Where are Cicada found in the wild?

Cicadas thrive in a variety of environments, predominantly in temperate and tropical regions around the world. They love to hang out in forests, woodlands, gardens, and areas with lots of trees and plants, where they find plenty of sap to munch on!

"Cicada orni" by The original uploader was Marcello Consolo at Italian Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Cicada

Join the buzz and uncover nature's incredible sound makers!

"Cicada orni" by The original uploader was Marcello Consolo at Italian Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Cicadidae

Conservation Status

Not evaluated

Location

Worldwide

Average size

0.75 to 2.25 inches

diet

Plant sap

lifespan

2 to 5 years, some live up to 17 years underground

Let’s Explore

Overview

Cicadas are incredible insects known for their loud and distinctive sounds. They belong to the order Hemiptera and can be found worldwide, creating a buzz wherever they go!
Cicadas range in size from about 1.9 to 5.7 centimeters (0.75 to 2.25 inches). These fascinating creatures may appear small, but their chorus can be heard for miles, especially in warm weather.
These little critters have a plant-based diet, primarily sucking sap from trees and shrubs. Their munching helps keep plants healthy but does not harm them!
A cicada's life can be a real rollercoaster, lasting between 2 to 5 years. Some cicadas spend up to 17 years underground before emerging to party in the sunshine!
When cicadas emerge, they often do so in huge numbers, which makes for a spectacular show. Their synchronized buzzing creates a joyous symphony, truly making summertime feel alive!
Despite their loud presence, cicadas are harmless to humans. They even have a cool life cycle, transforming from nymphs underground to flying adults, giving them a chance to spread their wings and soar!

Where can you find a Cicada in the wild?

What does a Cicada eat?

How big can a Cicada grow?

How long does a Cicada typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Cicada?

What are the main threats to the Cicada?

wowzerful facts

Cicadas are known for their orchestra-like singing. Males produce loud calls to attract females, with some species reaching noise levels up to 100 decibels, making them one of the loudest insects on Earth!

Some cicadas can emerge from the ground in massive numbers, creating a spectacular event. This synchronized emergence helps confuse predators, allowing many cicadas to live through their first few days in the sun.

Cicadas have a unique way of telling time! Some species spend most of their lives underground, coming out only every 13 or 17 years, making them like nature’s own timekeepers.

A cicada's skin is a natural treasure for kids who love to collect! After they emerge from their nymph stage, they leave behind a hollow shell that looks like a tiny superhero costume.

During the hot summer months, cicadas can create such a loud buzz that it can drown out conversations! Imagine trying to talk with your friends while a loud musical concert plays nearby!

Cicadas have specialized mouthparts called stylets that help them sip plant sap. Think of them like nature's tiny drinking straws, gently extracting nourishment from trees!

In some cultures, cicadas symbolize rebirth and transformation. Their life cycle moves from underground nymphs to vibrant flying adults, making them a perfect example of change!

Cicadas have friends in the insect world! Other insects like certain beetles and ants sometimes share their homes in trees, creating a mini community among plant life.

The world's largest cicada, the Titanus giganteus, can grow to nearly 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length. That's longer than a smartphone!

Even though cicadas in your yard can seem like a nuisance, they actually help aerate the soil and fertilize it with their droppings, making them unsung heroes of the garden!