Are There Cicadas in New Jersey?
Yes, cicadas are common in New Jersey and found throughout most of the state wherever trees provide suitable habitat. Annual cicadas are present every year in deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and residential areas with mature trees. New Jersey also lies within the range of periodical cicadas.
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
- 1,459
- GBIF records
- August, July, September
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in New Jersey. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,241 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in New Jersey, most often in August, July, September.
When cicada are recorded in New Jersey
Yes, cicadas are common in New Jersey and found throughout most of the state wherever trees provide suitable habitat. Annual cicadas are present every year in deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and residential areas with mature trees. New Jersey also lies within the range of periodical cicadas.
Where in New Jersey Cicadas Are Found
Cicadas are found throughout New Jersey in both forested and suburban areas wherever deciduous or mixed trees are available. Northern New Jersey in the highlands and Ridge and Valley provinces supports abundant cicadas. The central part of the state through the Piedmont region and Coastal Plain has reliable cicada populations. Southern New Jersey, including the Pine Barrens and agricultural regions, hosts cicadas wherever suitable tree habitat exists. The Delaware River valley, which forms the state's western border, provides excellent riparian cicada habitat. The Hudson River valley and tributary systems support populations as well. Coastal regions with oak-dominated forests and mixed hardwoods have cicadas. Urban areas including Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, and Jersey Shore areas with mature trees regularly have cicadas. VisitNew Jersey's wildlife guideto explore what other animals inhabit the state. TheNew Jersey cicada resourceprovides location-specific information about cicada presence.
Season and Timing
Annual cicadas in New Jersey emerge throughout the summer, typically beginning in June and peaking in July and August when daytime temperatures are warmest. Emergence can continue into September in some years. The exact timing depends on soil temperature and moisture conditions, which vary slightly from year to year. Some years produce more cicadas than others depending on how many nymphs developed underground and reached emergence-ready status. New Jersey has been affected by periodical cicada emergences historically, including the famous 13-year and 17-year broods that synchronized emerge by the thousands. The Brood II periodical cicada emerged in New Jersey in 2013 with a dramatic presence. Predictions and tracking websites maintained by entomologists help anticipate possible future periodical emergences. Most New Jersey residents encounter annual cicadas every summer in forested areas. When periodical emergences do occur in the state, they create a striking natural phenomenon. Checkthe national wildlife hubfor broader information about periodical cicada broods and their predicted emergence years.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas in New Jersey are among the most distinctive insects in the state. They are large insects measuring between 1 and 2 inches in body length with a strong, chunky body plan. The head appears disproportionately large and features two large compound eyes that bulge prominently from the sides of the head. Two pairs of transparent wings are held roof-like over the back at rest, creating a distinctive tent-like appearance. The wings are mostly clear but display visible venation patterns. A short, stout piercing mouthpart called a rostrum extends downward and is used to feed on plant xylem. The abdomen is thick and often marked with patterns of dark brown, black, red, or tan depending on the species. Males produce loud buzzing or droning sounds that can exceed 100 decibels through the rapid vibration of specialized abdominal structures called tymbals. Shed nymph skins, called exuviae, are tan or light brown and cling to tree trunks and branches, providing evidence of recent emergence. For more on cicada in New Jersey, see ourNew Jersey cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Jersey
Cicadas in New Jersey concentrate in areas with mature deciduous or mixed forests. The New Jersey Highlands in the north provide excellent habitat with abundant oak, maple, birch, and hickory trees. State forests including Jenny Jump State Forest and High Point State Park support cicadas. The Ridge and Valley region of northwestern New Jersey with its forested slopes and valleys has reliable cicada populations. The Piedmont region through the central part of the state with its hardwood forests regularly produces cicadas. The Palisades along the Hudson River and Tenafly's ravine forests host cicadas. The Delaware Water Gap region has abundant suitable habitat. The Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey, though dominated by pine and oak scrub, support cicadas in areas with taller forest stands. Parks throughout New Jersey including Round Valley Reservoir, Island Beach State Park, and Point Pelee have cicadas during peak season. You can also browseNew Jersey wildlife.
Typical Behavior
New Jersey cicadas follow the standard lifecycle of eastern North American species. Nymphs develop underground in the soil, feeding on xylem sap extracted from tree roots through their piercing mouthparts. The underground development phase lasts between two and five years depending on species and environmental conditions. When soil warms to the proper temperature and moisture reaches optimal levels, nymphs tunnel upward and emerge to the soil surface. Upon reaching the surface, they undergo their final molt and transform into winged adults. Males produce loud sound through rapid vibrations of specialized abdominal tymbals. The sound attracts females and establishes territory. Mating occurs relatively quickly. Females then use a saw-like ovipositor to cut slits into small tree twigs and deposit eggs within the tissue. Eggs hatch as nymphs that immediately burrow into the soil. Cicadas feed exclusively on plant xylem and do not consume leaves or wood. In years with large periodical emergences, tree damage can be significant, but annual cicadas cause minimal harm. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas in New Jersey pose no threat to humans or pets. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are harmless and non-aggressive despite their size and loud sound. Cicadas cannot hurt you. Trees in New Jersey generally tolerate cicadas well, though heavy infestation from periodical emergences can cause twig dieback and branch damage. Mature trees usually recover, while newly planted saplings might suffer more significant damage. Most residential trees in New Jersey are not heavily affected by annual cicada activity. During periodical emergences, some tree owners choose to delay planting or protect saplings with netting. The state has no regulations against cicadas, which are native insects. Cicadas are part of the natural ecosystem and provide food for birds, wasps, and other wildlife. No chemical treatments are necessary for cicadas in New Jersey. Learning to appreciate cicadas as part of summer ecology is recommended.
Common Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Several insects in New Jersey might be mistaken for cicadas by people unfamiliar with them. Robber flies are predatory insects of similar size but have pointed heads, longer legs, and much more agile flight patterns. Grasshoppers are stocky but have powerful hind legs for jumping, longer antennae, and chewing mouthparts rather than the piercing rostrum of cicadas. Crickets are common and make sound by wing rubbing, but they are slenderer with longer antennae. Dragonflies found near water are aquatic-dependent with much different eye placement and wing configuration. Sphinx moths have similar wingspans but are more colorful and fold wings differently. Damselflies are slender insects that hold wings along the body rather than roof-like. In New Jersey's diverse insect fauna, confirming cicada identity is easiest by looking for the distinctive bulging eyes, strong body, and the characteristic loud buzzing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will periodical cicadas emerge in New Jersey? Periodical cicada broods emerge on 13 and 17-year cycles, but specific years for New Jersey are not predictable without consulting current research. Check Cicada Magicicada or university extension services for updates. What time of day are cicadas loudest? Cicadas are most vocal during the hottest hours, typically midday through late afternoon and early evening. They are quieter during cool mornings and nights. How long do cicadas live as adults? Adult cicadas live only a few weeks to a few months, during which they focus on mating and reproduction. Why do cicadas make such loud sounds? Male cicadas produce sound to attract females and establish territory. The volume helps carry the signal across forested landscapes.
Plan your cicada sighting in New Jersey
1,459 verified cicada records have been logged in New Jersey, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Great Egg Harbor River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Morristown National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument · Find hotels
- Gateway National Recreation Area · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in New Jersey