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July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Entomology

Cicada

Cicadas are a superfamily of insects in the order Hemiptera, known for the loud sounds produced by males and for the long underground nymph stage of many species.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

Cicadas are a superfamily of insects in the order Hemiptera, known for the loud sounds produced by males and for the long underground nymph stage of many species. They include more than 3,000 described species worldwide.

What it is

Cicadas are true bugs classified in the superfamily Cicadoidea, divided into two families: Cicadidae (most species) and Tettigarctidae (two living species in Australia). They are hemipterans in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, feeding on plant sap, especially as nymphs underground.

Why it matters

Many cicada species spend years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults. Periodical cicadas in eastern North America synchronize their emergence in 13-year or 17-year cycles, creating mass events studied for their unusual life history and ecological impact.

Key details

Male cicadas produce loud calling songs using specialized sound-producing organs, not by biting or stinging. These sounds are used for mating and territory. Cicadas are found worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.

In short

  • Cicadas are true bugs in the superfamily Cicadoidea.
  • Males produce loud songs for mating calls.
  • Periodical cicadas emerge in 13- or 17-year cycles.
  • Cicadas occur in Canada, especially in southern regions.
Canadian angle

Cicadas occur in Canada, especially in southern regions, and are of interest for their seasonal calls, life cycles, and occasional local emergences.

Quick questions

What is a cicada?
A cicada is a hemipteran insect in the superfamily Cicadoidea, best known for the loud songs of the males.
Why do cicadas make so much noise?
Male cicadas produce loud calls for mating and territory, using specialized sound-producing organs.
What are periodical cicadas?
Periodical cicadas are species that spend most of their lives underground and emerge in synchronized 13-year or 17-year cycles.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada
    Supports: Taxonomy, families, number of described species, and broad classification
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/cicada
    Supports: Species diversity, habitats, and general biological description
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/cicadas
    Supports: Life cycle, annual and periodical cicadas, and harmlessness
  4. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/life-science/periodical-cicadas
    Supports: Periodical cicada life cycle, emergence timing, mating, and egg-laying
  5. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation — https://www.nysdec.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/cicada
    Supports: Annual and periodical cicada categories and 13-year/17-year cycles
  6. National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Periodical-Cicadas/
    Supports: True bug classification and general periodical cicada description