Cicadas are fascinating creatures that have captured the curiosity of humans for centuries. These animals, belonging to the insect family, have a rich history and numerous intriguing facts. From their impressive size and unique habitat to their classification within the animal kingdom, there is much to explore about cicadas.
Cicadas are known for their large size, with some species reaching up to two inches in length. These insects can be found in various habitats across the globe, from forests and grasslands to urban areas. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap of plant roots. Once they mature, cicadas emerge from the soil and shed their nymphal exoskeletons, revealing their colorful wings.
As part of the animal kingdom, cicadas are classified as insects. Insects are a diverse group of creatures that make up the largest class of animals on Earth. They are characterized by their six legs, three body parts, and exoskeleton. Cicadas are further classified under the order Hemiptera, which includes other insects such as bugs and aphids. They are known for their distinct features, such as their large, transparent wings and prominent eyes.
In our blog, we aim to delve deeper into the world of cicadas, exploring their history, intriguing facts, impressive size, unique habitats, and classification within the animal kingdom. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey of discovery. And don’t forget, we already have an article covering over 155 different animals, so be sure to check that out as well. Let’s dive into the captivating world of cicadas together!
History of Cicada
The cicada is a fascinating creature that has a long history on our planet. Scientists believe that cicadas have been around for millions of years, even before the time of dinosaurs! These insects have survived through time with their unique characteristics and life cycle.
Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing sound that can be heard during the warmer months. This sound is produced by the males as they try to attract females for mating. It is their way of communicating and finding a partner. The sound can be quite loud and can sometimes be heard from a distance.
Another interesting fact about cicadas is their incredible life cycle. These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, which can last for several years. During this time, they feed on the sap from tree roots and grow larger and stronger. When the time is right, they emerge from the ground as adults, shedding their old exoskeletons. The adult cicadas then live for a short period, usually about a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs for the next generation.
In conclusion, the cicada is an ancient insect with a unique life cycle and a distinctive sound. It has managed to survive throughout history and continues to thrive today. The cicada’s ability to adapt and its remarkable life cycle make it a truly fascinating creature.
Importance of Cicada
Cicadas are important creatures in our ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature. These insects are known for their distinct sound, which can be heard during warm summer days.
Firstly, cicadas are essential for the environment because they control the population of other insects. Their diet mainly consists of plant sap, but they also feed on other insects. By consuming harmful pests, cicadas help prevent the overgrowth of these insects, which can damage crops and plants. This makes them valuable contributors to agriculture and the overall health of our green spaces.
Secondly, cicadas have a significant impact on the ecosystem’s cycle of life. Their larvae live underground for several years, feeding on tree roots before emerging as adult cicadas. During this time, they enrich the soil by aerating it and improving its fertility. When the adults finally emerge, they become a vital source of food for many animals, including birds and small mammals. This chain of events highlights the importance of cicadas as a fundamental part of the food web.
In conclusion, cicadas are not just noisy insects; they are crucial for maintaining the balance of nature. By controlling other insect populations and contributing to the ecosystem’s cycle of life, they play a significant role in our environment. Appreciating the importance of the cicada helps us understand the intricate connections that exist in nature and highlights the need to protect these fascinating creatures.
Amazing Facts About Cicada
1. Cicadas are insects that belong to the order Hemiptera.
2. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas found around the world.
3. These insects have a unique life cycle that lasts several years.
4. Cicadas have a distinct sound that they produce by vibrating membranes on their abdomen.
5. They are known for their loud buzzing or chirping noise, which can often be heard during warm summer days.
6. Male cicadas are the ones responsible for producing the sound to attract females.
7. This insect’s diet mainly consists of plant sap, which they obtain by piercing into the stems and branches of trees.
8. Cicadas are not harmful to humans or animals, as they do not bite or sting.
9. They have a strong exoskeleton that protects their body and helps them survive in various environments.
10. Cicadas have large eyes and can see in multiple directions, which helps them detect predators.
11. They have a long and tubular mouthpart called a proboscis, which they use to feed on plant fluids.
12. Some cicada species have unique adaptations like camouflage or bright colors to protect themselves.
13. Cicadas are often found in forests, grasslands, and gardens, where they live on trees, shrubs, or underground.
14. The lifespan of a cicada can vary depending on the species, ranging from just a few months to several years.
15. These insects play an essential role in the ecosystem by promoting the growth of plants through their feeding habits and by becoming a food source for other animals.
