Are There Cicadas in Oklahoma?
Yes, cicadas are extremely abundant throughout Oklahoma and among the most common insects in the state. Annual cicada varieties emerge reliably every summer starting in late May and continuing through August. Oklahoma's warm climate and extensive oak forests provide ideal conditions for cicada populations.
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
- 3,566
- GBIF records
Yes, cicadas are in Oklahoma. Next you'll want:
Yes, cicadas are extremely abundant throughout Oklahoma and among the most common insects in the state. Annual cicada varieties emerge reliably every summer starting in late May and continuing through August. Oklahoma's warm climate and extensive oak forests provide ideal conditions for cicada populations.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Oklahoma
Cicadas occur in every county across Oklahoma from the Oklahoma Panhandle through the western prairie regions, across the central plains, and throughout the eastern forests. The Wichita Mountains region of southwestern Oklahoma hosts large populations. The Cross Timbers forests of central Oklahoma are ideal cicada habitat, with extensive oak and hickory trees. The Ouachita Mountains and forests of southeastern Oklahoma support abundant cicadas. The prairie regions of the western Panhandle have fewer trees but still support cicada populations in river valleys. The Canadian River, the Arkansas River, and the Red River valleys all host cicadas. Forests around the Talimena Scenic Byway in southeastern Oklahoma provide excellent habitat. Urban areas including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, and Norman host cicadas in parks and tree-lined neighborhoods. Even sparsely wooded regions of the western panhandle support some cicadas. The/wildlife/oklahomaguide covers the state's diverse ecosystems. Learn more at/wildlifeabout regional variations.
Seasonal Activity and Extended Summer Season
Oklahoma cicadas begin emerging in late May or early June, earlier than northern states. Peak activity occurs from July through August, with some calling continuing into September. The warm Oklahoma climate allows a longer growing season than states further north. Some years, early autumn heat waves extend cicada activity into October. The exact timing of emergence depends on soil temperature, which reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit reliably by late May in most of Oklahoma. Southern portions of the state see emergence slightly earlier than northern regions. The Panhandle, being drier and hotter, often sees peak emergence in mid-to-late June. Periodic cicadas do not commonly occur in Oklahoma, but annual cicadas more than compensate with their abundance. Multiple cicada species stagger their emergence times, so calling and molted shells persist for months. The early start of the Oklahoma cicada season compared to northern states means residents enjoy the sounds of summer beginning earlier. This extended season is one of the most distinctive features of Oklahoma entomology. For more on cicada in Oklahoma, see ourOklahoma cicada guide.
How to Identify Oklahoma Cicadas
Oklahoma cicadas are large insects, typically 1 to 2 inches in length, with strong hard-shelled bodies. Most species are dark brown or black with reddish, orange, or buff-colored markings on the eyes, wing margins, and legs. The eyes are particularly conspicuous, ranging from bright red to deep black and very noticeable upon close examination. The wings are transparent or lightly smoky and held tent-like over the back. The body is distinctly segmented with visible bands on the abdomen. Male cicadas possess a specialized sound-producing organ on the underside of the abdomen that females completely lack. Only males produce the loud buzzing, whirring, or droning call. The sound varies by species but is always produced by rapid vibration of a special membrane. Periodical cicadas do not occur in Oklahoma, so all cicadas encountered are annual varieties. Adult cicadas are active during daylight hours, particularly in hot afternoons when they call most vigorously. The distinctive sound is unmistakable and is often the first sign of cicadas. You can also browseOklahoma wildlife.
Concentration Points and Best Viewing Areas
Cicadas concentrate wherever oak, hickory, and other hardwood trees grow in abundance. The Cross Timbers region spanning from north to south through central Oklahoma is exceptional cicada habitat. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Comanche County provides excellent opportunities to observe cicadas. Forests along the Talimena Scenic Byway, particularly around Robbers Cave State Park in eastern Oklahoma, are reliable. The Ouachita National Forest forests support many cicadas. Urban parks throughout the state including Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City and parks in Tulsa host them. River valleys including the Canadian River, Arkansas River, and Cimarron River valleys have concentrations of cicadas. State parks like Fort Washita Historic State Park and Cherokee Strip Museum grounds have them. Natural areas along Red Bud Creek and similar waterways support populations. Anywhere with clusters of mature trees in Oklahoma will have cicadas in summer. View the/wildlife/oklahoma/cicadapage for more detailed habitat information.
