Cicada

Cicada facts at a glance

What is a group of cicadas called?

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Appearance and identification

Cicadas are stout, broad-headed insects measuring 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) long depending on the species, with prominent bulging eyes set wide apart. They have two pairs of clear, well-veined membranous wings that are held roof-like over the body at rest. Many species are green, brown, or black, sometimes with striking red or gold eyes. Adults are strong fliers but clumsy, and are often heard long before they are seen.

The famous song

Male cicadas produce one of the loudest sounds of any insect using paired ribbed membranes called tymbals on the sides of the abdomen. Muscles buckle these membranes rapidly in and out, and the largely hollow abdomen amplifies the clicks into a continuous, penetrating call. The song is used mainly to attract females, and different species have distinct calls so that mates find the right partner. In large choruses the combined sound can be intense enough to be uncomfortable at close range.

Life cycle underground

Cicadas spend the great majority of their lives as nymphs living underground, where they feed on sap from plant roots. Depending on the species this stage lasts from a couple of years to many years, and some North American periodical cicadas emerge together after 13 or 17 years. When ready, the nymphs dig to the surface, climb a plant or tree, and moult into winged adults, leaving behind the familiar empty shell. The adult stage that follows lasts only a few weeks.

Diet and feeding

Both nymphs and adults are herbivores that feed on plant sap rather than solid food. Using needle-like mouthparts, nymphs draw sap from roots underground, while adults feed on the fluids of twigs and branches. Because the sap is watery and low in nutrients, cicadas process large volumes and are not considered serious pests of crops in most cases. Their feeding and egg-laying can, however, cause minor damage to young twigs.

Predators and defence

Cicadas are eaten by birds, small mammals, reptiles, and predatory insects, and they have few active defences beyond flight and camouflage. Periodical species rely on a strategy of overwhelming numbers, emerging all at once so that predators cannot possibly eat them all before they breed. A specialised wasp known as the cicada killer hunts them to provision its nest. When handled, adults may emit a sharp distress squawk and take off quickly.

Did you know? Cicada facts

• Cicadas are large insects best known for the loud buzzing song of the males, which is among the loudest sounds made by any insect.
• Male cicadas vibrate ribbed membranes called tymbals on their abdomen, and the mostly hollow abdomen amplifies the sound. The song attracts females and can exceed 100 decibels in some species.
• Cicadas spend most of their lives as nymphs underground, from a couple of years to many years, while the winged adults live only a few weeks. Periodical species famously emerge after 13 or 17 years.
• Cicadas feed on plant sap throughout their lives. Nymphs drink sap from plant roots underground, while adults feed on sap from stems and twigs.
• Cicadas are harmless to people and do not bite or sting. They cause little damage to healthy plants, though heavy egg-laying can harm the twigs of young trees.
• Conservation: Varies by species.

Diet & feeding

Cicada feeds primarily as a herbivore (plant sap). Cicadas spend most of their lives as nymphs living underground, where they feed on sap from plant roots. This stage can last from a couple of years to many years depending on the species. When ready, the nymphs dig their way to the surface, climb a tree or stem, and mo

Adaptations

• Male cicadas produce their loud song using special membranes called tymbals on the sides of the abdomen, which they vibrate rapidly. The largely hollow abdomen acts as a resonating chamber, amplifying the sound, which in some species exceeds 100 decibels. The song is used to attract females, and choruses of many males can fill a summer landscape with noise.
• Cicadas spend most of their lives as nymphs living underground, where they feed on sap from plant roots. This stage can last from a couple of years to many years depending on the species. When ready, the nymphs dig their way to the surface, climb a tree or stem, and molt into winged adults, leaving behind their empty shells.

Behaviour & ecology

• Male cicadas produce their loud song using special membranes called tymbals on the sides of the abdomen, which they vibrate rapidly. The largely hollow abdomen acts as a resonating chamber, amplifying the sound, which in some species exceeds 100 decibels. The song is used to attract females, and choruses of many males can fill a summer landscape with noise.
• Cicadas spend most of their lives as nymphs living underground, where they feed on sap from plant roots. This stage can last from a couple of years to many years depending on the species. When ready, the nymphs dig their way to the surface, climb a tree or stem, and molt into winged adults, leaving behind their empty shells.
• Some North American cicadas are periodical, emerging together in enormous numbers after either 13 or 17 years underground. These synchronized emergences flood the area with so many cicadas that predators cannot eat them all, a survival strategy known as predator satiation. Annual cicadas, by contrast, appear every summer in smaller numbers.

Communication

• Cicada uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
• Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.

Habitat & range

Forests and grasslands worldwide

Ecological role

Cicada shapes vegetation through grazing or browsing and serves as prey for larger predators where ranges overlap.

Conservation status of the Cicada

Sources & references

This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Cicada:

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

  Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Cicadidae.

• IUCN Red List — Cicadidae.

  Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.

• Wikipedia — Cicada.

  General taxonomy and overview (cross-check primary sources).

• Global Animal Guide editorial standards

  How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.