Can we keep Cicada as our Pet?
Cicadas are fascinating insects found all around the world. However, they are not suitable to be kept as pets. While cicadas are not extinct, it’s important to know why some animals cannot be kept as pets.
Firstly, cicadas have specific needs that are hard to meet in a home environment. They require specific food, temperature, and humidity conditions that are difficult to replicate outside their natural habitat. Additionally, cicadas have a specialized life cycle that involves spending several years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults. This lengthy process makes it impractical to keep them as pets.
Moreover, it’s crucial to understand that keeping endangered or extinct animals as pets is not only impossible but also harmful to nature. In the past, some cicada species have faced threats such as habitat loss and climate change, leading to population decline. If we were to keep these delicate insects as pets, it would further endanger their survival in the wild.
In conclusion, while cicadas are not extinct and can still be observed in nature, they are not suitable to be kept as pets. Their unique needs and specialized life cycle make it challenging to provide them with the required care. Moreover, it’s important to protect endangered animals and refrain from keeping them as pets.
Size of Cicada
The cicada is a small insect that belongs to the animal kingdom. It is similar to a bug or a beetle, but it has some unique features. One important thing to note about cicadas is that they come in different sizes, depending on the species.
Most cicadas are relatively small, measuring around 2 to 2.5 centimeters long. They have six legs, two pairs of wings, and a long, slender body. Their bodies are usually dark in color, with some species having bright markings or patterns on their wings. Despite their small size, cicadas are known for producing loud and distinctive sounds by vibrating a special membrane on their abdomen.
However, there is a special kind of cicada called the “giant cicada.” As the name suggests, this species of cicada is much larger than its counterparts. Giant cicadas can grow up to 7 centimeters long, making them one of the largest cicadas in the insect world. They have a thicker body, larger wings, and often come in vibrant colors. These giant cicadas live in tropical regions and are a fascinating sight to behold.
In conclusion, cicadas can come in various sizes, with most being around 2 to 2.5 centimeters long. However, the giant cicada stands out due to its larger size, measuring up to 7 centimeters in length. Despite their size differences, all cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem and have their own unique characteristics.
Habitat of Cicada
Cicadas are fascinating insects that live in different habitats around the world. These insects are known for their loud and distinctive buzzing sound, which can be heard during the warm summer months. Cicadas prefer to live in places with plenty of trees, such as forests, woodlands, and gardens.
In their habitat, cicadas spend most of their lives underground. They dig tunnels and burrow into the soil, where they stay for several years. These underground chambers provide protection and shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. During this time, cicadas feed on the sap of tree roots, which provides them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop.
When they are ready to emerge, cicadas crawl out of the ground and shed their nymph exoskeleton. As adults, they have wings and are capable of flying. Cicadas are well adapted to hot climates, so they are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are also known to thrive in temperate areas, where summers are warm and humid.
In conclusion, cicadas prefer habitats with trees, such as forests, woodlands, and gardens. They spend most of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots and seeking shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. When they are ready to emerge, cicadas shed their exoskeleton and become adults with wings. These fascinating insects are well adapted to hot climates and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as temperate areas with warm and humid summers.
Evolution of Cicada
The evolution of the cicada animal is a fascinating journey that spans millions of years. These intriguing creatures have undergone numerous changes and adaptations, shaping them into the noisy insects we know today.
It all started a long time ago when the first cicada ancestors appeared on the Earth. They looked quite different from modern cicadas. These ancient creatures had smaller bodies and wingspan and lived in various habitats across the world. As time passed, cicadas began to adapt to their surroundings, evolving unique features and behaviors to survive.
