Locusts vs. Cicadas — What's the Difference?
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Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 2, 2023
Locusts are grasshoppers that swarm and devastate crops, while cicadas are insects known for their periodic emergences and loud songs.
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Difference Between Locusts and Cicadas
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Locusts and cicadas, although both insects, have distinct characteristics and impacts on their environments. Locusts are essentially grasshoppers that can change behavior and form large swarms under specific conditions. These swarms can travel long distances, causing significant damage to crops and vegetation. Their notorious reputation is partly due to the immense agricultural losses they cause, often leading to famine and economic distress in affected regions.
In contrast, cicadas belong to a different order of insects and are best known for their life cycles and loud, unique songs. They are not related to grasshoppers or locusts. Cicadas spend most of their life underground as nymphs, emerging in periodic cycles to molt, mate, and lay eggs. Some cicada species, like the Magicicada, have a 13 or 17-year life cycle, with nearly all members emerging at once, leading to massive simultaneous emergences.
While locusts are often seen as agricultural pests, cicadas generally don't pose significant threats to crops. Instead, the brief, above-ground existence of cicadas is notable for the cacophony they produce, with males singing to attract females. Their periodical emergences can also be a fascinating natural phenomenon, attracting attention from both the scientific community and the general public.
In summation, locusts and cicadas are two very different insects with varying ecological roles. One represents potential devastation for crops, while the other is a symbol of nature's rhythmic patterns and the music of summer evenings.
Comparison Chart
Classification
Grasshoppers (order Orthoptera)
True bugs (order Hemiptera)
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Behavior
Form swarms and migrate
Do not swarm; emerge periodically
Threat to Agriculture
Can devastate crops
Generally not harmful to crops
Sound
Less notable
Produce loud, unique songs
Life Cycle
Shorter, with no long underground phase
Spend many years underground, with periodic emergences
Compare with Definitions
Locusts
Grasshoppers that can form destructive swarms.
Farmers dread the arrival of locusts, as they can decimate crops.
Cicadas
Insects with unique 13 or 17-year life cycles.
The periodic emergence of 17-year cicadas is a natural wonder.
Locusts
Periodic pests with significant economic impact.
Governments often take preventive measures to control locust outbreaks.
Cicadas
Bugs that spend most of their life as nymphs underground.
After many years, cicadas emerge from the ground to complete their life cycle.
Locusts
Migratory insects known for their potential to cause famines.
History has documented several locust plagues affecting entire regions.
Cicadas
Insects known for their periodic emergences and loud songs.
The sound of cicadas is often associated with summer evenings.
Locusts
Swarming phase of certain grasshopper species.
Certain environmental factors can trigger grasshoppers to become locusts.
Cicadas
Winged insects that sing to attract mates.
Male cicadas produce loud calls to draw in females.
Locusts
Insects capable of long-distance migration in large groups.
Locust swarms can travel vast distances in search of food.
Cicadas
Creatures marking the rhythm of nature with their emergences.
The periodic nature of some cicadas has long fascinated scientists.
Locusts
Any of various short-horned grasshoppers that sometimes migrate in immense swarms, devouring vegetation and crops.
Cicadas
Any of various insects chiefly of the family Cicadidae, having a broad head, membranous wings, and in the male a pair of resonating organs that produce a characteristic high-pitched, droning sound.
Locusts
A cicada, especially a periodical cicada.
Cicadas
Plural of cicada
Locusts
Any of several trees of the pea family bearing long pods, especially the black locust, honey locust, and carob.
Locusts
The wood of any of these trees.
Locusts
Plural of locust
Locusts
Infl of locust
Common Curiosities
How often do locust plagues occur?
It varies. Some years might see significant outbreaks, while others have minimal activity, depending on ecological conditions.
What are Locusts?
Locusts are a type of grasshopper, belonging to the family Acrididae, known for their swarming behavior.
What triggers locusts to swarm?
Changes in environmental conditions and population density can induce transformations in locusts, leading them to form swarms.
Why are locusts famous?
They're well-known for forming large swarms that can devastate crops, causing significant agricultural damage.
How long do locusts live?
Their lifespan ranges from a few months to about a year, depending on the species and conditions.
Are locust swarms predictable?
While hard to predict precisely, monitoring environmental conditions can provide early warning signs of potential outbreaks.
Do locusts make sounds?
While they can make sounds by rubbing their legs against their wings, they're not particularly known for their song.
Do locusts bite humans?
Generally, no. Locusts primarily feed on plants and are not aggressive towards humans.
Are locusts edible?
Yes, in many cultures, locusts are consumed as a protein-rich food source.
Why do some cicadas emerge in large numbers?
This is a survival strategy known as "predator satiation" - by emerging in vast numbers, they increase the chances of individual cicadas surviving and reproducing.
Are cicadas the same as "locusts"?
No, despite some periodical cicada emergences being termed "locust plagues" historically, cicadas and locusts are different insects.
What's unique about some cicada species and their life cycle?
Certain species, known as periodical cicadas, have synchronized life cycles of 13 or 17 years.
Do cicadas bite or sting?
No, cicadas are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting.
How long do adult cicadas live?
After emerging, adult cicadas typically live for 4-6 weeks.
Where are locusts found?
They inhabit various regions worldwide, especially in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Why do cicadas sing?
Male cicadas sing, using specialized structures called tymbals, to attract female mates.
Are cicadas harmful to plants?
While they do feed on plant sap, they're not considered major agricultural pests like locusts.
What are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large insects belonging to the family Cicadidae, known for their distinctive song produced by males to attract females.
Where can cicadas be found?
They are found all over the world, especially in warmer climates.
What do cicadas feed on?
Both nymphs and adult cicadas feed on plant sap, with nymphs feeding on root sap while underground.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.