chicharras

Chicharras, also known as cicadas, are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, and infraorder Cicadomorpha. They are characterized by their large eyes, prominent wing venation, and a distinctive, often loud, buzzing or chirping sound produced by males. This sound is created by vibrating tymbals, specialized drum-like membranes on their abdomen.

These insects have a remarkable life cycle, with many species spending years, sometimes up to 17 or 19, as nymphs underground. During this subterranean phase, they feed on the sap of tree roots. Once mature, they emerge from the soil in large numbers, molt into their adult winged form, and typically live for only a few weeks. The primary purpose of the adult stage is reproduction.

Chicharras are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are herbivorous and feed on a wide variety of plant species, primarily trees. While their emergence can be a nuisance for some, they are an important part of the ecosystem, serving as a food source for birds, bats, and other predators. Their large-scale emergences, known as broods, can be a spectacular natural phenomenon. There are thousands of species of chicharras, varying in size, color, and song.