Behavior and Life History
Cicadas complete most of their lifecycle underground. Annual cicada nymphs spend 2 to 5 years living below the soil surface, feeding on plant root sap through a specialized needle-like mouth. When soil temperature becomes consistently warm, nymphs begin their trip upward. They tunnel through soil and emerge onto trees, shrubs, and buildings to molt. The molting process is remarkable. They split their old hard skin down the back and emerge with soft pale bodies that harden over several days as they dry. The abandoned shells, called exuviae, remain firmly attached to bark and are among the most common signs of cicadas. After molting and hardening, adult cicadas feed by piercing tree bark and extracting sap. Males claim spots in trees and begin calling repeatedly throughout the day. The call functions exclusively for attracting females to mate. Females do not produce sound. After successful mating, females use a special saw-like ovipositor to cut slits into tree twigs and deposit hundreds of eggs. Newly hatched nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into soil to begin the cycle.
Coexistence, Safety, and Wildlife Value
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and present zero danger. They do not bite, sting, or carry disease. They are not aggressive and cannot harm people under any circumstances. Many Oklahoma residents celebrate cicada season as a natural sound of summer. The noise produced by thousands of males calling together can be quite loud, reaching over 100 decibels, but this is temporary and normal. Tree damage from cicadas is generally minimal or nonexistent on healthy trees. The slits females cut for egg-laying are shallow and do not significantly harm established trees. Only young trees or trees already weakened by disease or drought might suffer noticeable branch loss. Cicadas are a key part of Oklahoma's ecosystem. They provide essential food for birds, wasps, and other predators. The massive emergence of nymphs each spring following the previous year's egg-laying provides crucial nutrition for wildlife. After death, cicadas return important nutrients to the soil. The/wildlife/oklahomahub includes information on Oklahoma's wildlife and ecosystems.
Similar Insects and Identification Challenges
Several other insects can be confused with cicadas but are readily distinguished upon careful observation. Grasshoppers are often mistaken for cicadas, but grasshoppers are much smaller, have long hind legs built for jumping, and have different body shapes. Cicadas cannot jump. Katydids are green insects that produce a chirping or rattling sound, typically at night, and look quite different from cicadas. Long-horned beetles superficially resemble cicadas but have hard, shiny wing covers that meet in a straight line down the middle of the back. Cicada wings are transparent and overlap slightly at the back. Cicada killer wasps are large predatory wasps with yellow and black striped bodies. These are hunters of cicadas, not cicadas themselves. Various large beetles and other insects may superficially resemble cicadas from a distance, but close examination reveals clear differences. The loud buzzing call of cicadas is your most reliable identifier in Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do cicadas appear in Oklahoma? Annual cicadas typically begin emerging in late May or early June and continue through August, with some activity into September. The warm Oklahoma climate allows cicada season to start earlier and last longer than in northern states. Do cicadas cause damage to Oklahoma trees? Tree damage is minimal on healthy, well-established trees. Young trees or drought-stressed trees might lose small branches, but damage is usually temporary. Most healthy trees show no lasting harm from cicadas. How many cicada species occur in Oklahoma? Oklahoma hosts several annual cicada species that emerge at slightly different times, creating an extended season of calling and activity. The staggered emergence means cicadas are present for months. Why are cicadas so loud? Male cicadas call to attract females for reproduction. The sound is produced by vibrating a special membrane on their abdomen. Only males call, and they call only during mating season. The loudness helps the sound carry through dense tree canopy.
Plan your cicada sighting in Oklahoma
3,566 verified cicada records have been logged in Oklahoma, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Oklahoma
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Fort Smith National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Oklahoma City National Memorial · Find hotels
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Oklahoma