Cicadoidea

Distinguished from other Auchenorrhyncha by combination of large body size, widely separated compound eyes, presence of three ocelli, short antennae, and (in males) tymbal sound-producing organs. Cicadidae differ from Tettigarctidae in having tymbals fully exposed and functional in both sexes (though only males produce sound), and in wing venation details. Separated from superficially similar large flies by wing structure (two pairs of wings in cicadas versus one functional pair in Diptera) and antennae form.

Primarily associated with woody vegetation. Most species inhabit forests, woodlands, and savannas where host trees are present. Some species occupy grasslands, shrublands, or riparian corridors. Periodical cicadas (Magicicada) require deciduous forests with established root systems for nymph development. Coastal and insular habitats support specialized species in some regions.

Cosmopolitan distribution on all continents except Antarctica. Greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Neotropics. Approximately 170 species occur in the United States and Canada. Periodical cicadas (genus Magicicada) restricted to eastern North America, with westernmost occurrence in Kansas.

Adult activity generally restricted to spring and summer months in temperate regions, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. Annual cicadas emerge each year, with local species staggered throughout the season. Periodical cicadas exhibit synchronized mass emergences in May–June of designated years. Tropical species may show less pronounced seasonality or wet-season peaks.

Nymphs and adults feed exclusively on xylem fluid from plant roots (nymphs) or stems/branches (adults). Xylem is nutrient-poor, requiring large volumes to be processed. Nymphs rely on endosymbiotic bacteria (Hodgkinia) to synthesize essential amino acids absent in their diet.

Hemimetabolous development with three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females deposit eggs in V-shaped slits cut into bark of twigs. Eggs hatch in 6–10 weeks; first-instar nymphs drop to ground and burrow to tree roots. Nymphs pass through five instars underground, feeding on root xylem. Development duration varies: annual cicadas complete in 2–9 years (emergences not synchronized); periodical cicadas require 13 or 17 years with synchronized emergence. Final-instar nymphs emerge from soil, climb vertical surfaces, and molt to adult. Adults live 4–6 weeks.

Males produce loud, species-specific acoustic signals using abdominal tymbals to attract females. Chorus singing creates collective noise exceeding 100 decibels in mass emergences. Adults are strong fliers, often congregating in treetops. Periodical cicadas exhibit predator satiation strategy through synchronized mass emergence. Nymphs construct permanent burrows and may exhibit limited vertical movement in soil profile in response to root growth or moisture.

Significant ecological engineers during mass emergences. Nymphal burrowing aerates soil; emergence holes provide entry points for water and nutrients. Adult feeding has minimal direct impact on vegetation, though oviposition damage can cause flagging on twigs. Mass emergence provides concentrated food resource for diverse predators including birds, mammals, reptiles, and arthropods. Exuviae and adult carcasses contribute substantial nutrient pulse to forest ecosystems. Endosymbiotic bacteria represent ancient evolutionary association.

Cultural significance across many societies: consumed as food in several cultures, featured in mythology and art, and used as timekeeping signals by traditional communities. Periodical cicadas generate substantial public interest and tourism during emergences. Occasional agricultural concern due to oviposition damage to orchard trees and young nursery stock. Loud choruses can constitute noise nuisance in residential areas. Subject of extensive scientific research, particularly regarding evolution of periodicity, molecular clock mechanisms, and speciation.

• Cercopoidea (froghoppers/spittlebugs)Also Auchenorrhyncha with xylem-feeding nymphs, but much smaller body size, different head structure with eyes not widely separated, and nymphs produce protective froth
• Membracoidea (leafhoppers/treehoppers)Related Auchenorrhyncha but smaller, more slender, with hind legs modified for jumping; many treehoppers have elaborate pronotal extensions absent in cicadas
• Fulgoroidea (planthoppers)Distinguished by often elongated head processes, different wing venation, and many species with waxy secretions; lack tymbal organs

Long-standing belief that adult periodical cicadas do not feed has been refuted by molecular gut content analysis showing plant DNA in mature adults. The name "locust" is sometimes incorrectly applied to cicadas in North America, though true locusts are grasshoppers (Orthoptera).

• Hemiptera
• Auchenorrhyncha
• sound production
• periodical emergence
• xylem feeding
• endosymbiosis
• soil bioturbation

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Cicadas: The World Awaits the Emergence of Brood X | Bug Squad
• How Do Cicadas Know When to Emerge from the Ground?
• longhorned beetles | Beetles In The Bush | Page 10
• My Collection | Beetles In The Bush
• Cicada surprise! Brood V and straggling periodical cicadas, Magicicada spp. — Bug of the Week
• Do Adult Periodical Cicadas Actually Eat?
• (Homoptera: Cicadoidea)
• The Cicadas of Florida (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae)