molting insect identification - Ask Extension
I found an insect molting on my picket fence this morning (June 2). Is it a cicada? If not, what is it?
Knowledgebase
molting insect identification #753518
Asked June 02, 2021, 12:43 PM EDT
I found an insect molting on my picket fence this morning (June 2). Is it a cicada? If not, what is it?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
That is a cicada, specifically Putnam's cicada, Platypedia putnami. It is the most common species found in Fort Collins and Larimer County - and last week I saw a few emerging in my yard (I live near Prospect and Shields).
For more information on the 29 species of cicadas found in Colorado there is a fact sheet at: https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05590.pdf
Thanks for the quick response!