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People usually confuse locusts with the cicada, but both are different animal species. Locusts vary more in shape than in color. The solitary phases come with a narrower pronotum, dorsal sclerites, longer legs, and shorter wings than the gregarious phases. Adults in the gregarious phases possess longer wings, broader shoulders, and more saddle-shaped pronotums. In contrast, cicadas appear to have large compound eyes, clear-membraned wings, broad heads, and stout bodies. This blog post provides you with exciting facts and information comparing both species.
DifferencesBetween Locust vs Cicada
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FAQ’s
Sometimes people get confused and ask some questions comparing both locusts and cicadas. Therefore, the answers to some of those questions are as given below;
Are cicadas and locusts the same thing?
Locusts are a type of grasshoppers known because of their traveling in swarms and destruction of plant life. In comparison to it, cicadas are known for their annual emergence or in cycles of 13 to 17 years. People also know them due to their loud, sound-producing ability. Instead of all this, cicadas are sometimes confused as locusts.
Are cicadas as bad as locusts?
Although giant cicadas swamps destroy young trees by laying eggs in branches, they do not cause the same destruction level as the locusts’ cause. In addition to this, large trees can bear cicadas swamps.
Is it OK for cats to eat cicadas?
The cicadas are not hazardous to dogs or cats, hence they can be given to cats to eat. Although they sometimes cause damage, these insects are rich in proteins and essential food sources. They don’t bite or sting but produce loud, shrill-buzzing sounds.
Are locusts harmful to humans?
The researches have not shown any locust harming humans. However, these tiny insects harm humans, indirectly, destroying their crops or agricultural economies in various countries. It causes significant damage to countries like Indian crops, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood.
Do locusts bite or sting?
Locusts eat plants but do not sting or bite people. However, these insects pinch someone to help protect themselves and get nibbled on someone without breaking the skins.
Why does it take 17 years for cicadas to come out?
Research says these insects usually stay underground to get safe from various predators. Waiting for months or years means that cicadas predators will not depend on them as their food source.
A cicada turn into which state?
The cicadas emerge from the ground as nymphs after the long 2 to 17 years. Adult cicadas, also known as imagoes, tend to spend most of their time in trees searching for mates. Males start singing, females get attracted, mating starts, and the life cycle starts again.
Conclusion
Various species are present throughout the world, being different from each other in many ways. For example, lions are different from tigers, and cats are different from dogs, grizzly bears are different from gorillas, etc. This blog post provides a small comparison between two species, locusts and cicadas, in the same way. It helps you with enough information not to confuse these small insects.
Introduction
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. I can help answer questions and provide information on locusts and cicadas. Let's dive into the concepts used in this article.
Differences Between Locust vs Cicada
Locusts and cicadas are different species of insects. Here are some key differences between them:
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Habitat: Locusts are found in disturbed and healthy grassland ecosystems, as well as in agricultural fields, lawns, wetlands, and rangelands. They are present on all continents except North America and Antarctica. On the other hand, cicadas primarily inhabit the trunks, crowns, and small twigs of woody shrubs and trees. They prefer deciduous plants and trees over coniferous ones. Some species of cicadas are found worldwide, while others are only found in specific regions, such as North America and the eastern and central regions of the United States.
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Size and Appearance: Locusts are large herbivores that resemble grasshoppers. They can range in size from 2 to 3 inches and have a close resemblance to grasshoppers. Cicadas, on the other hand, have orange-colored wing veins, red-colored eyes, six legs, antennae, and black-colored bodies. They range in size from 1 to 2 inches and have distinct features such as clear-membraned wings, broad heads, and stout bodies.
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Species Diversity: There are numerous species of locusts found worldwide, including Italian locust, Yellow-spined bamboo locust, Sahelian tree locust, Bombay locust, Rocky Mountain locust, Desert locust, Peru locust, Mato Grosso locust, and more. In contrast, there are over 3,000 species of cicadas. Cicadas can be further categorized into two groups: periodical cicadas, which spend most of their lives underground and emerge every decade or two, and annual cicadas, which are seen almost every year.
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Life Cycle: Locusts have a lifespan of 3 to 6 months, with some species living up to 8 years. They undergo reproduction and die during this period. Cicadas have a more complex life cycle. Periodical cicadas have an average lifespan of about 17 years in the larval stage, while annual cicadas live between two and five years. Cicadas go through three main developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay up to 400 eggs, and the adults die within 4 to 6 weeks after emergence.
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Behavior: Locusts, like grasshoppers, possess big hind limbs that allow them to jump or hop. They can form swarms and cover vast distances, causing severe agricultural damage by destroying crops. Cicadas, especially the periodical cicadas, are known for their swarming behavior. They appear in large numbers every 17 years in certain regions, bouncing off people and cars, and coating tree trunks and walls.
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Feeding Habits: Locusts feed on tender tissues and leaves of plants, including grasses and various plants. They are considered beneficial in some countries as they provide a source of protein and contain minerals. Cicadas, on the other hand, have modified mouthparts that allow them to feed on liquids instead of solid material. Adult cicadas suck fluids from trees and woody shrubs, while the nymphs suck juices from plant roots.
It's important to note that while the information provided above is based on search results, it's always a good idea to consult additional sources for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, locusts and cicadas are distinct species of insects with differences in habitat, size, appearance, life cycle, behavior, and feeding habits. Understanding these differences can help avoid confusion between the two species. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
