Why Do Cicadas Make Noise? Life Cycle, Broods, and 17-Year Emergence
A cicada is a fascinating flying insect famous for its loud buzzing sound. These insects spend most of their lives hidden underground and appear above the ground only for a short time. Cicada facts are especially interesting because some species live for more than a decade before becoming adults. Found in many parts of the world, cicadas are known for their unique life cycle, transparent wings, and powerful calls that fill the air during summer.
Quick Facts About Cicada
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Cicada |
| Scientific Family | Cicadidae |
| Animal Group | Insect |
| Size | 2 to 5 cm (some larger species exist) |
| Diet | Plant sap |
| Habitat | Forests, grasslands, gardens, and trees |
| Lifespan | 2–17 years (depending on species) |
| Special Feature | Very loud buzzing sound |
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
- Stout body with a broad head
- Large, widely spaced compound eyes
- Short antennae
- Two pairs of transparent, veined wings
- Strong beak-like mouthpart for sucking plant sap
- Green
- Brown
- Black
- Sometimes with red or orange eyes
Cicada Habitat and Distribution
Cicada habitat includes warm and temperate regions around the world. They are commonly found in:
- North America
- Asia
- Australia
- Africa
- Parts of Europe
- On trees and shrubs
- In forests and woodlands
- In gardens and parks
Cicada Diet and Feeding Habits
The cicada diet mainly consists of plant juices.
Behaviour and Lifestyle
- Mostly active during the day.
- Males gather in groups to produce loud mating calls.
- Excellent at clinging to tree bark.
- Short adult life above ground (a few weeks).
Cicada Life Cycle
The cicada life cycle is one of the most amazing in the insect world.
- Egg Stage: Female lays eggs in small cuts on tree branches.
- Nymph Stage: After hatching, nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil.
- Underground Growth: They live underground for years, feeding on root sap.
- Emergence: Nymphs come out, shed their outer skin, and become adults.
- Adult Stage: Adults live for a few weeks to reproduce.
What Makes Cicadas Special?
Types of Cicadas
- Annual Cicadas: Appear every year.
- Periodical Cicadas: Appear every 13 or 17 years in large groups.
Importance and Role in Nature
Amazing Cicada Facts
- Cicadas are among the loudest insects on Earth.
- Their sound can be heard from more than 1 km away.
- They do not bite or sting humans.
- Their empty outer shell can often be found on tree trunks.
- Some cultures consider cicadas symbols of rebirth.
- They belong to the same order as aphids and leafhoppers.
Fun Facts for Kids
FAQs on Cicada Insects Explained: Life Cycle, Sounds, and Myths
1. What is a cicada?
A cicada is a loud, flying insect known for its buzzing sound and long underground life.
- Belongs to the Hemiptera insect group (true bugs)
- Famous for its loud summer songs
- Spends most of its life as a nymph underground
- Often confused with grasshoppers or locusts
2. Why do cicadas make loud noises?
Cicadas make loud noises mainly to attract mates during the breeding season.
- Only male cicadas produce the buzzing sound
- They use special body parts called tymbals
- The sound can reach up to 100 decibels
- Each species has a unique mating call
3. How long do cicadas live?
Cicadas live most of their lives underground before appearing above ground for a short time.
- Periodical cicadas live 13 or 17 years underground
- Annual cicadas appear every year
- Adult cicadas live only 2–6 weeks
- Most of their life cycle is spent feeding on tree roots
4. What is the life cycle of a cicada?
The cicada life cycle has three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- Egg: Laid in tree branches
- Nymph: Falls to the ground and lives underground
- Adult: Emerges, sheds skin, mates, and lays eggs
- This process is called incomplete metamorphosis
5. Are cicadas harmful to humans?
Cicadas are harmless insects that do not bite or sting people.
- They do not spread diseases
- They rarely damage healthy trees
- Their loud sound may be annoying but not dangerous
- They are safe to observe and learn about
6. What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas feed on plant fluids from trees and shrubs.
- Nymphs suck sap from tree roots
- Adults drink xylem sap from branches
- They use a straw-like mouthpart called a proboscis
- They do not chew leaves like caterpillars
7. What is the difference between cicadas and locusts?
Cicadas and locusts are different insects even though people often confuse them.
- Cicadas belong to the true bug family
- Locusts are a type of grasshopper
- Cicadas suck plant sap, locusts eat crops and leaves
- Locust swarms can destroy farms, cicadas usually do not
8. When do cicadas come out?
Cicadas usually come out during warm spring or summer weather.
- They emerge when soil reaches about 64°F (18°C)
- Periodical cicadas appear every 13 or 17 years
- Annual cicadas come out each year
- They are most active during hot sunny days
9. Why do cicadas shed their skin?
Cicadas shed their outer skin to grow into adult insects.
- This process is called molting
- The old shell is known as an exoskeleton
- Molting happens when they leave the ground
- The empty shells are often found on tree trunks
10. Where do cicadas live?
Cicadas live in many parts of the world, especially in warm and temperate regions.
- Found in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe
- Prefer areas with plenty of trees and shrubs
- Nymphs live underground near tree roots
- Adults stay in trees and bushes
