Ash Cicada
ExploreInsects
Ash Cicada
Cicada orni
The Ash Cicada is a buzzing insect that loves warm weather. They are known for their loud songs that fill the air during summer days, making them a fun part of nature.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Ash Cicada has a stout, dark body, typically black or dark brown, with striking yellowish or light brown markings, especially on its wings. Its large, reddish-orange compound eyes are prominent, contrasting with its mottled camouflage patterns that help it blend into tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCicadidaeGenusCicada
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Cicadas have 'ears' on their belly, called tympana, not on their head!
Only male Ash Cicadas sing; the females are silent, listening for a mate.
They drink tree sap using a long, straw-like mouthpart called a proboscis.
When a cicada nymph grows, it sheds its entire skin, leaving behind an empty shell!
Special abilities
Ability
Sonic Chirp
Ash Cicadas can produce an incredibly loud song by vibrating special membranes, which helps them attract mates from far away.
Ability
Root Feeder
Ash Cicada nymphs can live underground for years, feeding on tree root sap, which protects them from predators and provides a steady food source.
Ability
Bark Blending
Ash Cicadas have mottled brown and green patterns on their bodies and wings that help them disappear against tree bark, making them hard to spot.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 56-70 mm
- Size
- 28-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 12 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Ash Cicadas drink sap from trees using their special straw-like mouthparts.
Age differences: Nymphs also feed on sap from tree roots underground.
Primary Foods
- Ash tree sap
- Olive tree sap
- Pine tree sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
European Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Main food source for both nymphs and adults.
depends on
Olive Tree
Olea europaea
Another common tree species Ash Cicadas feed on.
eaten by
Eurasian Magpie
Pica pica
Birds often prey on adult cicadas.
hunts
European Hornet
Vespa crabro
Large hornets can prey on adult cicadas.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Cicadas are safe to watch, but don't try to catch them as they can fly away quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ash Cicada's wingspan?
56-70 mm
How big is Ash Cicada?
28-35 mm
How long does Ash Cicada live?
20-40 days
How fast can Ash Cicada fly?
12 km/h
What does Ash Cicada eat?
Ash Cicadas drink sap from trees using their special straw-like mouthparts.
Where is Ash Cicada usually found?
Forests
How does Ash Cicada hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Ash Cicada have?
6
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