Cicadas

Family Cicadidae

Dog-day cicada (Tibicen canicularis). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

These insects are famous for their very loud songs. The sound is produced by the males and each species has its own song. When handled or disturbed they also emit a disturbance squawk or protest sound. Some cicadas have a very long life cycle, with immatures spending several years underground feeding on the roots of trees. Cicadas are recognized by their characteristic shape and large size. The antennae are very short and bristlelike.