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Cassin's 17-year Cicada

Magicicada cassinii

Cassin's 17-year Cicada is a special bug that only comes out every 17 years! They make loud buzzing sounds to find friends and are often seen in trees during the summer.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Cassin's 17-year Cicada has a mostly black body with striking bright red eyes. Its clear wings are distinguished by prominent orange-red veins. It is visually smaller and stockier compared to some other periodical cicada species, adding to its unique appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCicadidaeGenusMagicicada
Cassin's 17-year Cicada
social trait badgesinging trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Cassin's 17-year Cicada

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single brood can have billions of cicadas erupting from the ground!

Males create a loud, drumming chorus, while females respond with wing clicks.

Their eyes are bright red, making them look like tiny aliens!

They drink sap from tree roots for 17 years before emerging.

Special abilities

Ability

Prime Time Survivor

Cassin's 17-year Cicada has a 17-year life cycle (a prime number) that helps them avoid predators with shorter, even-numbered life cycles.

Ability

Concert Caller

Male cicadas can produce a distinct, loud buzzing call using special vibrating membranes (tymbals) that helps them attract mates from far away.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
25-30 mm
Lifespan
6190-6220 days
Flight Speed
10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Tiny straws help them drink yummy sap from tree roots and twigs.

Age differences: Nymphs feed on tree root sap underground, while adults briefly feed on twig sap above ground.

Primary Foods

  • tree root xylem sap
  • twig xylem sap
  • plant fluids

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Cicadas are safe to watch, but don't touch them too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Cassin's 17-year Cicada?

The easiest way to identify Cassin's 17-year Cicada is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Cassin's 17-year Cicada's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Cassin's 17-year Cicada?

25-30 mm

How long does Cassin's 17-year Cicada live?

6190-6220 days

How fast can Cassin's 17-year Cicada fly?

10 km/h

What does Cassin's 17-year Cicada eat?

Tiny straws help them drink yummy sap from tree roots and twigs.

Where is Cassin's 17-year Cicada usually found?

Forests

How does Cassin's 17-year Cicada hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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