Quick answer
Cicadas (Cicadidae) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The loud summer singer with a long underground youth. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live Nymphs years underground; adults a few weeks. They feed on herbivore (plant sap) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and grasslands worldwide; known for the loud summer song of the males.
Key takeaway
Cicadas (Cicadidae) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The loud summer singer with a long underground youth. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live Nymphs years underground; adults a few weeks. They feed on herbivore (plant sap) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and grasslands worldwide; known for the loud summer song of the males.
Cicada overview
Cicada (Cicadidae) is a insect listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.002 kg; lifespan around Nymphs years underground; adults a few weeks.
Cicada ecology
Diet: Herbivore (plant sap). Habitat: Forests and grasslands worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Cicadas and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild cicadas are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Cicada profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Cicadas inhabit Forests and grasslands worldwide; known for the loud summer song of the males. Their preferred habitat includes forests and grasslands worldwide, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Africa, Asia, Europe, North Ameri
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult cicadas typically measure about 0.04 m in length and weigh roughly 0.002 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 5 km/h (3 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Cicadas are known for the loud summer singer with a long underground youth — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Cicada FAQs
What are key facts about cicadas?
Cicadas (Cicadidae) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The loud summer singer with a long underground youth. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.002 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live Nymphs years underground; adults a few weeks. They feed on herbivore (plant sap) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Forests and grasslands worldwide; known for the loud summer song of the males.
What is the scientific name of the cicada?
Cicadidae — used in research and conservation listings for cicadas.
What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas eat plant sap, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests and grasslands worldwide.
Where do cicadas live?
They are associated with Forests and grasslands worldwide. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of cicadas?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.