Welcome to an informative post meant to educate you on how to identify cicadas! These fascinating insects are known for their distinctive appearance and loud buzzing sounds. In this article, we will discuss the physical characteristics that set cicadas apart from other insects, such as their large, clear wings and bulging eyes. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what cicadas look like and be able to easily spot them in your own backyard.
Identifying Cicadas: What Do They Look Like?
Have you ever heard the loud buzzing sound of cicadas on a hot summer day and wondered what these insects look like? In this article, we will explore the appearance of cicadas and how to identify them. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or just curious about the world around you, learning about cicadas can be a fascinating experience. Let’s delve into the world of these intriguing insects!
What are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large insects that belong to the family Cicadidae, known for their loud buzzing or humming sound. They are commonly found in temperate regions around the world and are most active during the summer months. Cicadas have a unique life cycle that involves spending several years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults to mate and lay eggs.
Cicadas are best known for their distinctive song, produced by vibrating a membrane on their abdomen. This sound is used to attract mates and establish territory, creating a chorus of buzzing that can be heard from a distance. In addition to their sound, cicadas are also known for their striking appearance, with colorful wings, large eyes, and intricate patterns on their body.
Physical Characteristics of Cicadas
Cicadas are relatively large insects, ranging in size from about 1 to 2 inches in length, depending on the species. They have a stout body with broad, transparent wings that are often veined and patterned with colors ranging from green to brown to black. Cicadas have large, compound eyes that wrap around their head, giving them excellent vision to detect predators or potential mates.
One of the most striking features of cicadas is their intricate patterns and colors, which can vary depending on the species. Some cicadas have vibrant patterns of red, orange, and black, while others may be more subdued in coloration. These patterns are not only beautiful to look at but also serve as camouflage to help cicadas blend in with their surroundings.
How to Identify Cicadas
Identifying cicadas can be a rewarding experience, as you learn to recognize the unique features and characteristics that set them apart from other insects. Here are some key traits to look for when identifying cicadas:
Wing Veins and Patterns
One of the most distinctive features of cicadas is their broad, transparent wings that are often patterned with intricate veins. These veins can create unique patterns and designs on the wings, ranging from simple lines to complex swirls and loops. By observing the wing veins and patterns, you can start to narrow down the potential species of cicada you are looking at.
Coloration
Cicadas come in a variety of colors, from bright greens and yellows to darker browns and blacks. Some species may have vibrant patterns of red, orange, or blue on their wings, while others may be more monotone in coloration. By noting the colors and patterns on a cicada’s body, you can start to piece together a profile of the species you are observing.
Size and Shape
Cicadas are relatively large insects, with a stout body and broad wings that give them a distinctive silhouette. By noting the size and shape of a cicada, you can determine if it fits the general profile of a cicada species. Be on the lookout for insects that are about 1 to 2 inches in length, with broad, transparent wings and a stout body.
Sound
While not a visual characteristic, the sound of cicadas is a key identifying feature that can help you differentiate them from other insects. Cicadas produce a loud buzzing or humming sound by vibrating a membrane on their abdomen, creating a distinctive chorus that can be heard from a distance. By listening for the sound of cicadas, you can locate and identify these insects in their natural habitat.
Common Species of Cicadas
There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics and traits. Some of the most common species of cicadas include:
Magicicada
The Magicicada genus, also known as periodical cicadas, includes species that emerge from the ground in synchronized cycles of 13 or 17 years. These cicadas are well-known for their mass emergences, where millions of individuals may appear at once to mate and lay eggs. Periodical cicadas have distinctive black bodies with orange or red eyes and wing veins, making them easy to identify.
Tibicen
The Tibicen genus includes annual cicadas that emerge every year during the summer months. These cicadas have green, brown, or black bodies with transparent wings that are patterned with intricate veins. Tibicen cicadas are known for their loud buzzing sound and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to urban areas.
Neotibicen
The Neotibicen genus includes species that are commonly found in North America, particularly in the eastern United States. These cicadas have vibrant colors and patterns on their bodies, with some species displaying shades of green, orange, and black. Neotibicen cicadas are known for their distinctive songs and can be identified by their loud buzzing calls.
By familiarizing yourself with these common species of cicadas and their traits, you can start to identify and appreciate the diversity of these insects in nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cicadas are fascinating insects with unique characteristics that set them apart from other insects in the natural world. By learning to identify cicadas based on their physical features, colors, sounds, and behaviors, you can gain a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures. Whether you are out in the field observing cicadas or simply listening to their chorus on a summer day, take the time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of these intriguing insects. Happy cicada watching!