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Pharaoh Cicada

Magicicada septendecim

The Pharaoh Cicada is a loud insect known for its buzzing song. They spend most of their lives underground and come out in big groups every 17 years to sing and mate!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Pharaoh Cicada has a sturdy black body, striking red eyes, and clear wings distinctly veined with orange. A small, dark "W" shape often marks their forewings, setting them apart visually.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCicadidaeGenusMagicicada
Pharaoh Cicada
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Pharaoh Cicada

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

After emerging, adults live just a few weeks to mate and lay eggs.

Millions can emerge at once, sometimes blanketing landscapes!

Their distinct wing marks were once believed to predict future wars!

They use tiny sensors on their legs to detect vibrations underground.

Special abilities

Ability

Time Travel

Pharaoh Cicadas have an astonishingly long life cycle that helps them avoid predators by emerging only every 17 years.

Ability

Sap Sip

Pharaoh Cicadas have straw-like mouthparts that help them drink nourishing sap from the roots and branches of trees.

Ability

Molting Magic

Pharaoh Cicadas can shed their entire outer skin as nymphs, allowing them to grow bigger underground.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-60 mm
Size
25-30 mm
Lifespan
28-42 days
Flight Speed
5-8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Pharaoh Cicadas drink sap from tree roots and branches like tiny, living straws.

Age differences: Nymphs feed on root sap underground, adults feed on branch sap above ground.

Primary Foods

  • Xylem sap
  • Oak sap
  • Maple sap
  • Apple sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Periodical CicadaSeventeen-Year Cicada

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Cicadas are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pharaoh Cicada's wingspan?

50-60 mm

How big is Pharaoh Cicada?

25-30 mm

How long does Pharaoh Cicada live?

28-42 days

How fast can Pharaoh Cicada fly?

5-8 km/h

What does Pharaoh Cicada eat?

Pharaoh Cicadas drink sap from tree roots and branches like tiny, living straws.

Where is Pharaoh Cicada usually found?

Forests

How does Pharaoh Cicada hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Pharaoh Cicada have?

6

Snap Map

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