Cicada insect Facts, FAQs, Behaviour, Habitat, Conservation and more
Cicada insect Facts | Description | Distribution and Habitat | Conservation | Behaviour and Ecology | Interaction with Human | Cultural | Interesting facts | frequently asked questions about Cicada
Taxonomy of Cicada
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hemiptera |
| Suborder | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family | Cicadidae |
Morphology of Cicada
| Body part | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Large, prominent eyes, short antennae, and mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking |
| Thorax | Large and muscular with two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs |
| Abdomen | Segmented, elongated body with auditory organs (tymbals) on the sides |
| Wings | Two pairs of wings, the front pair being thicker and more rigid than the hind pair |
| Legs | Three pairs of legs adapted for grasping and clinging |
| Size | Can range from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length |
Description of Cicada
Cicadas are large insects known for their distinctive and loud buzzing sound. They are typically found in temperate and tropical regions around the world, and there are over 3,000 species known to science. Cicadas have a unique appearance, with large prominent eyes, short antennae, and mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking. They have a large and muscular thorax, which houses two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs adapted for grasping and clinging to trees and other surfaces. The abdomen of the cicada is elongated and segmented, with auditory organs (tymbals) on the sides that produce their characteristic buzzing sound. Cicadas can range in size from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length, depending on the species.
Distribution and habitat of Cicada
Cicadas are found worldwide in temperate and tropical regions. They are particularly diverse in Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Cicadas inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and deserts. Some species prefer wet environments, while others are adapted to dry conditions. Cicadas are most commonly found in trees, where they feed on sap, but they can also be found on shrubs, bushes, and even the ground. Different species of cicadas have adapted to different habitats, allowing them to thrive in a wide range of environments. The distribution and habitat of cicadas vary depending on the species and region.
Behaviour and Ecology of Cicada
Cicadas have a unique and fascinating behavior and ecology. The life cycle of a cicada can take anywhere from 2 to 17 years, depending on the species. Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, feeding on sap from tree roots. When they are ready to emerge, cicadas will dig their way to the surface and climb onto a tree or other surface. They then shed their skin, revealing their wings and mature exoskeleton.
One of the most distinctive features of cicadas is their loud and repetitive buzzing sound, which they produce by vibrating membranes called tymbals on the sides of their abdomen. Male cicadas use this sound to attract females, and the sound can be heard from a distance of up to a mile away.
Cicadas play an important role in their ecosystem by serving as a food source for predators such as birds, mammals, and insects. They also help to aerate the soil, and their feeding on tree roots can increase the uptake of nutrients by the tree.
Cicadas are also known for their periodic mass emergences, known as “brood events,” in which thousands of cicadas will emerge at once. These events can occur every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species, and can result in a loud and overwhelming presence of cicadas in the affected area.
Overall, the behavior and ecology of cicadas is fascinating and important to the ecosystem in which they live.
Conservation of Cicada
There is no known conservation or cultivation efforts specific to cicadas as they are not considered endangered or threatened species. However, preserving the habitats of cicadas is crucial to their survival, as deforestation and other forms of habitat destruction can have a negative impact on their populations.
Additionally, cicadas can be beneficial to trees and other plants in their ecosystem. As such, efforts to preserve and promote healthy forests and woodland areas can indirectly support cicada populations.
Cicadas are also valued for their cultural and scientific significance, and some efforts have been made to study and protect them. For example, citizen science projects have been developed to gather data on cicada emergences and population trends.
Overall, while there are no specific conservation or cultivation efforts for cicadas, protecting their habitats and promoting scientific research on their ecology and behavior can indirectly benefit their populations.
Interaction with Human of Cicada
Cicadas do not pose a direct threat to humans as they are not venomous or aggressive. However, their loud buzzing sound can be a nuisance and may cause irritation to some people. Additionally, cicadas can cause damage to trees when they feed on their roots, especially in large numbers during brood events.
Despite this, cicadas have been appreciated and celebrated by humans throughout history. They have been featured in art, literature, and folklore, and their periodic emergences are often a source of fascination and wonder.
In some cultures, cicadas are even considered to be a symbol of rebirth and immortality. In Japan, for example, cicadas are a popular subject of poetry and literature, and their emergence in the summer is seen as a symbol of the changing seasons and the impermanence of life.
Overall, while cicadas may have some negative impacts on trees and their loud buzzing sound can be a nuisance, they are generally viewed positively by humans and have been a subject of cultural significance for centuries.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Cicada
Cicadas have been significant to human culture and history for thousands of years. In ancient China, cicadas were believed to have supernatural powers and were associated with immortality and rebirth. They were also considered to be symbols of high status and were often depicted in art and literature.
