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Variable cicada

Variable cicada

Kikihia muta

A species of Green foliage cicadas

General Info About Variable cicada
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Attributes of Variable cicada
Colors
Brown
Green
White
Habitat
grass; scrub
Adult Food Sources
Sap from trees and shrubs
Larva Food Source
Sap from plant roots
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Variable cicada feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Variable cicada
Egg The variable cicada starts its life cycle encased within an egg. At this stage, it is often oval, tiny, and blends with the plant material where it is laid. The egg is a dormant period, with the insect developing internally but not increasing significantly in size.
Nymph After hatching, the variable cicada nymph emerges, resembling a miniature, wingless version of the adult. Growth is achieved through molting, where it sheds its exoskeleton. Nymphs progressively change in size and may adopt different colors for camouflage as they mature through subsequent instars.
Adult Reaching adulthood, the variable cicada exhibits full wing development and sexual maturation. Adults typically have larger bodies and pronounced coloration compared to nymphs. They are capable of flight and their primary functions now include dispersal, mating, and in females, oviposition.
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Adult Size of Variable cicada
1.7 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of Variable cicada Larvae
Ants, wasps, beetles, fungi
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Predators of Adult Variable cicada
Birds, mammals, rodents, lizards, spiders, insects
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Interesting Facts About Variable cicada
Variable cicada can alter the pitch of their mating call in response to environmental noise, a rare adaptation among insects.
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Scientific Classification of Variable cicada
Tips for Finding Variable cicada
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How Can You Attract Variable cicada
Since variable cicada primarily feed on plant sap, especially from tree roots during their subterranean nymph stage, people don't typically use food traps to attract them. Instead, visual and acoustic cues are more common in locating variable cicada.
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Habitat Preferences of Variable cicada Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of variable cicada are typically laid in tree branches. Nymphs burrow into the ground to develop, often near trees whose roots they feed on. Upon nearing the end of their development, nymphs ascend to the surface, normally at the base of a tree. Adults are typically found on trees or shrubs, as they feed on plant sap using their specialized mouthparts. To find these stages, one would inspect tree branches for eggs, dig gently around tree roots to locate nymphs, or look on the trunks and branches of trees for adult variable cicada.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Variable cicada
The best time to find adult variable cicada is during their brief above-ground emergence period, which typically occurs in the late spring and early summer months. Nymphs can be found year-round below the surface.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Variable cicada
Mild, humid weather conditions without heavy rain are ideal for observing adult variable cicada, as they are more active and likely to be singing during such weather, which facilitates their location by sound.
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How and Where Can You Find Variable cicada at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of variable cicada are typically laid in slits of tree bark. To find them, inspect the bark of known host trees during laying season, looking for the characteristic tiny, brownish, cylindrical eggs.
Nymph Nymphs of variable cicada live underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots. To find them, carefully dig around the base of trees with loose soil during excavation work or ecological surveys, always being mindful of not harming the tree or the nymphs.
Adult Variable cicada adults are easiest to locate by their distinctive singing, which males produce to attract females. To find adult variable cicada, follow the sound during their active periods in the late spring or early summer evenings. Visual sightings can also occur during the day on the trees where they might be resting or molting.
Are Variable cicada harmful?
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