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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

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2021, 3:57 PM EDT
Thanks for the quick response!

On Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 1:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2021, 5:26 PM EDT

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