# Diceroprocta cinctifera The Diceroprocta cinctifera, also known as the striped cicada, is a buzzing insect that loves warm weather. It has a unique striped pattern on its body and sings a cheerful song during the summer. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Striped Cicada ![Diceroprocta cinctifera](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Diceroprocta_cinctifera_-_Flickr_-_aspidoscelis.jpg&width=800) Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diceroprocta_cinctifera_-_Flickr_-_aspidoscelis.jpg) ## Appearance The Diceroprocta cinctifera is a robust cicada, typically green with black markings across its body and head. Its clear, veined wings are held tent-like over its back, often displaying yellowish or greenish tints near the body, making it distinct from browner cicada relatives. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Cicadidae - **Genus:** Diceroprocta ## Interesting facts - Cicada nymphs use their strong front legs to dig tunnels deep underground. - Male cicadas have powerful drum-like organs that make their famous buzzing song. - Some cicada species can synchronize their calls, creating an incredible chorus! - Their transparent wings help them blend into the foliage high up in trees. ## Special abilities - **Sonic Drummer:** Diceroprocta cinctifera can produce extremely loud calls by rapidly vibrating special membranes called tymbals, which helps them attract mates. - **Xylem Feeder:** Diceroprocta cinctifera has specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts that help them drink nutrient-rich sap directly from tree xylem. - **Root Dweller:** Diceroprocta cinctifera nymphs can live underground for years, silently feeding on tree root sap while avoiding predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 80-100 mm - **Size:** 35-45 mm - **Lifespan:** 21-42 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These insects sip nutritious sap from trees and shrubs to get all their energy. - **Age differences:** Nymphs feed on sap from tree roots underground, while adults feed on sap from branches and twigs above ground. - **Primary Foods:** Tree xylem sap, Shrub xylem sap, Oak sap, Sycamore sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Coast Live Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-live-oak) (*Quercus agrifolia*) — They feed on the sap from its branches and roots. - **Eaten by:** [Western Bluebird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-bluebird) (*Sialia mexicana*) — Adult cicadas are a high-protein meal for these birds. - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Nymphs and fallen adults are often caught by opportunistic raccoons. - **Eaten by:** [American Kestrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-kestrel) (*Falco sparverius*) — These small falcons skillfully snatch cicadas from the air. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [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. - [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. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Cicadas are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Diceroprocta cinctifera? 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 Diceroprocta cinctifera's wingspan? 80-100 mm ### How big is Diceroprocta cinctifera? 35-45 mm ### How long does Diceroprocta cinctifera live? 21-42 days ### How fast can Diceroprocta cinctifera fly? 10 km/h ### What does Diceroprocta cinctifera eat? These insects sip nutritious sap from trees and shrubs to get all their energy. ### Where is Diceroprocta cinctifera usually found? Forests ### How does Diceroprocta cinctifera hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/centennial-museum-and-chihuahuan-desert-gardens) — US · Botanical Garden ## 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: [Diceroprocta cinctifera: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/diceroprocta-cinctifera)