Cigarras

Cigarras, known in English as cicadas, are insects of the family Cicadidae within the order Hemiptera. They are medium to large insects with stout bodies, broad heads, prominent eyes, short antennae, and transparent wings held flat over the back when at rest. Nymphs are wingless and spend most of their lives underground.

Life cycle: Cicadas begin life as eggs laid in plant tissue. Eggs hatch into nymphs that drop to the soil and feed on xylem from plant roots. Nymphs molt several times underground, a process that for some species lasts two to 17 years; periodical cicadas in North America are famous for 13- or 17-year cycles. After maturing, nymphs crawl to the surface, molt into winged adults, and begin to mate.

Adults live briefly, often a few weeks. Males produce loud calls with tymbal organs to attract females; each species has a characteristic song. Females lay eggs by making slits in tree twigs; the eggs hatch and the cycle continues.

Ecology and distribution: Cicadas are herbivores that feed on plant sap. They are important prey for many predators and can contribute to nutrient cycling, especially during mass emergences. In some regions, synchronized emergences attract interest and have cultural associations. Cicadas occur worldwide, in forests, grasslands, and urban areas, with thousands of described species in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.