The cicada chorus – hearing thousands of cicadas deep in the forest can be overwhelming yet captivating at the same time. Cicadas are known for their loud and distinct calls, which can be heard from a distance. Here are a few species that make themselves heard in the jungle.
Diceroprocta osa – Also known as the Osa cicada, this species is found in Central America and parts of South America. They have distinctive black and orange markings on their wings and bodies, and are known for their loud buzzing calls.
Proarna bivittata – Also known as the two-stripe cicada, is known for its distinctive black and yellow stripes on its abdomen. The two-stripe cicada is also known for its loud, buzzing call.
Fidicina mannifera – This species is commonly found in Central and South America. They have brownish wings and bodies, and are known for their loud, buzzing calls that are often described as sounding like a chainsaw.
Neocicada hieroglyphica – Also known as the hieroglyphic cicada named after the intricate markings on its wings, which resemble hieroglyphics. The hieroglyphic cicada is known for its loud, buzzing call, which is used to attract mates. The males of this species are known for their distinctive wing-waving displays, which they use to court females.
Quesada gigas – This species is found in Central America, including Nicaragua. They are known for their large size and distinctive yellow markings on their wings and bodies. Their calls have been described as sounding like a machine gun.
Cicadetta calliope – This species is found in North and Central America, including Nicaragua. They have brownish wings and bodies, and their calls are relatively quiet compared to other cicadas.
Carineta atra – Also known as the black cicada, this species is found in Central America, including Nicaragua. They have black wings and bodies, and their calls have been described as sounding like a high-pitched whine.
Magicicada septendecula – This species is found in North America, including parts of the United States and Nicaragua. They are known for their synchronized emergence every 17 years, and their calls have been described as sounding like a chorus of buzzing insects.
Tettigades fuscicauda – This species is found in Central and South America, including Nicaragua. They have brownish wings and bodies, and their calls have been described as sounding like a continuous trill.
Tettigades calliopsoides – Also known as the black-bodied cicada, this species is found in Central America, including Nicaragua. They have black wings and bodies, and their calls have been described as sounding like a high-pitched buzz.
Tettigades chiriquensis – This species is found in Central and South America, including Nicaragua. They have brownish wings and bodies, and their calls have been described as sounding like a continuous trill.
15 fun facts about cicadas:
Cicadas are not locusts – locusts are a type of grasshopper.
Cicadas can live up to 17 years underground before emerging as adults.
The periodical cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years are synchronized, meaning the entire population emerges at once.
Cicadas are known for their loud, buzzing calls, which can reach up to 120 decibels.
Male cicadas produce their distinctive sound by vibrating membranes on their abdomen called tymbals.
Different species of cicadas have unique calls, which can be used to identify them.
Cicadas are not harmful to humans, and do not bite or sting.
Some cultures, such as the ancient Greeks and Chinese, have incorporated cicadas into their mythology and folklore.
Cicadas are sometimes called “the shrimp of the land” due to their high protein content and popularity as a food source in some cultures.
Cicadas are an important food source for many animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Cicadas have a unique life cycle that involves molting, where they shed their exoskeleton as they grow larger.
Cicadas are found on every continent except for Antarctica.
Cicadas have large, prominent eyes, which allow them to detect predators and navigate their environment.
Cicadas are social insects that often emerge in large numbers, or broods.
Cicadas have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits, such as treating coughs and reducing fever.