Cicadas vs. Locusts

Attribute	Cicadas	Locusts
Order	Hemiptera	Orthoptera
Family	Cicadidae	Acrididae
Wings	Transparent and membranous	Opaque and leathery
Body Length	Varies, typically 2-5 cm	Varies, typically 2-7 cm
Life Cycle	Long life cycle (13 or 17 years)	Short life cycle (few months)
Sound Production	Males produce loud buzzing sounds	Males produce buzzing and clicking sounds
Feeding Behavior	Feed on xylem sap from tree roots	Feed on various plants and crops
Swarming Behavior	Do not swarm	Can swarm in large numbers
Geographical Distribution	Found worldwide	Found in many parts of the world

Introduction

Cicadas and locusts are both fascinating insects that belong to the order Hemiptera. While they may share some similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of cicadas and locusts, including their appearance, life cycles, behavior, and ecological impact.

Appearance

Cicadas and locusts have different physical appearances. Cicadas are known for their large size, with some species reaching up to two inches in length. They have transparent wings and prominent eyes, which are often red or green. Their bodies are stout and have a characteristic triangular shape. On the other hand, locusts are generally smaller than cicadas, measuring around one inch in length. They have long wings and slender bodies. Locusts are usually brown or green, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.

Life Cycle

The life cycles of cicadas and locusts also differ significantly. Cicadas have a unique life cycle that spans several years. They spend most of their lives as nymphs underground, feeding on tree roots. After a period of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species, they emerge as adults in large numbers. This phenomenon, known as a "brood," is a remarkable spectacle. Adult cicadas live for a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs before completing their life cycle. In contrast, locusts have a shorter life cycle. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, transitioning from egg to nymph to adult in a matter of weeks. Locusts are known for their ability to swarm, causing significant agricultural damage in affected areas.

Behavior

When it comes to behavior, cicadas and locusts exhibit distinct patterns. Cicadas are primarily known for their loud and distinctive mating calls. Male cicadas produce these calls by vibrating membranes on their abdomens, attracting females for mating. These calls can reach up to 120 decibels, making them one of the loudest sounds produced by any insect. Cicadas are diurnal insects, meaning they are active during the day. They are also relatively harmless to humans and mainly feed on plant sap. On the other hand, locusts are highly gregarious insects that form swarms when their population density increases. These swarms can contain millions of individuals and can travel long distances in search of food. Locusts are voracious eaters and can consume vast amounts of vegetation, posing a significant threat to agriculture.

Ecological Impact

The ecological impact of cicadas and locusts differs greatly. Cicadas play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. As nymphs, they contribute to nutrient cycling by feeding on tree roots. When they emerge as adults, they provide a valuable food source for birds, mammals, and other predators. Additionally, cicadas help aerate the soil when they dig their exit tunnels. Their periodic emergence also has an impact on tree growth and survival. In contrast, locusts have a more destructive ecological impact. When locust populations explode and form swarms, they can devastate crops and cause food shortages. This can have severe consequences for human populations, particularly in regions that heavily rely on agriculture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cicadas and locusts are both fascinating insects, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Cicadas are known for their large size, unique life cycle, loud mating calls, and relatively harmless behavior. They play a vital role in forest ecosystems and are a valuable food source for various predators. On the other hand, locusts are smaller, have a shorter life cycle, form destructive swarms, and pose a significant threat to agriculture. Understanding the differences between these two insects is essential for appreciating their ecological roles and managing their impact on human populations.