In Greece, cicadas were associated with music and poetry, and their name is said to come from the Greek word for “song”. Cicadas were also a popular subject in Greek art, and were depicted on coins and other artifacts.
Cicadas have also played a role in Native American cultures. The Hopi people of the southwestern United States believed that cicadas represented the souls of their ancestors, and that their songs were messages from the spirit world.
In modern times, cicadas continue to hold cultural significance. In some parts of the world, their periodic emergences are celebrated and even considered a culinary delicacy. In the United States, cicadas have been featured in popular culture, such as the 2004 horror film “The Grudge” and the video game “The Last of Us Part II”.
Overall, cicadas have been valued and appreciated for their cultural and historical significance, and continue to capture the fascination and imagination of people around the world.
Explanatory Notes for Cicada
Cicadas are a group of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, and family Cicadidae. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas, which are found in many parts of the world. Cicadas are known for their distinctive songs, which are produced by the males to attract females.
Cicadas are best known for their life cycle, which is characterized by long periods of underground development followed by a synchronized mass emergence. In many species, this emergence occurs every 13 or 17 years, which has led to their being called “periodic cicadas”. During their brief above-ground period, cicadas mate, lay eggs, and then die, leaving behind the next generation of cicadas to begin the cycle anew.
Cicadas have a unique morphology, with large, bulging eyes, and membranous wings that are held roof-like over their body. They are also known for their distinctive sound-producing organs, which are located on the undersides of their abdomens. Male cicadas vibrate these organs to produce their characteristic songs, which can be loud enough to damage human hearing.
Cicadas are primarily herbivores, feeding on the sap of trees and shrubs. They use their sharp, piercing mouthparts to pierce the bark of trees and extract nutrients. Cicadas are important in the ecosystems they inhabit, providing a food source for birds, mammals, and other animals.
Cicadas are not considered to be pests, although their above-ground emergences can sometimes be a nuisance due to the sheer numbers of individuals involved. Overall, cicadas are fascinating insects with a unique life cycle and cultural significance, making them a subject of interest to scientists, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Interesting facts about Cicada
- Cicadas are some of the oldest insects in the world, with fossils dating back 250 million years.
- There are over 3,000 species of cicadas found throughout the world.
- Cicadas are known for their loud, distinctive songs, which can reach up to 120 decibels, making them one of the loudest insects in the world.
- Male cicadas produce their songs by vibrating specialized organs called tymbals, which are located on the undersides of their abdomens.
- Cicadas are not harmful to humans, and are actually beneficial to the environment, as they help to aerate the soil and provide food for birds and other animals.
- Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, where they feed on the sap of tree roots.
- The life cycle of cicadas can last anywhere from two to 17 years, depending on the species.
- During their brief above-ground period, cicadas mate, lay eggs, and then die, leaving their offspring to continue the cycle.
- Cicadas are an important food source for many cultures throughout the world, and are considered a delicacy in some countries.
- Cicadas have been the subject of many cultural and artistic works throughout history, and have inspired poetry, music, and art across many different cultures.
General queries or frequently asked questions about Cicada
What is a cicada?
A cicada is an insect known for its loud, distinctive songs and its long, underground life cycle.
How long do cicadas live?
The lifespan of a cicada depends on the species, but can range from a few months to several years.
Are cicadas harmful to humans?
No, cicadas are not harmful to humans. They do not sting or bite, and are actually beneficial to the environment.
What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas feed on the sap of tree roots during their long underground period, and do not eat anything during their brief above-ground period.
Why are cicadas so loud?
Male cicadas produce their loud songs by vibrating specialized organs called tymbals, which are located on the undersides of their abdomens. The songs are used to attract females.
Do cicadas cause damage to trees?
Cicadas do not generally cause damage to healthy trees, but can harm young or weakened trees by feeding on their sap.
Where can I find cicadas?
Cicadas can be found throughout the world, but are most commonly found in temperate regions. They emerge from the ground in large numbers during their above-ground period, which varies depending on the species.
Can I eat cicadas?
Cicadas are considered a delicacy in some countries and can be eaten by humans, but caution should be taken when collecting and preparing them to ensure they are safe to eat.
Do cicadas have any predators?
Cicadas are preyed upon by birds, mammals, and other insects, and are an important food source for many animals.
What is the purpose of cicadas?
Cicadas play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to aerate the soil and providing food for other animals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cicada is a fascinating insect with unique features and behaviors. They are known for their distinctive songs, long life cycles, and large populations. Cicadas have a broad distribution across the world, with different species found in various habitats. Despite their abundance, some species are at risk due to habitat destruction and other human activities. Cicadas have played a role in various cultures and religions throughout history, and their songs have been used in music and art. Overall, Cicadas are essential components of the ecosystems they inhabit and provide important ecological benefits.
