Insect of the week (October 21, 2024) is the periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim (Linnaeus, 1758) (HEMIPTERA: Cicadidae). As you may already know, this is one of three periodical cicada species found in the Peoria area. Further south (Springfield and more southern parts of Illinois) have the 13 year cicada (consisting of 4 different species). Thus, this is one of 7 species of periodical cicadas found in Illinois. M. septendecim is the northernmost (and largest) species of these periodical cicadas. It is also known by the common name Pharaoh cicada because the male mating song sounds a bit like our pronunciation of pharaoh). The recently described 13 year cicada, Magicicada neotredecim, makes a similar sound.

As you suspect, the name 17 year cicada implies the length of time it takes from egg to adult. Since adults only live 3 – 5 weeks, the majority of the life is spent underground as a nymph, sucking plant sap.

First European accounts of this species in North America date to 1715. Fun fact – this species was noted by Benjamin Franklin in 1732 in Philadelphia.