# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Ash Cicada](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cicadidae_-_Cicada_orni-3.JPG&width=800) Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cicadidae_-_Cicada_orni-3.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Cicadidae - **Genus:** Cicada ## 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 - **Sonic Chirp:** Ash Cicadas can produce an incredibly loud song by vibrating special membranes, which helps them attract mates from far away. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/olive-tree) (*Olea europaea*) — Another common tree species Ash Cicadas feed on. - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Magpie](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-magpie) (*Pica pica*) — Birds often prey on adult cicadas. - **Hunts:** [European Hornet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-hornet) (*Vespa crabro*) — Large hornets can prey on adult cicadas. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Ash Cicada? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Ash Cicada: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ash-cicada)