Are There Cicadas In Hawaii?

No, cicadas are not native to Hawaii. Cicadas are more commonly found in temperate and tropical regions of the world, including parts of North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

They don’t naturally live in Hawaii due to several factors that create an unsuitable environment for them to survive and prosper.

Why are there no Cicadas in Hawaii?

The absence of cicadas in Hawaii can be attributed to a combination of Hawaii’s geographical isolation, climate, and limited plant associations.

• Geographical Isolation: Hawaii’s remote location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has limited the natural migration and colonization of many species, including cicadas. The islands are far from the landmasses that cicadas typically inhabit, making it challenging for these insects to reach Hawaii through natural means such as wind dispersal or accidental transportation by birds or other animals.
• Unsuitable Climate: Cicadas are well-adapted to temperate and tropical climates where they undergo long periods of underground development before emerging as adults. Hawaii’s consistent year-round temperatures do not provide the necessary conditions for the extended development cycles of cicadas. The lack of significant temperature variations and predictable rainfall patterns in Hawaii disrupts the specific life cycle requirements of cicadas.
• Limited Plant Associations: Cicadas are known for their close associations with specific host plants, where they lay their eggs and complete their life cycles. Certain species of cicadas have intricate relationships with particular tree species, with the nymphs feeding on root sap for several years before emerging as adults. The absence or scarcity of these specific host plants in Hawaii further contributes to the lack of cicadas on the islands. Hawaii’s unique plant species and the absence of certain tree varieties that cicadas rely upon prevent their establishment in the local ecosystems.

While cicadas may not be found naturally in Hawaii, the islands boast a remarkable array of other insect species and a diverse range of endemic wildlife. The absence of cicadas is just one unique aspect of Hawaii’s fascinating ecological makeup, shaped by its isolation and distinct environmental conditions.

What States have Cicadas?

Cicadas are primarily found in the Eastern and Southern states. It’s important to note that cicada species and their distributions can vary, and there may be localized populations or different broods in specific regions within these states.

Here’s a table showing the types of cicadas found in different states in the United States:

State	Periodical Cicada Broods	Annual Cicadas
Delaware	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Georgia	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Illinois	Brood X (10), Brood XIII (13)	Annual Cicadas
Indiana	Brood X (10), Brood XIII (13)	Annual Cicadas
Iowa	Brood XIII (13)	Annual Cicadas
Kentucky	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Louisiana	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Maryland	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Michigan	Brood X (10), Brood XIII (13)	Annual Cicadas
Mississippi	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
North Carolina	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
New Jersey	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
New York	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Ohio	Brood X (10), Brood XIII (13)	Annual Cicadas
Pennsylvania	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Tennessee	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Virginia	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
West Virginia	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Washington, D.C.	Brood X (10)	Annual Cicadas
Florida	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Texas	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
South Carolina	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Connecticut	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Massachusetts	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Missouri	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Kansas	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Nebraska	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Oklahoma	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas
Arkansas	Annual Cicadas	Annual Cicadas

Please note that this table provides a general overview, and cicada populations may vary within specific regions of each state.

When To Expect Them

Cicadas emerge at different times depending on the species (annual and periodical).

1. Annual Cicadas: These cicadas have shorter life cycles and emerge every year. They typically appear during the warmer months, usually in late spring or summer. Annual cicadas are known for their loud buzzing sounds, and their emergence often coincides with warm weather and flowering plants.
2. Periodical Cicadas: Periodical cicadas have much longer life cycles and emerge in large numbers at specific intervals. The two most well-known periodical cicada broods in the United States are Brood X (10) and Brood XIII (13). Brood X emerges every 17 years, while Brood XIII emerges every 13 years. The exact timing of their emergence varies, but it usually occurs in late spring or early summer. However, different broods emerge in different years and in different parts of the country, so the presence of periodical cicadas can vary depending on the specific brood and location.

Other Insects Found In Hawaii 

There are about 174 types of bugs in Hawaii. Most of them are harmless, but some are very dangerous if handled or bitten. Insects should be kept away from people as much as possible.

Here are some of the insects that are unique to the Hawaiian Islands:

1. Hawaiian Happy Face Spider (Theridion grallator): This small spider is endemic to Hawaii and is known for its vibrant colors and distinct smiley face-like markings on its abdomen. It can be found in forests and gardens.
2. Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea): Also known as the Hawaiian butterfly, this species is endemic to Hawaii. Its wings feature striking orange and black patterns and can be seen in various habitats, including forests and gardens.
3. Hawaiian Damselflies (Megalagrion spp.): These delicate insects are endemic to Hawaii and can be found near freshwater habitats, such as streams and ponds. They come in various colors and sizes, with males often displaying bright blue or green hues.
4. Koa Bug (Coleotichus blackburniae): This colorful beetle species is native to Hawaii and is commonly found in forests, particularly near koa trees. It has a distinctive metallic appearance with shades of green, blue, and purple.
5. Hawaiian Happy Face Fly (Hawaiiosyrphus abdominalis): This fly species, as its name suggests, is known for its unique facial markings resembling a smiley face. It can be found in forests, gardens, and other habitats.
6. Hawaiian Garden Spider (Argiope appensa): These large and striking spiders can be found in gardens and open areas throughout Hawaii. They have intricate yellow and black patterns on their bodies and create impressive orb-shaped webs.
7. Koa Looper Moth (Scotorythra paludicola): The caterpillars of this moth species feed on koa tree leaves, hence the name “koa looper.” They are often seen crawling on koa trees in forests.
8. Hawaiian Honeycreeper Birds: While not insects themselves, the native Hawaiian honeycreeper birds, such as the ‘I’iwi (Drepanis coccinea) and ‘Apapane (Himatione sanguinea), play a crucial role in pollinating native plant species, forming an important ecological interaction within Hawaii’s insect-pollinated ecosystems.

Conclusion 

Cicadas are notably absent from the diverse insect population of Hawaii. The geographical isolation, unsuitable climate, and limited plant associations contribute to the absence of cicadas in the Hawaiian Islands.

Instead, Hawaii boasts a plethora of other captivating insect species, each playing its own ecological role and contributing to the remarkable biodiversity found on the islands. Exploring the rich insect life in Hawaii provides an opportunity to appreciate the diverse adaptations and interactions that have shaped this isolated paradise.

While cicadas may not be part of Hawaii’s insect population, the islands offer a large variety of other insect species that add to the wonder and beauty of Hawaii.