Are There Cicadas in New Mexico?
Yes, cicadas are found in parts of New Mexico, particularly in the southern and central portions of the state where trees are more abundant and water is available. They are most common in riparian corridors, canyon systems, and forested mountain regions.
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
- 2,108
- GBIF records
- June, May, July
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in New Mexico. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,894 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in New Mexico, most often in June, May, July.
When cicada are recorded in New Mexico
Yes, cicadas are found in parts of New Mexico, particularly in the southern and central portions of the state where trees are more abundant and water is available. They are most common in riparian corridors, canyon systems, and forested mountain regions.
Where in New Mexico Cicadas Are Found
Cicadas in New Mexico are restricted to areas where adequate tree cover and moisture combine to create suitable habitat. The Rio Grande valley from Albuquerque southward to Las Cruces provides riparian corridor habitat for cicadas. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in Socorro County has suitable cicada habitat with cottonwood and willow stands. The Gila River valley in southwestern New Mexico near Silver City and Glenwood supports cicadas in its riparian forests. The Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico, particularly areas around Alamogordo and Cloudcroft, provide cooler forest habitat for cicadas. The Jemez Mountains northwest of Santa Fe have elevation-based forest habitat suitable for cicadas. The Raton area in the northern mountains has potential cicada habitat. Central and northern New Mexico's high desert plateaus, the vast grasslands of the eastern plains, and the arid Great Basin country in the northwest lack sufficient tree cover for cicadas. VisitNew Mexico's wildlife guideto learn about other animals throughout the state. TheNew Mexico cicada resourceoffers specific regional information.
Season and Timing
Cicadas in New Mexico, when present, emerge during the warmest months, typically late June through August. The exact timing depends on soil temperature and moisture conditions, which are variable and unpredictable in the arid southwest. Some years produce cicada activity while others may see no emergence at all if conditions are unfavorable. Nymphs develop underground over two to five years, and not all reach adulthood in the same season. When emergence does occur in New Mexico, it is generally limited in scope compared to emergences in more humid regions. The insects are scattered and rarely form the massive choruses associated with eastern states. Periodical cicadas are not documented from New Mexico, and the state receives no coverage in periodical brood predictions. New Mexico residents who encounter cicadas are most likely to hear them in riparian areas, canyon bottoms, and mountain valleys during the peak heat of summer. Moisture availability is the limiting factor for cicada presence in the state. Checkthe national wildlife hubfor broader information about cicada presence in regions with more reliable tree cover and moisture.
How to Identify a Cicada
Cicadas in New Mexico display the same distinctive features as their relatives throughout the United States. They are large insects measuring about 1 to 2 inches in body length with a strong, chunky body form. The head appears oversized relative to the body and features two prominent compound eyes that bulge outward from the sides. Two pairs of transparent wings are held roof-like over the back at rest, creating a tent-like silhouette. The wings are mostly clear with visible veining. A short, stout piercing mouthpart extends downward and is used to access plant xylem sap. The abdomen is thick and chunky, often marked with dark brown or black patterns, sometimes with reddish or tan accents depending on species. Males produce buzzing or droning sounds through specialized abdominal structures called tymbals, though some species and individuals may be quieter than others. Shed nymph skins, called exuviae, are tan or light brown and cling to tree trunks, providing signs of recent emergence. For more on cicada in New Mexico, see ourNew Mexico cicada guide.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Mexico
Cicadas in New Mexico concentrate in riparian corridors where trees follow waterways through otherwise dry landscapes. The Rio Grande bosque between Albuquerque and Las Cruces provides the most reliable habitat. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has extensive cottonwood and willow forests suitable for cicadas. The Gila River drainage in Grant County with its mix of cottonwoods and deciduous riparian vegetation supports populations. Canyon bottoms in the Gila Wilderness provide suitable conditions. The Sacramento Mountains forested slopes, particularly on the eastern face where moisture is slightly more available, have potential for cicadas. The Jemez River valley north of Santa Fe has suitable habitat. High elevation forest stands in the Raton-Springer area of the far north provide conditions for cicadas. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains east of Santa Fe have limited but possible habitat. Sightings throughout New Mexico remain uncommon due to the state's generally arid climate. You can also browseNew Mexico wildlife.
Typical Behavior
New Mexico cicadas follow the standard annual lifecycle of western North American species. Nymphs develop underground in the soil, feeding on xylem sap extracted from tree roots. The underground development phase typically lasts two to five years depending on species and environmental conditions. When soil temperature and moisture reach appropriate levels, usually after sufficient spring warming and moisture from winter precipitation or summer monsoon rains, nymphs tunnel upward and molt into winged adults. Males produce sound through rapid vibrations of specialized abdominal tymbals. The sound attracts females and establishes territory. Mating follows, and females use a saw-like ovipositor to deposit eggs in small tree twigs. Eggs hatch as nymphs that burrow into soil. Cicadas feed exclusively on plant xylem and do not consume leaves or woody material. In New Mexico's arid environment, damage to trees from cicada feeding is minimal, and most trees tolerate any cicada activity well. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas in New Mexico are completely harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are non-aggressive and pose no threat. Cicadas cannot hurt you. Trees in New Mexico tolerate cicadas well because infestations remain small and scattered. The arid climate prevents the massive emergences that can cause significant damage in eastern and midwestern states. Newly planted shade trees in urban areas can occasionally support cicadas if maintained with irrigation, but damage is generally minimal. The state has no regulations regarding cicadas, which are native insects. Cicadas are part of New Mexico's natural ecosystem, though their presence is limited. No chemical treatments or control measures are necessary or recommended. Learning to identify and appreciate the insects present in New Mexico's diverse landscapes contributes to ecological understanding and stewardship. Sightings of cicadas in the state are interesting natural observations.
Common Species People Confuse with Cicadas
Cicadas are unlikely to be frequently confused with other insects in New Mexico due to their relative rarity and the different insect fauna adapted to desert conditions. Robber flies are predatory insects sometimes mistaken for cicadas due to size, but they have pointed heads, longer legs, and more agile flight. Grasshoppers are common throughout New Mexico but have powerful hind legs built for jumping, longer antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Desert locusts are gregarious grasshoppers that can swarm, but they lack the distinctive bulging eyes and roof-like wings of cicadas. Sphinx moths have similar wing areas but are more colorful and hold wings differently. Dragonflies found near water are aquatic-dependent with different eye positions and wing arrangements. Damselflies are slender insects that hold wings along the body. In New Mexico's desert environments, true cicadas are distinctive enough that identification is relatively straightforward if one is encountered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cicadas less common in New Mexico than in eastern states? New Mexico's high desert climate, low rainfall, and limited tree cover make it generally unsuitable for cicada populations. Cicadas require consistent moisture and abundant trees. Have periodical cicadas ever occurred in New Mexico? No, New Mexico is outside the range of any documented periodical cicada broods. Where is the nearest place to see cicadas reliably? Arizona and Texas, particularly areas with riparian corridors and forested regions, have more dependable cicada populations than most of New Mexico. Could cicadas establish in New Mexico if climate changed? Potentially, if warming or increased precipitation created more suitable habitat conditions with tree growth and moisture availability.
Plan your cicada sighting in New Mexico
2,108 verified cicada records have been logged in New Mexico, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Mexico
- Bandelier National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Capulin Volcano National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- El Malpais National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- El Morro National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
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