One significant change in the evolution of cicadas was the development of their ability to produce loud and distinctive sounds. Male cicadas now use specialized organs called tymbals to create their buzzing noise. This sound is not only a mating call but also helps to establish territory and attract females. This adaptation has proven highly successful, as it allows cicadas to communicate with each other over long distances.
Another important transformation in the evolution of cicadas is their complex life cycle. Unlike many other insects, cicadas have a unique strategy to ensure their survival. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on plant roots. These nymphs then emerge after several years, shedding their exoskeletons to become adults. This prolonged and synchronized life cycle helps cicadas to avoid predators and have a more successful reproductive period.
In conclusion, the evolution of the cicada animal has led to the development of their distinctive features, including the ability to produce loud sounds and their unique life cycle. These adaptations have ensured the survival and success of these remarkable insects throughout the years. Understanding the journey of the cicada’s evolution allows us to appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world.
Classification of Cicada
Cicadas are fascinating creatures that belong to the insect family. There are around 3,000 different species of cicadas in the world, and they can be found in various countries. Despite having a diverse appearance, all cicadas share some common characteristics that help us classify them.
Cicadas are insects that belong to the order Hemiptera, which means “half-winged.” They have two pairs of wings, with the front pair being longer and tougher than the hind ones. These wings are transparent, allowing light to pass through them. Cicadas also have large, prominent eyes that help them locate food and avoid predators.
Moreover, cicadas can be further classified into two main groups based on their life cycle: annual and periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas, as the name suggests, have a life cycle of one year. They emerge from the soil, mature, reproduce, and then die, all within a single year. On the other hand, periodical cicadas have an exceptional life cycle that spans either 13 or 17 years. These cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on plant roots before emerging in massive numbers for a few weeks to sing, mate, and lay eggs.
In conclusion, cicadas are a unique group of insects. They are classified as belonging to the order Hemiptera and have distinguishing characteristics such as their transparent wings and large eyes. Cicadas can further be classified based on their life cycle into either annual or periodical cicadas. These incredible creatures continue to amaze us with their fascinating behavior and enchanting sounds.
Types of Cicada
1. Annual Cicada: These cicadas appear every year and have a lifespan of a few weeks. They are known for their distinctive buzzing sound, which is produced by males to attract mates. They lay their eggs in tree branches, and the nymphs hatch and burrow into the ground to feed on tree roots.
2. Periodical Cicada: These cicadas have a unique life cycle and emerge from underground in huge numbers after a period of either 13 or 17 years. They are divided into different broods, and once they surface, they molt, mate, and lay eggs before their short adult life ends. Their synchronized emergence is a fascinating natural phenomenon.
3. Tibicen (Dogday Harvestfly): This type of cicada is characterized by its loud and high-pitched buzzing sound, which is often associated with hot summer days. They are found in many regions and are known for their striking black and green coloration. They inhabit trees and feed on sap and fluids from plants.
4. Neotibicen (Scissor-grinder Cicada): The scissor-grinder cicadas are recognized by the unique sound that males produce, resembling the noise made by a grinding wheel. They owe their name to this sound and are found in several states in the eastern United States. They are greenish-brown and feed on tree sap.
5. Magicicada (Brood X): Brood X is a specific group of periodical cicadas that emerges from underground every 17 years in massive numbers. These red-eyed cicadas regularly attract attention due to their abundance, distinctive mating calls, and the considerable impact they have on local ecosystems during their brief adult life.
6. Okanagana (Cicada Killer Wasp): These insects are not actual cicadas, but they are closely associated with them. They are solitary wasps that prey on cicadas. After paralyzing a cicada, they drag it to their underground burrow, where they lay their eggs on it, ensuring food for the newly hatched wasp larvae.
7. Meimuna opalifera (Floury Baker Cicada): This species of cicada is known for its striking appearance, with opalescent coloration on its body and wings. They are found in Australia and are named after the “floury” appearance they acquire after molting. The males produce a low buzzing sound to attract mates.
