Swamp cicada vs Scissor-grinder cicada
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a swamp cicada from a scissor-grinder cicada, and whether either one bites or stings.
Swamp cicada
Neotibicen tibicen
Scissor-grinder cicada
Neotibicen pruinosus
≠The key differences
N. pruinosus has more extensive dark markings and a different, mechanical-sounding call; check wing venation and call rhythm to distinguish.
N. tibicen often has browner tones and a different, more nasal or buzzing call; call and subtle pattern differences separate them best.
⚖︎Side by side
| Swamp cicada | Scissor-grinder cicada | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Body length 30-40 mm; wingspan 70-95 mm | 30-45 mm body length; wingspan typically 80-100 mm |
| Colours | Olive green, Brown, Black, Cream | Green, Black, Brown, Whitish (pruinosity) |
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Habitat | Wetlands, swamp edges, riversides, floodplain woodlands, and other areas with trees near standing or slow-moving water | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, suburban trees and shrubs, forest edges. |
| Range | 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 | Eastern and central North America, including parts of the United States and southern Canada. |
| Active | Mid to late summer during daytime (peak 'dog days' heat) | Summer months (most often June to September, depending on latitude); primarily daytime and early evening for singing males. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍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
🔍How to spot a scissor-grinder cicada
- Large-bodied cicada with body length about 30-45 mm and long transparent wings.
- Green and dark patterned dorsal coloration with a frosted (pruinose) look on parts of the abdomen.
- Male's distinctive sharp, metallic "scissor-grinder" song heard from trees during summer.
- Wings extend well past the end of the abdomen when at rest; prominent wing venation visible.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a swamp cicada and a scissor-grinder cicada?
N. pruinosus has more extensive dark markings and a different, mechanical-sounding call; check wing venation and call rhythm to distinguish. N. tibicen often has browner tones and a different, more nasal or buzzing call; call and subtle pattern differences separate them best.
Is a swamp cicada or a scissor-grinder cicada more dangerous?
Swamp cicada: Non-toxic. Scissor-grinder cicada: Non-toxic. Swamp cicadas are not venomous and do not sting. Scissor-grinder cicadas do not bite or sting as a defense; they may pinch gently if handled but are not venomous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.