[2][3] Furthermore, the genus Tibicen still exists, but today it only encompasses a small number of European taxa.

The coloring of its mesonotum is orange, green, black, or brown with three white pruinosity areas on the dorsum separated by stripes.

Certain overlapping diagnostic traits are found in both cicadas, such as the pruinose patterning on the abdomen and narrow head.

Populations of M. dealbatus are located in central North America in the U.S. Great Plains region where habitat is favorable.

Only males call to females during the day, preferably from grasses and shrubs in grassland ecosystems.

The typical peak activity is from 10 am until 6 pm, usually when the sun is bright and the ambient air temperature is warm.

Later, the eggs hatch and nymphs drop to the soil and quickly burrow and feed on the roots of plants.

Once mature (after the 3- to 5-year feeding period underground), the nymphs emerge from the ground through tunnel systems during the summer.

They crawl up trees, grasses, shrubs, buildings, or other stable structures and shed their final skin.