Dog-day cicada vs Swamp cicada
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a dog-day cicada from a swamp cicada, and whether either one bites or stings.
Dog-day cicada
Neotibicen canicularis
Swamp cicada
Neotibicen tibicen
≠The key differences
N. canicularis is more uniformly green and often found in drier, upland trees; songs and subtle patterning differ — call and habitat help separate them.
⚖︎Side by side
| Dog-day cicada | Swamp cicada | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Body 25-35 mm, wingspan about 65-80 mm | Body length 30-40 mm; wingspan 70-95 mm |
| Colours | Olive green, Brown, Black, Cream | Olive green, Brown, Black, Cream |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, city trees, parks and suburban yards; often perches on tree branches and trunks | Wetlands, swamp edges, riversides, floodplain woodlands, and other areas with trees near standing or slow-moving water |
| Range | Northeastern and north-central North America, from southern Canada through the northeastern and Great Lakes states and south along the Appalachians | Eastern and central North America, from the northeastern United States and southern Canada south through the eastern U.S.; more localised to humid, lowland and riparian areas |
| Active | Mid to late summer (the 'dog days') and daytime; males call in hot weather, often midday to late afternoon | Mid to late summer during daytime (peak 'dog days' heat) |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a dog-day cicada
- Large, stout-bodied cicada with clear wings and mottled green-brown dorsal pattern
- Distinct dark central stripe on head and pronotum with lighter lateral markings
- Loud, continuous buzzing call from males heard during hot summer days
- Perches openly on tree branches and trunks in daylight
🔍How to spot a swamp cicada
- Large size with clear, elongated forewings and stout body 30-40 mm long
- Olive-green to brown body with darker markings and pale dorsal spots or stripes
- Loud, sustained daytime buzzing or whining song produced by males in mid to late summer
- Habitat association with wet or riparian wooded areas
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dog-day cicada and a swamp cicada?
N. canicularis is more uniformly green and often found in drier, upland trees; songs and subtle patterning differ — call and habitat help separate them.
Is a dog-day cicada or a swamp cicada more dangerous?
Dog-day cicada: Non-toxic. Swamp cicada: Non-toxic. Dog-day cicadas do not bite or sting in the sense of venomous insects. Swamp cicadas are not venomous and do not sting.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.