Are There Cicadas in Virginia?

Where Cicadas Are Found in Virginia

Cicadas are found statewide throughout Virginia in virtually every habitat with mature trees. The Blue Ridge Mountains support rich cicada populations in their oak, hickory, and mixed hardwood forests. The Shenandoah Valley has particularly strong populations, especially in the forested areas surrounding Shenandoah National Park. The Piedmont region's oak dominance makes it ideal cicada habitat, with populations concentrated from northern Virginia down through Charlottesville and beyond. The Coastal Plain hosts populations in its pine and oak mixtures, though densities vary year to year. The Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia contains cypress and gum areas that support cicadas. Major river valleys including the James River, the Rappahannock River, and the Shenandoah River all host established populations. For comprehensive information about Virginia's diverse wildlife, visit thestate wildlife hub.

Season and Timing in Virginia

Virginia cicadas appear in two distinct patterns. Annual cicada species emerge sporadically throughout June, July, and August, with peaks usually occurring in July. Periodical cicadas, however, create the most dramatic events. Virginia experiences portions of multiple periodical brood zones; some years bring emergence of a 13-year brood, while other years host a 17-year brood. Recent Virginia broods included a 17-year emergence in 2011 and a 13-year brood in 2015. When periodical cicadas emerge, millions can blanket the landscape simultaneously, creating deafening choruses and visible swarms. These mass emergences last approximately four to six weeks from initial adult emergence through completion of reproduction and natural death. Annual cicada calling typically peaks during the hottest weeks, from mid-July through early August, while periodical emergences follow their own rigid schedules determined by underground development timing. For more on cicada in Virginia, see ourVirginia cicada guide.

How to Identify a Cicada

Virginia cicadas are large, strong insects ranging from 1 to 2 inches in length. Most display brownish, tan, or mottled gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Their bodies are heavily built and designed for clinging rather than jumping or flying long distances. The most immediately recognizable feature is their sound; male cicadas produce distinctive buzzing, droning, or whining calls that vary by species but are instantly recognizable once heard. Periodical cicadas, particularly Magicicada species, often have reddish eyes and dark bodies, contrasting sharply with the more subdued tones of annual species. Both types have long, straw-like beaks held underneath their bodies, used to pierce plant stems. Their antennae are relatively short and difficult to see on the head. Molted exoskeletons called shells leave distinct hollow forms still clinging to trees long after adults have died. You can also browseVirginia wildlife.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Virginia

Cicada sightings concentrate heavily in Virginia's forested regions. Shenandoah National Park consistently reports strong populations along its hiking trails and in adjacent forests. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests spanning western and central Virginia host strong populations throughout their extensive acreage. The Piedmont's oak-hickory forests around Charlottesville, Richmond, and the Virginia Tech area have particularly dense cicada populations. The Northern Neck's wooded areas between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers support good populations. Pocahontas State Park south of Richmond provides excellent viewing opportunities during peak seasons. Belle Isle in the James River near Richmond and numerous metro parks in northern Virginia host urban cicada populations that can be readily observed. Residential areas with mature shade trees throughout the state often attract cicadas, making backyards reliable observation points during emergence years. See all of ourwildlife guides.

Typical Cicada Behavior

Virginia cicadas spend their lives clinging to trees, feeding on xylem fluids extracted through their piercing beaks. Male cicadas produce elaborate calls using specialized tymbal structures on their abdomens, vibrating these sound plates hundreds of times per second. Different species have different call patterns; some produce continuous droning buzzes while others create pulsating wails or rising and falling whines. Males congregate in trees and call to attract females, creating collective choruses that can reach sound levels comparable to traffic noise. Females attracted to calling males lay eggs by cutting small slits into tree twigs; emerging nymphs drop to soil and burrow down to feed on root xylem for years underground. Periodical cicada nymphs develop underground for 13 or 17 years before emerging as adults. Annual cicada underground development spans fewer years and follows no synchronized pattern. Once adults emerge, they live only weeks before dying naturally after completing reproduction.

Coexistence and Safety Notes

Cicadas are completely harmless to people and pets. They possess no venom, do not bite or sting, and ignore humans entirely. If roughly handled, they may attempt to pierce skin with their beaks seeking plant fluids, but this rarely occurs and causes no real injury. Cicadas are protected by Virginia law as native wildlife, and collection without permit is prohibited. Their ecological value is immense; they provide critical food for birds, reptiles, spiders, and parasitic wasps. Cicada damage to trees is minimal and temporary; the small slits made during egg-laying cause negligible harm and do not threaten tree health. Many Virginians enjoy the cicada chorus as a natural summer soundtrack, though some find the noise during peak periods bothersome. Urban residents can minimize noise irritation by closing windows during peak calling hours. Aguide to cicadas in Virginiaprovides detailed information about local species and behaviors.

Species People Confuse with Cicadas

Grasshoppers are the most frequently confused insect; however, they have elongated bodies, very long hind legs, and produce sound by rubbing legs against their bodies, whereas cicadas are stockier, have short legs, and use abdominal tymbals. Katydids are sometimes mistaken for cicadas, though katydids are generally flatter, have longer antennae, and produce different call patterns. Locusts, despite their name, are actually grasshoppers in a swarming phase and look completely different from cicadas. Cicada killers are large wasps that hunt cicadas, and people sometimes assume the wasp and cicada are the same creature. Some individuals confuse the molted cicada shells still adhering to tree bark with living insects, leading to false reports. Virginia's rich invertebrate fauna means many similar-looking insects exist, but the cicada's distinctive sound and call behavior make positive identification relatively straightforward for anyone who takes time to observe and listen carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cicadas

Q: When will the next major periodical cicada brood emerge in Virginia? A: Brood emergence dates follow rigid underground development cycles. Recent brood years in Virginia were 2011 and 2015. Future emergence schedules depend on which brood sections overlap with Virginia territory; dedicated resources track these cycles and provide year-by-year forecasts.

Q: Why do cicada calls sound so loud? A: Cicada tymbals vibrate hundreds of times per second, producing sound levels that can exceed 90 decibels. Males call to attract distant females and compete with other males, so louder calls offer reproductive advantage.

Q: Do cicadas cause real damage to Virginia trees? A: Cicada egg-laying causes only minor, temporary twig damage. No Virginia tree species is threatened by cicada activity, and damage is so minimal it rarely warrants concern.

Q: Can I collect cicada shells as souvenirs? A: Collecting live cicadas requires a Virginia wildlife permit, but collecting empty molted shells from the ground or trees is generally acceptable. Empty shells are common and harmless to take home. Visit thenational wildlife hubto explore other wildlife across the country.