Quick answer
Cicadas are large insects best known for the loud buzzing song of the males, which is among the loudest sounds made by any insect. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on plant roots, sometimes for many years, before emerging to live only weeks as adults. Found across warm regions worldwide, cicadas are famous for the synchronized mass emergences of some periodical species.
Key takeaway
Cicadas are large insects best known for the loud buzzing song of the males, which is among the loudest sounds made by any insect. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on plant roots, sometimes for many years, before emerging to live only weeks as adults. Found across warm regions worldwide, cicadas are famous for the synchronized mass emergences of some periodical species.
Overview
Cicadas are large insects best known for the loud buzzing song of the males, which is among the loudest sounds made by any insect. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on plant roots, sometimes for many years, before emerging to live only weeks as adults. Found across warm regions worldwide, cicadas are famous for the synchronized mass emergences of some periodical species.
Biology
Cicada (Cicadidae) is classified as Insect with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.002 kg; lifespan around Nymphs years underground; adults a few weeks.
Ecology
Diet: Herbivore (plant sap). Habitat: Forests and grasslands worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Cicada profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
The famous song
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.
Life underground
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.
Periodical cicadas
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.
Diet and impact
Both nymphs and adults feed on plant sap and cause little lasting harm to healthy plants, though heavy egg-laying can damage young twigs. Cicadas are an important food source for many birds, mammals, and other animals, especially during mass emergences. Their tunneling also helps aerate the soil.
Research notes
Figures for cicadas (Cicadidae) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter cicadas in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Cicada: Key Facts & Natural History?
Cicadas are large insects best known for the loud buzzing song of the males, which is among the loudest sounds made by any insect. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on plant roots, sometimes for many years, before emerging to live only weeks as adults. Found across warm regions worldwide, cicadas are famous for the synchronized mass emergences of some periodical species.
What is the scientific name of the cicada?
Cicadidae
What do cicadas eat?
Herbivore (plant sap)
Where do cicadas live?
Forests and grasslands worldwide
Are cicadas endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.