The Apache Cicada is common in Sonoran Desert cities and suburbs where it produces a siren-like rising-and-falling buzz that is one of the signature sounds of hot summer days in Arizona and New Mexico. Unlike many cicadas it thrives in urban environments and is frequently heard in parks and neighborhoods with mature trees. Its evaporative cooling through sweating is remarkable for an insect.
Best time to see a Apache Cicada
The best time to see a Apache Cicada is July–August, when about 74% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,195 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Apache Cicada? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Apache Cicada sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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