Cicada

Bio

The Cicada (Magicicada septendecim) is an elongated insect known for its distinctive brown and green coloration. Native to forest habitats, this creature is renowned for its periodic life cycle and the loud, rhythmic sounds produced by males, making it a unique presence in its ecosystem.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Magicicada septendecim
Body Shape	Elongated
Body Segments	Head, Thorax, Abdomen
Skin Type	Exoskeleton
Color	Brown, Green
Diet	Sap
Lifecycle	NYMPH, ADULT
Habitat	Forests
Geographical Distribution	Worldwide
Age of Sexual Maturity	2-17 Years
Unique Features	Very loud song, 17 year lifecycle
Predators	Birds, Rodents
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Fascinating Facts about Cicada

Here are 3 interesting facts about Cicada:

Cicada (Magicicada septendecim) species are known for their 17-year life cycle, the longest of any insect.
Their overwhelming numbers during infestation periods are a survival strategy called 'predator satiation'.
Male cicadas produce sound for attracting females, making them one of the loudest insects.

Taxonomy and Classification

Here is the scientific categorization of Cicada, providing a glimpse of their position in the biological hierarchy:

Taxonomic Rank	Name
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Class	Insecta
Order	Hemiptera
Family	Cicadidae

Lifecycle and Growth

Cicada's life is a journey of transformation - an adventure marked by the following captivating stages:

NYMPH → ADULT

Cicadas begin their life as eggs laid in tree bark, then morph into nymphs, burrowing underground in forest ecosystems for periods ranging from 2-17 years. Upon emerging, they molt into adults to mate, perpetuating the cycle anew.

Cicada Behaviour and Adaptations

Cicadas are known for their unusual life cycle, which includes staying underground for periods of 13 or 17 years. This adaptation allows them to avoid predators by emerging in massive numbers, overwhelming the capacity of potential predators.

Their loud and distinctive mating calls, produced by special organs called tymbals, is another significant behaviour. The sounds can reach up to 100 decibels, making it hard for predators to locate an individual cicada within the chorus.

Cicada Interaction with the Ecosystem

Now, let's look at how they help maintain the balance in the ecosystem:

Cicadas play an essential role in nutrient cycling, enriching the soil upon their mass death post-mating.
They serve as a significant food source for various predators, contributing to the food web.
Their emergence impacts tree growth due to the feeding habits of the nymphs and oviposition damage caused by adults.

Threats to Cicada

Despite their popularity and predator status, Cicada encounter several threats as well:

Habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation.
Pesticide exposure affecting their development and survival.
Climate change causing shifts in their lifecycle and distribution patterns.

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