Are There Cicadas in Texas?
Yes, cicadas are extremely abundant and diverse throughout Texas, present in every region and habitat type that supports trees. Texas hosts one of the richest cicada faunas in North America, with multiple species and distinct calls. The season typically runs from June through October, longer than most northern states.
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
- 20,121
- GBIF records
- July, June, August
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Texas. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
33,085 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Texas, most often in July, June, August.
When cicada are recorded in Texas
Yes, cicadas are extremely abundant and diverse throughout Texas, present in every region and habitat type that supports trees. Texas hosts one of the richest cicada faunas in North America, with multiple species and distinct calls. The season typically runs from June through October, longer than most northern states.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Texas
Cicadas are found statewide across Texas in virtually every county and habitat type that supports trees. East Texas pinewoods support abundant cicadas in longleaf and loblolly pine forests mixed with hardwoods. Central Texas woodlands including oak savannas and cedar brakes host diverse cicada species. South Texas brushlands and mesquite woodlands support cicadas despite the drier conditions. The Texas Hill Country near Austin and surrounding areas provides excellent habitat with oak and juniper forests. North Texas forests along the Red River and Trinity River valleys support active colonies. Coastal prairie and maritime live oak forests along the Gulf Coast support cicadas in suitable woody habitat. West Texas is generally too arid for cicadas, but riparian areas along the Pecos River and Rio Grande support some populations. The Edwards Plateau provides extensive oak and juniper habitat supporting strong cicada diversity. Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and other urban areas with mature shade trees host significant cicada populations. Suburban neighborhoods throughout the state with established trees attract cicadas regularly. Private wooded properties across all regions support reliable cicada activity. Learn more aboutTexas wildlifeto find the extraordinary diversity of insects and animals you might encounter.
When Cicadas Emerge in Texas
Cicadas in Texas have an extended season compared to northern states, typically beginning in late May or early June and continuing through October. Early species emerge in early summer, while later species emerge in late summer and fall. Peak activity occurs in July and August when temperatures are hottest. The extended season and multiple overlapping generations create continuous cicada activity for much of the year. Different regions experience slightly different timing. East Texas emergences typically peak in July and August. Central Texas emergences often begin slightly earlier and extend into fall. South and west Texas may experience somewhat different patterns based on rainfall and temperature patterns. Periodical cicadas do occur in Texas, particularly in central and eastern regions, though their schedules are irregular. Some broods have been documented in Texas, but emergence timing is unpredictable. Most Texans experience primarily annual cicadas unless they happen to be present during a periodical emergence. Drought significantly impacts Texas cicadas. Extended dry periods suppress nymph development and reduce emergence numbers. Good rainfall supports strong populations and intense choruses. Temperature directly influences emergence timing. Cool springs delay emergences, while warm springs accelerate them. Once established, the chorus typically lasts through summer and into fall. For more on cicada in Texas, see ourTexas cicada guide.
How to Identify a Cicada
Adult cicadas in Texas range widely in size from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches or more in length, representing multiple species with varying characteristics. Cicada bodies are strong and heavily built, typically dark brown, blackish, or grayish. Many species display reddish, orange, or amber wing veins or coloration. Some species have distinctive pattern variations. All cicadas hold their wings tent-like or roof-like over their backs at rest, creating a distinctive silhouette. Male cicadas possess specialized abdominal structures called tymbals that produce buzzing and humming sounds. Females lack these sound-producing organs and remain silent. Both sexes have large compound eyes positioned toward the sides of their heads. Small simple eyes called ocelli are arranged between the larger compound eyes. All cicadas feed using needle-like piercing mouthparts that access plant xylem sap. Underground nymphs are tan, light brown, or pale colored and resemble enlarged crickets. They feature powerful digging front legs specialized for burrowing through soil. Nymphs can be encountered when digging in soil, gardening, or turning earth in infested areas. The transformation from nymph to adult is dramatic and rapid. Newly emerged adults are pale and soft, gradually hardening and darkening over one or two days. Recognizing these features helps you appreciateTexas's remarkable wildlife diversity.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Texas
Cicadas concentrate in Texas wherever tree density is highest and suitable host plants provide food and shelter. East Texas forests support particularly abundant cicadas in the extensive pine-hardwood mixtures. Angelina National Forest and surrounding public lands provide vast habitat. Central Texas Hill Country oak woodlands and cedar brakes near Austin, New Braunfels, and Blanco support exceptional cicada diversity. Barton Creek and other spring-fed streams through the Hill Country provide riparian habitat. Sam Houston National Forest supports active populations in pine and hardwood forests. South Texas brushlands with mesquite and acacia provide habitat despite drier conditions. The Rio Grande valley and riparian areas support cicadas where trees exist. Caddo Lake and surrounding eastern wetlands and forests provide excellent habitat. Coastal prairie and live oak forests along the Texas Gulf Coast support populations in suitable woody habitat. Urban parks in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth with substantial mature tree canopy host regular cicada activity. Residential areas throughout Texas with established shade trees consistently hear cicada sounds during peak season. State parks and wildlife management areas throughout the state provide excellent viewing opportunities. Cicadas call from high in trees, making exact location pinpointing challenging. Listening from multiple vantage points helps identify the most active areas. ExploreTexas's wildlife hubfor additional information about regional patterns and seasonal wildlife.
