Are There Cicadas in Wyoming?
Wyoming has cicadas throughout the state. Annual cicadas emerge each summer from the Black Hills to the southwestern deserts. The swamp cicada is most common, though several other annual varieties occur across different regions. Periodical cicadas, which emerge at set intervals, do not occur in Wyoming.
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
- 7
- species recorded
- 100
- GBIF records
- June, July, May
- peak months
Yes, cicadas are in Wyoming. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
367 verified observations on iNaturalist of cicada have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in June, July, May.
When cicada are recorded in Wyoming
Wyoming has cicadas throughout the state. Annual cicadas emerge each summer from the Black Hills to the southwestern deserts. The swamp cicada is most common, though several other annual varieties occur across different regions. Periodical cicadas, which emerge at set intervals, do not occur in Wyoming.
Where Cicadas Are Found in Wyoming
Cicadas inhabit nearly every county in Wyoming, from low elevation grasslands to forests above 8,000 feet. The Black Hills region in northeastern Wyoming, particularly in Crook and Weston counties, support healthy cicada populations near ponderosa pine forests. The Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming host cicadas in canyon bottoms and riparian areas along the Bighorn River. In southeastern Wyoming, the Laramie Range and areas around Cheyenne provide suitable habitat for annual cicadas. The southwestern portions of Wyoming, including areas near the Colorado border in Carbon and Sweetwater counties, have cicadas in piñon-juniper woodlands and cottonwood draws. When exploringWyoming forests and parks, visitors often encounter cicada sounds in summer months. They are less common in the highest alpine zones and the most arid high desert regions, but cicadas appear reliably in summer across most of the state.
When Cicadas Emerge in Wyoming
Annual cicadas begin emerging in Wyoming in late June and continue through September, with peak abundance in July and August. The timing varies slightly depending on elevation and local weather patterns. Lower elevation areas around Cheyenne and Casper typically see cicadas first, often by early July. Higher elevations in the Bighorn Mountains and Absaroka Range may not experience peak emergence until mid-July or early August. Warm spring temperatures accelerate emergence, while cool springs delay it. Most cicadas complete their above-ground life cycle and die by early September, though stragglers may persist into fall. The entire above-ground period lasts several weeks, during which males produce their loud buzzing calls to attract mates. If you are planning a visit toWyoming wildlife areasduring summer, expect to hear these sounds regularly.
How to Identify Cicadas
Adult cicadas in Wyoming are medium to large insects, typically 1 to 2 inches long. Most species found in the state are predominantly black or dark brown with lighter colored wings and highlights of red or yellow on the thorax. The swamp cicada, the most common species, is mostly black with some tan or reddish coloring on the head and thorax. All cicadas have large compound eyes positioned on the sides of the head and three simple eyes arranged in a triangle on top of the head. The wings are held tent-like over the body when at rest. The most distinctive feature is the sound the males produce, a loud buzzing or droning call that can reach 90 decibels or more. Each species has a slightly different call pattern, from a steady buzz to more rhythmic chirping sounds. The call is produced by vibrating special membranes called tymbals on the sides of the abdomen.
Where to Look for Cicadas
Cicadas concentrate in areas with deciduous and mixed conifer forests, particularly where cottonwoods, aspens, and ponderosa pines grow together. In the Black Hills region, they are abundant in the scattered ponderosa forests of Sundance and the creek bottoms throughout Crook County. Along the Bighorn River in Big Horn County, cottonwoods and willows in riparian zones attract large numbers of cicadas each summer. The North Platte River valley in central Wyoming supports substantial cicada populations in its wooded areas and streamside vegetation. In the Laramie area and Medicine Bow National Forest, cicadas are common in mixed conifer forests, particularly in canyon habitats. Around Casper and the North Platte drainage, cicadas emerge abundantly in areas with large shade trees. The Powder River Basin, while more open, still supports cicadas in irrigated areas and draws where woody vegetation is established.
