along the Platte River from Kearney eastward to the Missouri River, tree-lined corridors support cicadas. The Niobrara River valley in Cherry and Brown counties and south through the Sandhills offers pockets of cicada habitat. Riparian forests along the Republican River in the southern counties host them. Parks and green spaces with mature trees in Lincoln, Omaha, and other towns often have cicadas during peak season. Grassland-dominated counties in the western panhandle are less likely to have cicadas unless trees line creek beds. During peak summer heat in July and August, cicadas in these areas become most vocal and visible. You can also browseNebraska wildlife.
Typical Behavior
Nebraska cicadas follow the typical annual or periodical lifecycle depending on species. Nymphs live underground in the soil, feeding on xylem fluid from tree roots over a period of one to five years depending on species and environmental conditions. When soil temperature and moisture reach optimal levels, nymphs tunnel upward to the surface and molt into winged adults. Males use specialized abdominal tymbals to produce loud buzzing or droning sounds that can exceed 100 decibels in some species. The sound attracts females and serves as territorial advertisement. Females respond by clicking their wings. Mating occurs quickly, and females then insert eggs into small slits on tree branches using a saw-like ovipositor. The cycle repeats as new nymphs hatch and burrow into soil. Cicadas feed only on plant xylem and do not consume leaves or wood. Damage to trees from Nebraska cicadas is typically minimal except during periodic mass emergences. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas in Nebraska are completely harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. Despite their large size and loud sounds, they are entirely non-aggressive. Cicadas cannot harm you. Trees in Nebraska suffer little damage from cicada feeding in most years. During periodic emergences when thousands of cicadas emerge simultaneously, egg-laying on small tree branches can cause twig dieback, but trees recover quickly. Mature trees are not significantly affected. Nebraska residents should view cicadas as part of the natural ecosystem. They provide food for birds and other wildlife. No special precautions or treatments are necessary to deal with cicadas in the state. They are native insects that have been present for thousands of years. If cicadas are unexpected or their sound is unfamiliar, simply observing them is educational and interesting. Children and naturalists often enjoy listening for and observing cicadas during summer.
Common Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Several insects in Nebraska are mistaken for cicadas by those unfamiliar with them. Robber flies are predatory insects of similar size with pointed heads and aggressive posture, but they have longer legs and faster, more agile flight. Grasshoppers are stocky insects but have powerful back legs built for jumping, longer antennae, and chewing mouthparts instead of the piercing rostrum of cicadas. Crickets are brown or black, have long antennae, and make sound by rubbing wings together rather than using abdominal tymbals. Dragonflies are aquatic-dependent, have much larger compound eyes, and hold their wings differently. Sphinx moths have similar wingspans but are much more colorful and hold wings roof-like when at rest in a different orientation. Damselflies are slimmer-bodied and hold wings along the body axis. In Nebraska, confirming cicada identity is easiest by noting the bulging eyes, strong body, and distinctive buzzing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day are cicadas most active in Nebraska? Cicadas are most active and vocal during the hottest parts of the day, typically midday through late afternoon and early evening. They are quieter or silent during cool mornings and nights. How can I find cicadas in Nebraska? Listen for their buzzing or droning sounds in wooded areas during July and August. Look on tree trunks for shed nymph skins, which are tan or brown and cling to bark. Do cicadas damage crops in Nebraska? Most annual cicadas cause negligible damage to crop plants. Periodical cicada emergences can affect orchards and young tree plantings, but damage is usually temporary. Why is the sound so loud? Males produce their sound to attract females and establish territory. The sound can exceed 100 decibels, making cicadas among the loudest insects in Nebraska.
Plan your cicada sighting in Nebraska
664 verified cicada records have been logged in Nebraska, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Nebraska
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Homestead National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Missouri National Recreational River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Niobrara National Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Nebraska