Are There Cicadas in South Dakota?
Yes, cicadas do occur in South Dakota, primarily in eastern and central regions where tree cover is more abundant. Annual cicadas are present during summer months but are generally less common and less loud than in warmer states. The state's prairie-dominated landscape and shorter growing season limit cicada abundance.
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
- 189
- GBIF records
- July, August, June
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in South Dakota. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
381 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in South Dakota, most often in July, August, June.
When cicada are recorded in South Dakota
Yes, cicadas do occur in South Dakota, primarily in eastern and central regions where tree cover is more abundant. Annual cicadas are present during summer months but are generally less common and less loud than in warmer states. The state's prairie-dominated landscape and shorter growing season limit cicada abundance.
Where Cicadas Are Found in South Dakota
Cicadas in South Dakota are concentrated in areas with adequate tree cover, particularly deciduous and mixed forests. Eastern South Dakota supports more cicadas than the western prairie regions. The wooded areas along the Missouri River valley provide key habitat from north to south across the state. The cottonwood and ash woodlands along this corridor support active cicada populations. The Black Hills in western South Dakota contain dense forest habitat with oak, ponderosa pine, and other tree species hosting cicadas. Remnant hardwood groves in the prairie regions near Aberdeen, Watertown, and other population centers attract cicadas. Riparian woodlands along the Big Stone Lake and other eastern lakes provide suitable habitat. Urban parks and tree-lined residential neighborhoods in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and other cities host calling cicadas during peak season. Private wooded properties throughout the eastern half of the state regularly support cicadas. The James River valley and associated woodlands in central South Dakota provide favorable habitat. Western South Dakota's grassland and mixed-grass prairie regions are generally too open for cicadas, supporting fewer individuals. However, wherever mature trees occur, cicadas establish themselves. Learn more aboutSouth Dakota's wildlifeto understand the state's diverse ecosystems and seasonal changes.
When Cicadas Emerge in South Dakota
Cicadas in South Dakota typically begin calling in mid to late July, somewhat later than southern states due to cooler spring and early summer temperatures. The season peaks during August when temperatures are warmest. Activity continues into September but may decline rapidly as fall approaches and nights cool. South Dakota's relatively short growing season means the cicada season is condensed compared to warmer regions. Cool springs delay development, sometimes pushing first calls into late July. Warm springs can bring emergences into early July. Once established, the chorus typically lasts four to six weeks before declining. Periodical cicadas are rare in South Dakota. Though broods occasionally pass through or near the state's borders, predictable periodical emergences are not a regular feature. Most South Dakotans experience only annual cicadas unless they happen to be present during an unusual periodical event. Environmental conditions significantly influence activity levels and intensity. Adequate soil moisture supports strong nymph development underground, leading to more numerous emergences. Drought can suppress populations. Hot, humid weather intensifies calling. Cool periods or low humidity reduce activity and calling frequency. Wind can also affect auditory perception of cicada calls even if activity levels remain constant. For more on cicada in South Dakota, see ourSouth Dakota cicada guide.
How to Identify a Cicada
Adult cicadas in South Dakota are large insects ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Their bodies are strong and sturdy, typically dark brown or blackish with lighter undersides and sometimes reddish or amber tints on wing veins. Cicadas hold their wings tent-like or roof-like over their backs at rest. Male cicadas possess specialized abdominal structures called tymbals that produce the loud buzzing calls. Females lack these structures and remain silent. Both sexes have large compound eyes positioned toward the sides of their heads and smaller ocelli between them. They feed using needle-like mouthparts adapted for piercing plant tissues and accessing xylem sap. Underground nymphs are tan or light brown and resemble enlarged crickets. They feature powerful digging front legs specialized for burrowing through soil. Nymphs can be encountered when tilling gardens or digging in infested areas. The transformation from nymph to adult occurs above ground and is dramatic, with the nymph shedding its exoskeleton to reveal the winged adult beneath. Newly emerged adults are pale and soft, hardening and darkening over the next day or two. These identification features help you recognize cicadas during your observations ofSouth Dakota's wildlife.
Where Sightings Concentrate in South Dakota
Cicadas concentrate in South Dakota wherever tree density is highest and host plants like ash, cottonwood, and oak provide food and shelter. The Missouri River corridor from north to south provides the most reliable cicada habitat in the state. The Black Hills near Rapid City support strong populations with mixed forest habitat. Custer State Park within the Black Hills offers extensive forest where cicadas are regularly heard during peak season. Areas along the Big Stone Lake in the northeast support active colonies in adjacent woodlands. Riparian zones near Sioux Falls along the Big Sioux River and associated tributaries attract cicadas. Urban parks in Sioux Falls and surrounding neighborhoods with mature trees host regular cicada activity. Residential areas with well-established shade trees throughout eastern South Dakota consistently hear cicada sounds. Lake Sharpe and surrounding wooded areas in central South Dakota provide habitat. The James River valley with its riparian woodlands supports cicada populations. Prairie areas lack suitable habitat, and even in eastern South Dakota where grasslands dominate, cicadas concentrate in tree-rich areas. Cicadas call from high in trees, making exact locations difficult to pinpoint. Listening from multiple vantage points helps identify concentration areas. For more information, exploreSouth Dakota's wildlife hubto learn about seasonal wildlife patterns.