8. Platypleura (Lantern fly): These cicadas, commonly known as lantern flies, have unique appendages on their abdomen that resemble small lanterns, making them easily recognizable. They inhabit tropical regions, using their lanterns to produce light flashes during courtship displays.
9. Cryptotympana (Japanese Cicada): This cicada is a common sight in Japan and produces a loud, shrill song during the summer months. Their large size, green body with black markings, and distinctive call make them easily identifiable. Their mating calls are often associated with the hot Japanese summer.
10. Diceroprocta (Cactus Dodger Cicada): Found in desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, these cicadas are known for their ability to camouflage with cactus plants, effectively hiding from predators. They produce a buzzing sound and are active during the summer months when cacti are abundant.
Geographical Presence of Cicada
Cicadas are insects that are found in many parts of the world, including regions in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are most commonly found in warm and tropical regions where the climate is suitable for their survival. These regions often have high humidity and abundant vegetation, which provide the necessary conditions for cicadas to thrive. Therefore, it is safe to say that cicadas can be found in various parts of the world.
However, there are some regions where cicadas are not found. One such example is Antarctica. Due to its extremely cold and harsh climate, cicadas are unable to survive in this region. Similarly, cicadas are also absent in certain remote islands and isolated areas where the necessary conditions for their survival are not met. These areas may include deserts, high mountain ranges, and polar regions.
In conclusion, cicadas can be found in many parts of the world, particularly in warm and tropical regions with high humidity and abundant vegetation. However, they are not found in extremely cold regions like Antarctica or in isolated areas where the necessary conditions for their survival are not met.
Scientific Name of Cicada
The scientific name of the cicada animal is Magicicada. These fascinating insects are known for their distinct buzzing and clicking sounds that can be heard during the warm summer months. They belong to the order Hemiptera, which includes other insects like aphids and leafhoppers.
Cicadas have a unique life cycle that spans several years. They spend most of their lives as nymphs underground, feeding on the sap from plant roots. After a few years, they emerge from the ground and transform into adults. The adult cicadas have large transparent wings and are well-known for their piercing and loud calls, which are used to attract mates.
Cicadas are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They can be found in forests, gardens, and parks where there are enough trees for them to lay their eggs. While cicadas are harmless to humans and pets, they can occasionally damage young trees by depositing their eggs in the branches.
In conclusion, the scientific name for the cicada animal is Magicicada. These insects have a unique life cycle and are well-known for their distinctive buzzing sounds. Despite their fascinating nature, cicadas do not pose any harm to humans and play an important role in the ecosystem.
Diet of Cicada
Cicadas are insects that spend a major part of their lives underground as nymphs. They live in soil and feed on the sap from plant roots. The diet of a cicada nymph is composed mainly of the xylem sap, which is found in the roots of plants. This sap contains important nutrients and water that helps the nymphs grow and develop.
Once cicada nymphs mature and emerge from the ground, they climb up trees or other plants to molt into adult cicadas. As adults, their diet changes. Adult cicadas do not eat solid food like other insects do. Instead, they primarily drink fluids such as plant sap and water. They use their long and straw-like mouthparts called proboscis to access this liquid nourishment.
In summary, the diet of cicadas varies depending on their life stage. When they are nymphs living underground, they feed on the sap of plant roots. This sap provides them with the necessary nutrients for growth. Once they become adult cicadas, they no longer eat solid food and instead rely on drinking plant sap and water to sustain themselves. This unique diet allows these fascinating creatures to complete their life cycle and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem.
Locomotion of Cicada
Cicadas are small creatures that fly, but their flying style is a bit different from other insects. When a cicada wants to move from one place to another, it uses its strong wings to flap up and down, creating a buzzing sound. This buzzing helps them fly around. They are not very good at flying long distances, but they can go from tree to tree and explore their surroundings.
