If you’re new to Colorado or haven’t lived here long, you might be wondering about the prevalence of cicadas. These loud, buzzing insects are iconic in many parts of the United States, especially during their periodic emergences. But do cicadas live in Colorado? Let’s delve into the world of these fascinating creatures and see if we can find them in the Centennial State.
Cicadas 101: A Quick Overview
Cicadas are insects known for their distinct, loud buzzing sounds, often heard during the warmest months. There are two main types:
- Annual cicadas: These cicadas appear every year, usually in late summer. They have a greenish-brown coloration and are generally smaller than their periodical counterparts.
- Periodical cicadas: These cicadas are famous for emerging in large numbers after spending years underground. Different broods (groups) emerge on different 13- or 17-year cycles.
[image-1|colorado-cicada-habitat|Colorado Cicada Habitat| A picturesque scene of a wooded area with tall trees and lush vegetation. This image represents the type of habitat where cicadas might be found in Colorado if they were present.]
So, Do Cicadas Live in Colorado?
The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. While Colorado does have cicadas, they are primarily annual cicadas. These yearly visitors aren’t nearly as numerous or as loud as their periodical relatives, so you might not even notice them.
Periodical cicadas, on the other hand, are not found in Colorado. Their distribution is largely concentrated in the eastern and central parts of the United States.
Why Don’t Periodical Cicadas Live in Colorado?
The absence of periodical cicadas in Colorado likely comes down to a few key factors:
- Climate: Periodical cicadas prefer the warmer, more humid climates found in the eastern and central U.S. Colorado’s drier, higher-elevation climate isn’t as suitable for their life cycle.
- Soil Conditions: These insects spend a significant portion of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. The soil type and moisture content in Colorado may not provide the ideal conditions for their development.
- Historical Distribution: Cicada broods have established ranges over thousands of years. It’s possible that Colorado’s geographical features, like the Rocky Mountains, acted as barriers to their westward expansion.
[image-2|cicada-life-cycle|Cicada Life Cycle| A diagram illustrating the life cycle of a cicada, from egg to nymph to adult. The diagram highlights the underground development phase of the nymph.]
Can You Find Cicadas in Colorado at All?
While you won’t experience the deafening chorus of a periodical cicada emergence in Colorado, you can still find annual cicadas in certain areas. Keep an ear out for their buzzing during the late summer months in locations with:
- Deciduous Trees: Cicadas rely on trees for both feeding and reproduction. Look for them in areas with oak, maple, or willow trees.
- Lower Elevations: Annual cicadas may be more prevalent at lower elevations where the climate is milder.
- Riparian Areas: These areas near rivers and streams tend to have more moisture and vegetation, which can attract cicadas.
Exploring the Fascinating World of Cicadas
While Colorado might not be a haven for periodical cicadas, their presence in other parts of the U.S. is a testament to the incredible diversity of the insect world. Even the quieter presence of annual cicadas in the state offers a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the subtle rhythms of the natural world.
FAQs about Cicadas in Colorado
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What kind of cicadas are in Colorado? Colorado is home to annual cicadas, which appear yearly in smaller numbers compared to periodical cicadas.
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Are there 17-year cicadas in Colorado? No, periodical cicadas, including those with 17-year cycles, are not found in Colorado.
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Where can I find cicadas in Colorado? Look for annual cicadas in areas with deciduous trees, lower elevations, and riparian zones.
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When do cicadas come out in Colorado? Annual cicadas typically emerge in late summer.
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Why don’t periodical cicadas live in Colorado? The climate, soil conditions, and historical distribution of cicada broods likely contribute to the absence of periodical cicadas in Colorado.
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