Cicada Behavior and Life Cycle
South Dakota cicadas follow a multi-year life cycle typical of annual cicada species in temperate regions. The cycle usually spans two to five years, though most individuals in South Dakota complete their development in three to four years due to cooler climate conditions that slow growth. Females lay eggs in small slits cut into twigs and branches. Eggs hatch within a few weeks, and tiny nymphs immediately fall to the ground and burrow into soil. Underground nymphs feed on sap from plant roots and grow slowly over their several-year tenure. South Dakota's cooler climate extends the nymphal period compared to warmer regions. Nymphs molt multiple times as they increase in size. Environmental factors including soil temperature, moisture, and food availability influence development rate. When ready to emerge, nymphs crawl upward through soil, typically during evening hours. Upon reaching the surface, they climb nearby vegetation or structures. The nymph then sheds its exterior skeleton, revealing the soft winged adult beneath. This transformation takes just a few hours. Adults harden and darken over one or two days. Males begin calling within days of emergence. A single tree may host numerous calling males establishing territories and competing for female attention. Females locate calling males and mate. After successful mating, females begin laying eggs immediately. You can also browseSouth Dakota wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and domestic animals throughout South Dakota. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They pose zero threat to people, children, or pets. Their interaction with humans consists entirely of producing the familiar summer buzzing sounds. The only minor concern is branch damage from egg-laying. Females make small slits in twigs to deposit eggs, which can cause slight wilting or leaf drop below the cut. On healthy mature trees, this damage is negligible and causes no lasting harm. Young trees, saplings, or nursery stock might benefit from temporary protective netting during peak season if branch damage is a concern. Cicadas play an important ecological role in South Dakota's food webs. They provide valuable food for birds, small mammals, and other insects during summer months. Robins, blue jays, woodpeckers, and various songbirds feed on adult cicadas. Raccoons, opossums, and other mammals consume nymphs and emerging adults. This food source is particularly important for birds raising young during the breeding season. You are welcome to observe and listen to cicadas in public parks, natural areas, and your own property throughout South Dakota. The seasonal chorus is a natural feature of summer soundscapes. Visitthe wildlife hubto learn about other insects and animals that share South Dakota's varied landscapes.
Species Confused with Cicadas
Katydids, which are large grasshoppers, are occasionally confused with cicadas in South Dakota. Though similar in size, katydids are typically green or brown, possess extremely long thin antennae, and make distinctly different calls. Katydid vocalizations are usually described as 'katy-did' patterns or rasping sounds rather than continuous buzzing. Katydids are generally more delicate than cicadas. Locusts, which are also grasshoppers, sometimes cause confusion, particularly in areas where older residents use the term colloquially. True locusts are generally smaller than cicadas, have long antennae, and lack cicadas' specialized sound-producing structures. Cricket sounds might be mistaken for cicada calls, though cricket songs are typically different in pattern and rhythm. Cicada hawk wasps are large solitary wasps that hunt cicadas for food. While they can superficially resemble cicadas in size, they have distinctly different body shapes, wing structures, and behavior. They are clearly predatory rather than plant-feeding insects. Mayflies and similar aquatic insects are very different from cicadas and should not cause confusion. The combination of strong body shape, large compound eyes, and males producing continuous loud buzzing or humming calls through specialized abdominal structures uniquely identifies cicadas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cicadas make such loud noise, and what purpose does it serve? Male cicadas produce loud buzzing and humming calls to attract females for mating and reproduction. The sound is generated by vibrating specialized abdominal membranes called tymbals at very high frequencies, sometimes exceeding 4,000 vibrations per second. Each cicada species produces distinctly different call patterns, allowing females to identify and locate males of their own species. How long do cicadas live as adults? Adult cicadas typically survive only three to six weeks in their above-ground form. During this short period, they focus on feeding and reproduction. Most of their multi-year life cycle is spent as underground nymphs. The short adult lifespan means cicadas must reproduce quickly and efficiently. Why do cicadas appear less frequently in South Dakota than in warmer states? South Dakota's cooler climate, shorter growing season, and prairie-dominated landscape provide less ideal habitat than warmer regions. Cicadas require adequate tree cover and warm enough conditions for nymph development. Eastern and wooded areas of South Dakota support cicadas, while western grasslands provide limited habitat. Are cicadas harmful to trees in South Dakota? Cicadas cause minimal damage to healthy mature trees. The small egg-laying slits rarely cause significant harm. Young trees might suffer more noticeable branch loss and could benefit from temporary netting during peak season.
Plan your cicada sighting in South Dakota
189 verified cicada records have been logged in South Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in South Dakota
- Badlands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Jewel Cave National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Missouri National Recreational River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Wind Cave National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in South Dakota