Cicada Behavior and Life Cycle
Texas cicadas follow life cycles typical of annual cicada species, though the extended warm season supports somewhat faster development than northern states. Most Texas cicadas complete their life cycle in two to four years, with some species potentially cycling faster than others. Females lay eggs in small slits cut into twigs and branches. Eggs typically hatch within two to three weeks. Tiny nymphs immediately fall to the ground and burrow into soil, beginning their extended underground phase. Underground nymphs feed on plant root sap and grow slowly through multiple molts. Texas's warm climate supports relatively rapid nymph development compared to northern regions. Adequate soil moisture accelerates development, while drought slows it. When nymphs reach final developmental stages, they pupate and prepare for emergence. Emergences are triggered by soil temperature and day length cues. Nymphs emerge primarily in evening hours, crawling upward through soil to the surface. They climb nearby vegetation or structures above ground. Upon reaching suitable locations, nymphs undergo rapid transformation. The old exoskeleton splits, and the soft adult emerges within hours. Adults harden and darken over one or two days. Males begin calling within days of emergence, establishing territories in trees and shrubs. Females seek calling males and mate. After successful mating, females begin depositing eggs, perpetuating the cycle. You can also browseTexas wildlife.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans and domestic animals throughout Texas. They do not bite, sting, or produce any venom or toxins. They pose absolutely no threat to people, children, or pets. Their only interaction with humans consists of producing distinctive buzzing and humming sounds. The only minor potential concern is branch damage from egg-laying. Female cicadas create small slits in twigs to deposit eggs, and those twigs may wilt or drop leaves below the cut. On healthy mature trees, this damage is minimal and causes no lasting harm. Young trees, saplings, or valuable ornamental plantings might benefit from temporary protective netting during peak emergence if branch damage is a significant concern. Cicadas provide crucial ecological services as important components of Texas food webs. They provide substantial food resources for birds, mammals, and other insects. Mockingbirds, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and numerous other bird species actively feed on cicadas. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and various mammals consume nymphs and emerging adults. This food source is particularly important for songbirds and other wildlife during breeding season. You are welcome to observe and listen to cicadas throughout Texas's parks and natural areas. The diverse cicada fauna represents one of Texas's greatest insect wonders. Visitthe wildlife hubto learn about other remarkable insects and animals sharing Texas's diverse environment.
Species Confused with Cicadas
Katydids are large grasshoppers occasionally confused with cicadas in Texas. Though similar in size, katydids are typically green or brown, possess extremely long thin antennae, and produce distinctly different calls. Katydid vocalizations consist of rasping or 'katy-did' patterns rather than continuous buzzing. Katydids are generally more delicate and elongate than strong cicadas. Locusts, which are grasshoppers, sometimes cause confusion. True locusts are generally smaller than cicadas, have long antennae, and lack the specialized sound-producing structures that cicadas possess. Cicada hawk wasps are large solitary wasps that hunt cicadas for food. While they superficially resemble cicadas in size, they have streamlined bodies, different wing structures, and distinctly predatory behavior. They make minimal sound. Robber flies and assassin bugs are fierce predatory insects that sometimes overlap in size range with cicadas but have very different body shapes and ecological roles. Ascalaphids and dobsonflies are aquatic or semi-aquatic insects with distinctly different body proportions. Dragonflies and damselflies are aquatic insects with very different body shapes and behavior. The key distinguishing features of cicadas include strong body structure, large prominent compound eyes, and males producing continuous loud buzzing or humming sounds through specialized abdominal vibrating membranes unique to cicadas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cicadas so diverse and abundant in Texas compared to other states? Texas is very large, encompasses multiple habitat types and ecological zones, and has a warm climate supporting excellent cicada survival and reproduction. The extended warm season allows multiple species to thrive and complete their life cycles. The diversity of tree species and forest types provides varied host plants and microhabitats. Why do different cicada species have different sounding calls? Each cicada species produces distinctly different call patterns as a reproductive isolation mechanism. These differences allow females to identify and locate males of their own species among the complex cacophony of multiple species calling simultaneously. The sound differences reflect species-specific anatomy and physiology. How long is the cicada season in Texas compared to other states? Texas has one of the longest cicada seasons in North America, typically running from June through October. Northern states generally have seasons only from July through September. The extended warm season and multiple overlapping generations of various species create this extended season. Can I observe multiple cicada species in Texas? Yes, Texas supports remarkable cicada diversity with multiple species occurring together. Different species often have different preferred habitats, heights in trees, and calling times. Patient observation can reveal this incredible diversity. Visit natural areas or parks with diverse tree areas for best results.
Plan your cicada sighting in Texas
20,121 verified cicada records have been logged in Texas, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big Bend National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big Thicket National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chamizal National Memorial · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Davis National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Texas