Cicala

A cicala (often misspelled cicada, though cicala is a less common Italian variant) is a type of insect belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, in the superfamily Cicadoidea. Cicalas are known for their loud buzzing or clicking calls, which are produced by most male species. These sounds are primarily used to attract mates.

Cicalas are found worldwide, but are most diverse in tropical regions. They are characterized by their large, membranous wings, prominent compound eyes, and short antennae. They feed on plant sap using their piercing-sucking mouthparts.

The life cycle of a cicala involves several stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs are typically laid in tree bark. The nymphs hatch and burrow underground, where they feed on plant roots for years, sometimes decades, depending on the species. Periodical cicadas, found in North America, are famous for their synchronized emergence in 13- or 17-year cycles. After their long underground development, the nymphs emerge from the ground, molt into their adult form, and live for only a few weeks to months, primarily to reproduce.