Cicada

Additional Insect Resources Identifying Insects Types of Bugs

Cicadas are insects in the Cicadidae family that sits in the larger Hemiptera order of Cidadas and true bugs.

There are many types of cicadas. In the United States they are normally classified as either periodical or annual, depending on their life cycles.

Periodical cicadas, for example, live most of their life underground. Depending on the species, every thirteen or seventeen years, the nymphs emerge and begin their adult life.

Male cicadas are quite the vocalists. They use their tymbals, small membranes on the top of their back, to sing and attract females. If you've ever heard them in chorus, you know they are loud.

© 2003. Patricia A. Michaels.