Apart from using their wings to fly, cicadas can also walk. They have six legs that help them move on the ground. Their legs are strong and have little hooks at the end, which help them grip onto different surfaces like leaves, branches, or tree trunks. When they walk, their legs move in a coordinated way, stepping one after the other. Sometimes they may even hop from one spot to another. These little insects may not be the fastest movers, but they can still get around pretty well using their wings or legs.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Cicada
Cicadas are fascinating creatures that have unique social and sexual behaviors. They live underground for most of their lives, emerging only once every few years. When they come out, they gather in large numbers, creating a deafening noise that can be heard for miles around. This behavior is part of their social interaction, as they use their buzzing sounds to communicate with other cicadas and attract mates.
During this period, male cicadas become very active in their pursuit of love. They produce loud mating calls to find a female partner. These calls are not only used for attracting mates, but also for defending their territories from other males. Female cicadas respond to these calls by flicking their wings, which is a signal to the male that she is interested in mating. Once they establish a connection, the male and female cicadas engage in a complex courtship ritual, which involves mutual tapping and grooming of each other’s bodies.
After mating, the female cicada searches for a suitable place to lay her eggs. She typically chooses a tree branch or twig and uses her sharp ovipositor to lay hundreds of eggs in small holes. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow deep into the soil, where they will remain for several years before emerging as adult cicadas. This cycle of social and sexual behavior is what makes cicadas such intriguing creatures in the animal kingdom.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Cicada
Cicadas are fascinating insects with a unique life cycle. They go through a process called metamorphosis, which means they change their appearance as they grow. Cicadas have three main life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.
The life cycle of a cicada starts when the female lays her eggs. She uses a strong tube-like organ called an ovipositor to insert the eggs into tree branches. A single female cicada can lay hundreds of eggs. Once the eggs are laid, they stay on the branches for about six to ten weeks.
After this period, the eggs hatch, and small nymphs emerge. These nymphs are wingless and move to the ground where they burrow into the soil. Here, they live for several years, feeding on tree roots underground. During this time, the nymphs go through several molting stages, shedding their exoskeleton and growing bigger each time. It takes them about 13 to 17 years to complete this underground period.
Finally, when it’s time to transform into adults, the nymphs emerge from the ground. They climb up tree trunks or any nearby vertical surface, and their exoskeleton splits open. Out come the adult cicadas with their wings and a beautiful new body. The adult cicadas look very different from when they were nymphs. They have large eyes, transparent wings, and a distinctive sound-producing organ called a tymbal. The adult cicadas only live for a few weeks to mate and lay eggs, completing the circle of life.
In summary, the life cycle of a cicada begins with eggs laid on tree branches. After hatching, the nymphs live underground, feeding on tree roots for many years. Finally, they emerge as adult cicadas, mate, and lay eggs, continuing the incredible life cycle of these fascinating insects.
Threats to Cicada
Cicadas, small insects known for their loud noise-making abilities, face various threats in their natural habitat. One of the major threats to these animals is habitat loss. As human populations grow, they often clear forests and woodlands to make way for buildings, farms, and roads. This destruction of their homes leaves cicadas with fewer places to live and reproduce, ultimately leading to a decline in their populations.
Another threat to cicadas is the use of pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals are often used in agriculture to kill pests and protect crops. However, they can also harm beneficial insects like cicadas. When cicadas are exposed to pesticides, it can disrupt their life cycles, harm their reproductive abilities, and even lead to their death. The extensive use of these chemicals can have a devastating impact on cicada populations in certain areas.
Climate change is also becoming a concerning threat to cicadas. Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns can disrupt the timing of their life cycles. For example, cicadas emerge from the ground in large numbers after spending years developing as nymphs underground. However, if the weather patterns shift, they may emerge earlier or later than usual, which can affect their survival and ability to find mates. Additionally, climate change can also alter the availability of food sources for cicadas, further impacting their populations.
In conclusion, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are all significant threats to cicadas. These factors can greatly impact their populations and overall survival. It is essential for humans to take steps towards conserving natural habitats, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and addressing climate change to ensure the continued existence of these fascinating insects.
Population of Cicada
The population of the Cicada animal is quite remarkable. It is estimated that there are around 3,000 to 4,000 species of cicadas worldwide. These fascinating creatures are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even deserts. They are known for their unique sound, which is produced by the males to attract females.
