Lyric Cicada
ExploreInsects
Lyric Cicada
neotibicen lyricen
The Lyric Cicada is known for its amazing singing abilities! These insects create beautiful sounds that can be heard on warm summer days.
Habitat: Lyric Cicadas live in wooded areas and gardens where there are plenty of trees.
Appearance
The Lyric Cicada has a dark body, often black or very dark brown, with distinct greenish-yellow markings. These bright accents are typically found on its pronotal collar and sometimes along the wing veins. Its wings are clear and transparent, and its back displays a faint but noticeable 'W' shaped pattern.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCicadidaeGenusNeotibicen
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
3
Interesting facts
Adult cicadas spend only a few weeks above ground, but they sure make a lot of noise!
Lyric Cicadas have tiny drum-like ears on their belly to hear their loud songs!
Their clear wings shimmer like cellophane, helping them fly unseen through the trees!
They shed their skin when they become adults, leaving behind a cool, empty shell!
Special abilities
Ability
Root Drinker
Lyric Cicada has a strong, straw-like mouthpart that helps them drink nourishing sap from tree roots and branches throughout their life.
Ability
Underground Survivor
Lyric Cicada nymphs can live several years deep underground, safely feeding on tree root sap until they are ready to emerge.
Ability
Tree Mimic
Lyric Cicada has a dark body with unique patterns that helps them camouflage perfectly against tree bark, hiding from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 50-70 mm
- Size
- 25-33 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 7 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They drink tree sap using a straw-like mouth, like nature's juice boxes!
Age differences: Nymphs feed on sap from tree roots underground, while adults feed on sap from branches and stems.
Primary Foods
- xylem sap
- oak sap
- maple sap
- elm sap
- willow sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp
Sphecius speciosus
This large wasp paralyzes cicadas to feed its young.
eats
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Robins and other birds commonly prey on emerging and adult cicadas.
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels will sometimes snack on adult cicadas they find.
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
Cicada nymphs and adults feed on the sap of oak trees.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Singing BugSummer Bug
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Lyric Cicada?
The easiest way to identify Lyric Cicada is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
What is Lyric Cicada's wingspan?
50-70 mm
How big is Lyric Cicada?
25-33 mm
How long does Lyric Cicada live?
15-30 days
How fast can Lyric Cicada fly?
7 km/h
What does Lyric Cicada eat?
They drink tree sap using a straw-like mouth, like nature's juice boxes!
Where is Lyric Cicada usually found?
Lyric Cicadas live in wooded areas and gardens where there are plenty of trees.
How does Lyric Cicada hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Lyric Cicada
Jun 18, 2026
Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
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Tarpon Springs Aquarium
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Park16 sightings3 species
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Collingwood Park
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