What is Cicadas Bugs – Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing sound. Their scientific name is Cicadidae, and they belong to the order Hemiptera. There are many species of cicadas, with different scientific names depending on the specific species.
Cicadas are not typically dangerous to humans, although they can cause some damage to trees when laying eggs. They are found in various parts of the world, usually in temperate to tropical climates.
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All about Cicadas – Scientific Name, Fun Facts, Unique Features , Life Cycle, Diet
Cicada Scientific Name and Family
The scientific name for cicadas is Cicadidae. Within this family, there are numerous genera and species, each with its own unique characteristics and habits.
Cicada Species
Cicadas come in various species, each with its own specific traits and habitats. Some well-known species include the periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) found in North America, the annual cicadas (Tibicen spp.) widespread in many parts of the world, and the cicadas of the genus Cicada found in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Cicada Order
Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera, commonly known as true bugs. This order includes a vast array of insects characterized by
- piercing-sucking mouthparts and
- incomplete metamorphosis,
- where nymphs resemble adults but lack wings.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about Cicada
- 1. Cicadas are insects known for their distinctive buzzing sound, produced by vibrating membranes on their abdomen.
- 2. Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, emerging as adults to mate and lay eggs.
- 3. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, with some emerging every year and others on 13 or 17-year cycles.
- 4. Cicadas are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas, where they feed on sap from trees and plants.
- 5. Adult cicadas have short lifespans, typically living for only a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species.
- 6. Cicadas are not harmful to humans and do not bite or sting, as they lack the mouthparts for biting.
- 7. Despite their short adult lifespan, cicadas are important in ecosystems as they provide food for birds, mammals, and other insects.
- 8. Cicadas undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they do not have a pupal stage like butterflies or beetles.
- 9. Male cicadas produce loud mating calls to attract females, creating the characteristic buzzing chorus heard during their emergence.
- 10. Cicadas play a role in nutrient cycling by feeding on plant fluids and returning nutrients to the soil when they die and decompose.
Where do cicadas live?
Cicadas can be found in various habitats worldwide, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They typically live in regions where trees and shrubs are plentiful, as they feed on sap from the roots of these plants during their underground nymph stage.
What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas primarily feed on the sap of trees and plants. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts allow them to extract fluids from the xylem tissue of plants, but they do not consume leaves or other plant materials.
This feeding behavior can sometimes cause damage to trees, especially during large outbreaks or infestations.
Why do cicadas stay underground for 17 years?
Cicadas stay underground for extended periods, such as 17 years, as part of their unique life cycle strategy. This lengthy period of development is thought to be an adaptation to avoid predators and synchronize their emergence with specific environmental conditions, such as temperature and soil moisture levels.
This synchronized emergence increases the chances of successful mating and ensures the survival of the species.
Do cicadas bite?
No, cicadas do not bite humans. Unlike mosquitoes or other biting insects, cicadas lack the mouthparts necessary for biting or piercing human skin. Their mouthparts are adapted for feeding on plant fluids, not for biting or sucking blood.
How long do cicadas live?
The adult lifespan of cicadas varies depending on the species, but it typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months. During this time, adult cicadas focus on mating and laying eggs before they die.
After mating, female cicadas lay their eggs in the bark of trees or in the soil, and once the eggs hatch, the nymphs burrow underground to begin their long developmental period before emerging as adults.
What do cicadas turn into ?
Cicadas undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which means they do not have a pupal stage like butterflies or beetles.
- Instead, they transition through three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- After hatching from eggs, cicadas emerge as nymphs, which resemble smaller versions of adult cicadas but lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs.
- These nymphs spend several years underground, feeding on plant roots, before emerging as winged adults.
Once above ground, adult cicadas mate, lay eggs, and eventually die, completing their life cycle. So, they do not "turn into" anything in the traditional sense of metamorphosis.
Unique Features of Cicadas
Cicadas are fascinating creatures! Here are a few lesser-known facts and unique features about them:
1. Long Lifespan Underground :
Some cicada species spend up to 17 years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults. This long period of development is one of the longest known for any insect.
2. Variety of Species :
There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, with different species having varying life cycles, behaviors, and appearances.
3. Loud Calls :
Male cicadas produce loud buzzing or clicking noises to attract females. Some species can produce sounds up to 120 decibels, making them one of the loudest insects.
4. Winged Adults:
While cicada nymphs live underground, adults have wings and are capable of flight. They spend their short adult lives mating and laying eggs before dying.
5. Nutritional Source :
Cicadas are a food source for many animals, including birds, mammals, and even some humans in certain cultures. They are high in protein and have been consumed for centuries.
6. Predator Defense:
Cicadas have developed various defense mechanisms against predators. Some species have evolved to synchronize their emergence, overwhelming predators with sheer numbers. Others have evolved toxic or foul-tasting substances to deter predators.
7. Cultural Significance:
Cicadas have played significant roles in various cultures and mythologies worldwide. They are often associated with themes of rebirth, immortality, and transformation due to their cyclical life cycles.
Conclusion
Cicadas are remarkable insects with a rich diversity of species and behaviors. From their mysterious underground lives as nymphs to their cacophonous choruses as adults, cicadas captivate the imagination and contribute to the intricate tapestry of the natural world.
Understanding and appreciating these buzzing wonders enriches our appreciation for the complexity and beauty of nature.
