Cicadinae

Batsch, 1789

translucent cicadas

Tribe Guides

Fidicinini(Moss Cicadas and Allies)
Leptopsaltriini(Painted Cicadas)
Tacuini(Discreet Cicadas)
Zammarini

Cicadinae is a large of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) commonly known as the translucent cicadas. Members are typically robust with many displaying bright coloration, though they generally lack the opaque, -like wing markings characteristic of the related subfamily Tibiceninae. The subfamily comprises multiple tribes and has undergone substantial taxonomic revision between 2010 and 2018 based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Some classification schemes merge Tibiceninae into Cicadinae partially or entirely.

Neotibicen linnei by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

Pacarina puella by (c) Rosario, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rosario. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neotibicen by (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）. Used under a CC-BY license.

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.

Identification

Distinguished from Tibiceninae by the general absence of opaque, -like wing markings; Cicadinae typically have more translucent wings. Identification to and requires examination of wing venation patterns, genitalia structure, and specific body proportions. For example, Platypleura species can be recognized by wing infuscation patterns including transverse markings along the nodal line. The tribe Versicolora in Leptopsaltriini is notable for colour-changing behaviour when captured—a trait first documented in Cicadoidea in this group.

Images

Habitat

Diverse across tropical and temperate regions. Specific examples include forested areas in the Eastern Ghats of India (Platypleura poorvachala), bark surfaces of plants where Versicolora ziyongi camouflages itself, and the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot in Northeast India (Becquartina). One Australian of Tamasa has been documented from an unusual cave-like habitat.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across tropical and temperate regions. Major regional representations include: the Oriental Region (China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan); the Neotropical region (Colombia, Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Argentina); and Australia. The Becquartina extends from Southeast Asia into Northeast India.

Seasonality

timing varies by and region. Specimens of Tanna fengi were collected in July 2022 in Yunnan, China, suggesting summer emergence for that species. Periodical cicadas (Magicicada, sometimes classified within or near Cicadinae depending on scheme) emerge in coordinated at 13- or 17-year intervals in eastern North America.

Behavior

Males produce acoustic signals for mate attraction; the structure of these calls varies among and has been documented in Becquartina. Versicolora ziyongi exhibits a previously unreported colour-changing behaviour in Cicadoidea: individuals camouflage on bark and gradually change body colour when captured.

Ecological Role

Nymphs feed on xylem fluid from tree roots, potentially placing long-term resource demands on trees. events can serve as resource pulses, temporarily increasing food availability for including birds, mammals, and other insects. Decomposing adult bodies and contribute nutrients to soil microbial , enhancing nitrogen availability that can benefit plant growth. Emergence burrows aerate soil and create water infiltration channels that may persist for over a year.

Human Relevance

emergences provide opportunities for public engagement with natural history phenomena. Some may cause minor damage to woody plants through -laying activities. The has been subject to extensive taxonomic research, with major revisions published between 2010 and 2018.

Similar Taxa

TibiceninaeRelated of cicadas distinguished by typically having opaque, -like wing markings that Cicadinae generally lack; some classification schemes merge these groups partially or entirely

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The classification of Cicadinae has undergone substantial revision between 2010 and 2018 due to additional morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The tribe Oncotympanini was reduced to subtribe status and transferred to Cicadini in 2010, then later returned to tribe status. The names Platypleurini Schmidt, 1918 and Hamzini Distant, 1905 refer to the same tribe, with priority submitted to the ICZN for resolution in 2018 (case 3761). Different classification schemes vary in whether they merge Tibiceninae into Cicadinae.

Periodical cicada classification note

Magicicada (periodical cicadas of eastern North America) are sometimes classified within Cicadinae or treated as a separate group depending on the classification scheme employed; this record follows sources that discuss them in relation to Cicadinae .