Cicada

Overview

Cicadas are members of the family Cicadidae, comprising over 3,000 species found on every continent except Antarctica. These insects are characterized by their stout bodies, prominent eyes, transparent wings with distinctive venation, and the males' remarkable ability to produce loud, species-specific songs using specialized organs called tymbals. Adult cicadas typically measure 2-5 cm in length, though some tropical species can exceed 6 cm. The cicada life cycle is among the most extraordinary in the insect world. Nymphs hatch from eggs laid in tree bark and drop to the ground, where they burrow into soil and feed on xylem fluids from plant roots. Depending on the species, nymphs may remain underground for 2-17 years, with some North American periodical cicadas having precisely timed 13- or 17-year cycles. This extended juvenile period represents one of the longest development times of any insect. Cicadas play important ecological roles as prey for numerous predators and as aerators of soil through their burrowing activities. Their mass emergences can affect forest nutrient cycling, and their egg-laying can prune trees, promoting new growth. While individual cicadas are short-lived as adults (typically 2-6 weeks), their synchronized emergences create significant ecological and cultural events. The distinctive songs of male cicadas, produced to attract females, are among the loudest sounds produced by any insect, sometimes exceeding 100 decibels. Different species have characteristic calling patterns, frequencies, and times of day when they are most vocal. These calls have made cicadas culturally significant across many societies, featuring prominently in art, literature, and folklore worldwide.

How to identify

Adult cicadas have large, clear wings held roof-like over the body, prominent compound eyes (often with three ocelli between them), short antennae, and stout bodies typically 2-5 cm long. Coloration varies by species but commonly includes black, brown, green, or combinations with distinctive markings. The tymbals (sound-producing organs) are visible as ribbed plates on the sides of the male's abdomen. Nymphs are brown, robust, with powerful front legs adapted for digging. The characteristic loud, buzzing, clicking, or whining calls of males are often the first sign of cicada presence, with each species having a distinctive song pattern.

Habitat

Cicadas inhabit forests, woodlands, grasslands, and suburban areas with adequate vegetation. Adults are typically found on tree trunks, branches, and foliage, while nymphs live underground attached to plant roots. Most species prefer areas with trees or shrubs, though some grassland species exist. They require suitable host plants for root-feeding nymphs and adequate perching sites for calling males.

Distribution

Cicadas occur on all continents except Antarctica, with greatest diversity in tropical and temperate regions. They are particularly abundant in North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean region. Periodical cicadas (Magicicada species) are unique to eastern North America, while annual cicadas occur worldwide in suitable habitats.

Diet

Both nymphs and adults feed exclusively on plant fluids. Nymphs use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract xylem sap from tree and plant roots underground. Adults feed on xylem fluid from woody plant stems, though they feed much less than nymphs. They do not bite or sting humans and cause minimal damage to plants except when females create slits in twigs for egg-laying.

Behavior

Males aggregate in trees and produce loud, sustained calls to attract females, often calling synchronously in groups (chorusing). Calling typically occurs during the warmest parts of the day. Females respond to male calls with wing-flick signals. After mating, females use their ovipositor to cut slits in tree bark and deposit eggs. When threatened, some species produce defensive sounds or emit distasteful fluids. Mass emergences of periodical species represent one of nature's most remarkable synchronized behaviors.

Reproduction & life cycle

Females lay 200-600 eggs in slits cut into tree bark or plant stems. Eggs hatch after 6-10 weeks, and tiny nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into soil. Nymphs undergo 5 molts over 2-17 years (species-dependent) while feeding on root xylem. Mature nymphs emerge from soil, climb vegetation, and undergo final molt to adult form at night. Adults live only 2-6 weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs. Periodical cicadas have precisely synchronized 13- or 17-year cycles, while annual cicadas have overlapping generations that produce adults every year.

When to look

Adults emerge primarily in late spring through summer (May-September in Northern Hemisphere), with peak activity during warmest months. Periodical cicadas emerge in precise 13- or 17-year cycles in spring. Calling is most intense on warm, sunny days.

Cultural significance

Cicadas hold deep cultural significance in many societies. In ancient Greece and China, they symbolized immortality and rebirth due to their emergence from the earth. Japanese culture features cicadas prominently in poetry, art, and as symbols of summer. In Chinese traditional medicine, cicada molts (exuviae) have been used for centuries. Many cultures incorporate cicada imagery in jewelry, art, and decorative objects. Their emergence patterns have been used historically to mark seasons and agricultural cycles.

Similar species

• Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) - much smaller, different wing venation
• Froghoppers/Spittlebugs (Cercopidae) - smaller, different body shape
• Locusts and grasshoppers - different wing structure, jumping legs

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