However, it is important to note that there are some species of cicadas that are extinct. These extinct species are believed to have disappeared due to natural causes, such as changes in their habitat or competition with other animals. Unfortunately, some human activities, like deforestation and pollution, have also contributed to the decline and extinction of certain cicada species.
Today, scientists and conservationists are working diligently to protect and preserve the population of cicadas. Efforts are being made to conserve their habitats and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. It is crucial for us to learn from the past and take active measures to ensure the survival of these incredible creatures for future generations to witness and appreciate.
Conclusion
Overall, Cicadas are fascinating creatures found in various parts of the world. These insects have a long history and are quite unique in many aspects. One interesting fact about Cicadas is that they are part of the Animal Kingdom, which includes a wide range of living organisms.
Cicadas come in different sizes, with some species measuring up to 2 inches long. They live in diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. These creatures spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, and when they mature, they emerge and start their brief but noisy adult stage.
Cicadas belong to the insect order Hemiptera, which also includes other insects like aphids and leafhoppers. They are known for their distinctive sound, which is produced by the males to attract females for mating. It is fascinating to observe how these animals have evolved to have such loud and unique calls.
In conclusion, Cicadas are intriguing insects that have a rich history and interesting characteristics. Their size, habitat, and classification as part of the Animal Kingdom make them stand out among other creatures. The next time you hear their melodic symphony in nature, take a moment to appreciate these remarkable animals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cicada (FAQ’s)
Q: What is a cicada?
A: A cicada is an insect that belongs to the family Cicadidae.
Q: How many species of cicadas are there?
A: There are approximately 3,000 known species of cicadas.
Q: Where can cicadas be found?
A: Cicadas can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Q: What are the main characteristics of cicadas?
A: Cicadas are known for their transparent wings, large eyes, and unique sound-producing organs.
Q: How do cicadas produce their distinctive sound?
A: Male cicadas produce sound by vibrating their abdominal membranes, which amplifies the sound through a hollow cavity in their body.
Q: What is the purpose of the cicadas’ sound?
A: The sound produced by male cicadas is used to attract females for mating.
Q: How long do cicadas live?
A: Cicadas typically have a lifespan ranging from two to six weeks.
Q: Why do cicadas have such a short lifespan?
A: Cicadas have a short lifespan because their energy is focused on finding mates and reproducing.
Q: Do cicadas bite or sting?
A: No, cicadas do not bite or sting, as they primarily feed on plant sap.
Q: What do cicadas eat?
A: Cicadas feed on the sap of trees and plants using their long, straw-like mouthparts.
Q: Do cicadas cause any harm to plants?
A: While cicadas can cause minimal damage to trees and shrubs by laying eggs in younger branches, they generally do not pose a significant threat to plant health.
Q: Are cicadas harmful to humans?
A: Cicadas are not harmful to humans as they do not bite or sting. However, their loud mating calls can be quite noisy.
Q: How often do cicadas emerge?
A: Depending on the species, cicadas emerge from the ground every 13 to 17 years.
Q: What happens when cicadas emerge?
A: When cicadas emerge, they shed their nymph exoskeleton and mature into adults.
Q: Do cicadas have any predators?
A: Birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects such as wasps and spiders are some of the predators that prey on cicadas.
Q: Can cicadas fly?
A: Yes, cicadas are capable fliers and can cover long distances in search of suitable mates and food.
Hi there! I’m Morgan Gutierrez, and I love animals! I work as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo and also teach people about animals, which is super fun. I studied at Valparaiso University in Lockport, Illinois, where I learned even more about these amazing creatures.
I’m not just about taking care of animals; I write articles about them, too! I explore and share many interesting animal stories, from cute kittens to giant elephants.
In the past, I’ve worked with veterinarians, helped with research, and even been an Animal Ambassador, bringing animals closer to people. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy helping others learn about them. So, if you ever want to know about animals, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand, just like talking to a friend!
