cicadas & related insects library

Cicadas are part of the Insect Class and within the order Hemiptera. Cicadas do not bite, but they are noisy insects. Some produce sounds up to 120 dB at close range.

Featured Article: Aphids

Aphid, or Plant Louse, a small insect that destroys crops and ornamental plants. Most aphids are green, red, or brown; some are gray, yellow, black, or pink. See more »

Why are cicadas so noisy?

Why are cicadas so noisy?

Cicada singing is often heard during the hot summer months. The distinctive high-pitched noise often fills the air. Have you ever wondered why the cicadas produce this noise. Find out the answer to this question in this HowStuffWorks article.

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Cicada

Cicada

Cicada, a large insect related to the aphid and treehopper. It has large eyes and two pairs of membranous wings.

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Whitefly

Whitefly

Whitefly, an insect that commonly feeds on citrus trees, certain other crops, and greenhouse plants.

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Aphids

Aphid, or Plant Louse, a small insect that destroys crops and ornamental plants. Most aphids are green, red, or brown; some are gray, yellow, black, or pink.

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Cochineal

Cochineal, a red or purple dye obtained from the female of a small scale insect. The dye was formerly used as a food coloring and for this purpose has been largely replaced by synthetic dyes.

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Lac

Lac, a resinous substance produced by the lac insect and used to make shellac. Shellac is used as a finish and in making lacquer and polishes.

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Leafhopper

Leafhopper, a leaping insect that sucks plant juices. There are more than 2,500 species in North America and more than 15,000 worldwide.

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Scale insect

Scale Insects, a family of insects that feed on plants. The name refers to a secretion of waxy scales that serve as a protective covering.

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Treehopper

Treehopper, a small winged insect. There are thousands of species of treehoppers, and they are widely distributed around the world.

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