Are There Cicadas in New Hampshire?
Yes, cicadas are found in New Hampshire, mainly in the southern and central portions of the state where deciduous forests provide suitable habitat. Annual cicadas occur regularly in suitable areas, and the state lies within the historical range of periodical cicadas, though their emergence is unpredictable.
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
- 6
- species recorded
- 78
- GBIF records
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in New Hampshire. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
552 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in New Hampshire, most often in August, July, September.
When cicada are recorded in New Hampshire
Yes, cicadas are found in New Hampshire, mainly in the southern and central portions of the state where deciduous forests provide suitable habitat. Annual cicadas occur regularly in suitable areas, and the state lies within the historical range of periodical cicadas, though their emergence is unpredictable.
Where in New Hampshire Cicadas Are Found
Cicadas in New Hampshire are most common in the southern half of the state where deciduous forests and mixed hardwoods are abundant. The Connecticut River valley supports cicada populations, as do the foothills and lower elevations of the White Mountains. Areas around Manchester, Nashua, and the Merrimack River drainage have regular cicada activity. The Concord area and central New Hampshire forests host cicadas as well. The Monadnock region in the southwestern part of the state is suitable cicada habitat. Northern New Hampshire's higher elevations, boreal forests, and the alpine zones of the White Mountains are too cold and too short in growing season for cicadas to establish reliably. The lakes region around Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake has good cicada habitat due to the mix of deciduous trees and moderate elevation. VisitNew Hampshire's wildlife guideto learn about other animals found throughout the state. TheNew Hampshire cicada resourceoffers detailed local information.
Season and Timing
Annual cicadas in New Hampshire emerge throughout the summer, with peak activity occurring in July and August when daytime temperatures are warmest and tree sap flows most abundantly. Emergence can span several weeks as nymphs reach the soil surface at different times. Some summers produce more cicadas than others depending on weather patterns and how many nymphs are ready to metamorphose. New Hampshire is within the historical range of periodical cicada broods, though specific broods and their timing are not well documented for the state. Periodical emergence events in New Hampshire have been recorded historically, but they are unpredictable and cannot be reliably anticipated. When periodical cicadas do emerge, they often draw attention because of their numbers and the dramatic sound. Consulting predictions from entomologists or the Cicada Magicicada website can help anticipate possible periodical emergences. Most New Hampshire residents encounter only annual cicadas during typical summers. Checkthe national wildlife resourcefor broader regional information about cicada cycles.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas in New Hampshire are distinctive insects that are difficult to mistake once you learn their key features. They are large insects measuring between 1 and 2 inches in body length with a strong, chunky appearance. The head appears oversized relative to the body and features two large, prominent compound eyes that bulge outward from the sides of the head. Two pairs of transparent wings are held roof-like over the back at rest, creating a tent-like profile. The wings are largely clear but show visible veining patterns. A short, stout piercing mouthpart called a rostrum extends downward and is used to pierce plant tissue and access xylem sap. The abdomen is thick and often patterned with dark brown, black, or reddish colors, sometimes with tan or pale markings. Males produce loud buzzing or droning sounds through specialized abdominal structures called tymbals. Shed nymph skins, or exuviae, are tan or brown and cling to tree trunks and branches. For more on cicada in New Hampshire, see ourNew Hampshire cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Hampshire
Cicadas in New Hampshire concentrate in areas with abundant deciduous or mixed forests, particularly oak, maple, hickory, and birch stands. The Connecticut River valley's riparian corridors support reliable populations. The foothills of the White Mountains, particularly the southwestern flank where elevation and temperature remain moderate, are good cicada habitat. State parks with mature forest, including Bear Brook State Park, Pillsbury State Park, and Wadleigh State Park, often host cicadas during peak season. The Merrimack River valley and surrounding woodlands in central New Hampshire regularly produce cicadas. The Monadnock region provides consistent habitat. Urban and suburban areas in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord with mature trees often have cicadas. The northern mountain zones above 3,000 feet elevation and the extensive boreal forests of northern New Hampshire are less suitable for cicadas due to cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons. You can also browseNew Hampshire wildlife.
Typical Behavior
New Hampshire cicadas follow the standard annual lifecycle of eastern North American species. Nymphs develop underground in the soil for two to five years, feeding on xylem sap extracted from tree roots through their piercing mouthparts. When soil temperature and moisture reach optimal conditions, nymphs tunnel toward the surface and emerge to molt into winged adults. Males produce loud buzzing or droning sounds by rapidly vibrating specialized abdominal structures called tymbals. The sound serves to attract females and establish and maintain territory. Females respond to male calls with their own signals. Mating occurs relatively quickly, and females then use a saw-like ovipositor to cut slits into small tree twigs and deposit eggs within. The eggs hatch as tiny nymphs that immediately burrow into the soil to begin the underground development phase. Cicadas feed exclusively on plant xylem fluid and do not consume leaves or woody tissue. Damage to trees from cicadas is typically minimal in New Hampshire, though heavy infestations can cause some twig dieback. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas in New Hampshire are completely harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite, sting, or inject venom. They do not carry or transmit diseases to people or animals. The loud sound they produce can be surprising to those unfamiliar with cicadas, but it is not dangerous. Cicadas cannot harm you. Trees in New Hampshire tolerate cicadas well. Most damage from cicada egg-laying is cosmetic and affects only small twigs on the outer canopy. Trees recover quickly from any dieback. Newly planted saplings might suffer more significant damage if colonized by many cicadas, but this is uncommon. The mature forest composition in New Hampshire generally resists cicada damage. Cicadas are native insects that have been present in the state for thousands of years. They are part of the natural ecosystem and provide food for birds, wasps, and other wildlife. No chemical treatments or control measures are necessary or recommended for cicadas in New Hampshire.
Common Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Several insects in New Hampshire might be mistaken for cicadas by those unfamiliar with them. Robber flies are predatory insects of similar size that have pointed heads and aggressive hunting behavior, but they have much longer legs and lack the bulging eyes and roof-like wings of cicadas. Grasshoppers are stocky insects but have powerful hind legs built for jumping, longer antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Crickets are common in New Hampshire and make sound by rubbing wings together, but they are more slender and have long antennae. Dragonflies found near water are aquatic-dependent insects with much larger compound eyes and different wing arrangements. Sphinx moths have similar wingspans but are much more colorful and fold their wings differently. Damselflies are slender insects that hold wings along the body axis rather than roof-like. In New Hampshire, confirming cicada identity is easiest by observing the distinctive bulging eyes, strong body, and the characteristic buzzing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day are cicadas loudest in New Hampshire? Cicadas are most active and vocal during the hottest parts of the day, typically from midday through late afternoon and early evening. They are quieter during cooler mornings and nights. How can I find cicadas in New Hampshire? Listen for buzzing or droning sounds in wooded areas during July and August, especially during the heat of the day. Look for shed nymph skins on tree trunks in riparian forests and oak-hickory stands. Do New Hampshire cicadas cause significant tree damage? Typically no. Most damage is minor twig dieback from egg-laying. Mature trees recover quickly. Young saplings can suffer more if heavily colonized, but this is uncommon. Why do some years have more cicadas than others? Cicada numbers depend on how many nymphs were ready to emerge that year and whether weather conditions were favorable for emergence.
Plan your cicada sighting in New Hampshire
78 verified cicada records have been logged in New Hampshire, most recently in 2025. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in New Hampshire