Magicicada Flagging Project

When Magicicada cicadas lay eggs in the branches of trees (ovipositing) branches may become damaged or die which causes the leaves to turn brown. This is called flagging.

Magicicadas, depending on their location, oviposit between late April through to the end of June. Flagging will appear in weeks following ovipositing. Leaves will remain brown throughout the year.

Flagging rarely kills the tree.

This project will be useful for determine the presence of Magicicada and their impact on various species of trees. less ↑