Cicada Behavior and Life Cycle
Adult cicadas in Wyoming spend their above-ground lives focused on one primary goal: finding a mate and reproducing. Males produce their loud buzzing calls to attract females, with each species having a distinctive call that helps females find compatible mates. Males position themselves high in trees and shrubs to project their calls as far as possible. Once a female is attracted to a male's call, the two mate, and the female then searches for suitable branches or twigs to deposit her eggs. She uses her elongated, needle-like ovipositor to cut slots into plant stems and lays her eggs inside. Cicada nymphs spend several years underground feeding on plant roots before emerging as adults in summer. Adults feed primarily on plant juices by piercing plant tissues with their needle-like mouthparts. They feed on a wide variety of plants including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. For more details about cicada ecology, visit thecicada guide.
Living with Cicadas Safely
Cicadas are not dangerous to humans, pets, or livestock in Wyoming. They do not bite or sting, and they are not venomous. They cannot transmit diseases to humans or animals. Adult cicadas feed on plant juices and may cause some minor damage to tree branches and shrubs by depositing eggs, but this damage is usually temporary and trees recover quickly. In Wyoming, cicadas are not considered pests or a threat to agriculture. They are legally protected under general wildlife regulations, though there are no specific protections that prevent removal or collection if desired. Many people enjoy collecting dead cicada exoskeletons after nymphs emerge, as these make interesting natural objects. The sound of cicadas is often considered a pleasant part of the summer soundscape, though the loudness can be startling to those unfamiliar with it. Overall, Wyoming residents can safely coexist with cicadas without concern. Learn more about local wildlife safety on theWyoming wildlife page.
Species Often Mistaken for Cicadas
Several other insects in Wyoming may be mistaken for cicadas, though all have distinguishing features. Grasshoppers are often confused with cicadas because of their size and the sounds they make. Unlike cicadas, grasshoppers have enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, much longer antennae, and they typically call by rubbing their legs against their wings. Cicadas have very short antennae and produce sound through the tymbals on their abdomens. Katydids, also called long-horned grasshoppers, are sometimes mistaken for cicadas because they produce loud calls in summer. Katydids have extremely long antennae and flat wings held tent-like over the body, whereas cicadas have short antennae and thick, leathery wings. Harvestmen, sometimes called daddy longlegs, look superficially similar to some insects but have much longer, thinner legs than cicadas and a completely different body structure. Tree crickets may also be confused with cicadas by their sound, but they are much smaller and have a thinner body structure. Understanding these differences helps visitors to Wyoming identify what insects they are seeing and hearing. For a complete identification guide, explore thenational wildlife resources.
Questions About Cicadas in Wyoming
What time of day are cicadas most active in Wyoming? Cicadas are typically most active during the warmest parts of the day, from late morning through mid-afternoon. They are less active in early morning and evening when temperatures drop. On very hot days, they may continue calling into the evening hours as well. Why do cicadas make such loud noise? Male cicadas produce loud buzzing calls to attract females for mating. The sound is generated by vibrating specialized tymbals on the abdomen at a frequency that can exceed 100 cycles per second. Louder calls project farther and are more likely to attract mates from a distance. Are the dead skins left behind after cicadas emerge a sign of infestation? No. The exoskeletons left behind are simply the shed outer skin of nymphs that have completed their underground stage and emerged as adults. Finding exoskeletons on trees and bushes is normal and expected during cicada season. They are harmless evidence of successful emergence and development. Do cicadas cause permanent damage to trees? Cicadas cause minimal damage to trees. Female cicadas lay eggs in small branches and twigs, creating slits that may cause some limbs to weaken or break off. However, trees typically recover from this damage quickly and it is rarely severe enough to harm tree health or require treatment.
Plan your cicada sighting in Wyoming
100 verified cicada records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Tower National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fossil Butte National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grand Teton National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
More places to see cicada
More wildlife in Wyoming