Cicadinae

Cicadinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cicadinae: /sɪˈkeɪdɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Diceroprocta swalei - Flickr - aspidoscelis by Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM. Used under a CC0 license.
Neocicada hieroglyphica by Jim Conrad. Used under a Public domain license.
Diceroprocta cinctifera - Flickr - aspidoscelis (1) by Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM. Used under a CC0 license.
Cicadas Mating - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
366 - Hieroglyphic Cicada - Neocicada hieroglyphica, McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek, Texas by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Diceroprocta cinctifera - Flickr - aspidoscelis by Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Cicadinae is a diverse subfamily of cicadas known for their robust bodies and vibrant colors. They are primarily sap-feeders with a unique life cycle, and they play an important ecological role while also holding cultural significance in various societies.

Physical Characteristics

Robust, translucent bodies with gaudy colors; generally lack the opaque wing markings typical of some related subfamilies.

Identification Tips

Identify by body shape, coloration, and wing structure; absence of butterfly-like opaque markings is a key feature.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats, often in areas with abundant vegetation, such as forests, gardens, and shrublands.

Distribution

Widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions around the world.

Diet

Adult cicadas primarily feed on the sap of trees and shrubs by inserting their proboscis into plant stems.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes a long nymph stage spent underground followed by a short adult stage; emergence varies by species.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves males calling to attract females; females lay eggs in slits cut into tree bark.

Predators

Common predators include birds, spiders, and various predatory insects.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in nutrient cycling through their feeding habits and serve as prey for numerous animals.

Economic Impact

Some cicadas may cause damage to trees during the egg-laying process; however, they can also benefit ecosystems as pollinators.

Cultural Significance

Cicadas have cultural significance in various societies, often symbolizing rebirth and immortality due to their periodic life cycle.

Collecting Methods

  • Light trapping
  • Netting
  • Listening for calls

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying specimens

Evolution

Morphological and molecular analyses have led to revisions of genera within this subfamily since 2010.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistakenly thought to be harmful to humans; however, cicadas do not bite or sting.

Tags

  • Cicadas
  • Cicadinae
  • Insects
  • Entomology