ExploreInsects

Wing-tapping Cicadas

Platypedia

Wing-tapping cicadas are fun insects that make a loud buzzing sound by vibrating their wings. They are often seen in warm weather, and their songs can fill the air with music during summer days.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Wing-tapping Cicadas has a robust, dark-colored body, often with subtle pale markings on the thorax. Its large, clear wings feature prominent, dark veins that contrast with the transparent membrane, making them appear somewhat glassy. They have wide-set eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCicadidaeGenusPlatypedia
Wing-tapping Cicadas
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Wing-tapping Cicadas

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult cicadas only live for a few weeks, making their buzzing summer song a race against time!

Cicadas have three small simple eyes, called ocelli, between their two big compound eyes!

Some cicadas can live longer underground than many pets live on Earth!

They have special organs on their tummy that vibrate incredibly fast to make their loud songs!

Special abilities

Ability

Wing Communication

Wing-tapping Cicadas can tap their wings against surfaces because it creates unique sounds for mating calls and signaling.

Ability

Underground Life Cycle

Wing-tapping Cicadas has a nymph stage that lives underground for years, helping them safely develop before emerging.

Ability

Sap Sipping Power

Wing-tapping Cicadas can drink tree sap because they have a special straw-like mouthpart for piercing plants and feeding.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-70 mm
Size
20-35 mm
Lifespan
730-1825 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Nymphs drink root sap, while adults sip sap from tree branches and stems.

Age differences: Nymphs feed exclusively on root sap underground; adults emerge to feed on sap from above-ground plant parts.

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • root sap
  • oak sap
  • pine sap
  • fir sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Western Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

Adult cicadas are a seasonal food source for these birds.

depends on

Oregon White Oak

Quercus garryana

Cicada nymphs feed on the roots and adults sip sap from the branches.

depends on

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Nymphs and adults extract vital nutrients from this tree's sap.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Cicadas are not harmful, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wing-tapping Cicadas's wingspan?

40-70 mm

How big is Wing-tapping Cicadas?

20-35 mm

How long does Wing-tapping Cicadas live?

730-1825 days

How fast can Wing-tapping Cicadas fly?

8 km/h

What does Wing-tapping Cicadas eat?

Nymphs drink root sap, while adults sip sap from tree branches and stems.

Where is Wing-tapping Cicadas usually found?

Urban areas

How does Wing-tapping Cicadas hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Wing-tapping Cicadas have?

6

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