Locusts vs. Cicadas — What's the Difference?

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.