Are Locusts the Same as Cicadas? Understanding the Key Differences Between These Insects

Locusts and cicadas are two insects that often cause confusion due to their similar appearance and behaviors. However, locusts and cicadas are fundamentally different species, each belonging to distinct insect families. In this article, we will explore the differences between locusts and cicadas, covering their scientific classifications, behaviors, life cycles, and the environmental impact they have on ecosystems.

Scientific Classification: Locusts vs. Cicadas

Understanding the scientific classification is one of the easiest ways to distinguish locusts from cicadas. Although both insects are often seen as noisy and abundant, they belong to entirely different taxonomic groups.

Locusts: A Species of Grasshoppers

• Family: Acrididae

• Order: Orthoptera

Locusts are a type of grasshopper that belong to the family Acrididae within the Orthoptera order. Unlike regular grasshoppers, locusts have the ability to form large swarms that can devastate crops and vegetation.

Cicadas: A Distinct Group of Hemiptera

• Family: Cicadidae

• Order: Hemiptera

Cicadas belong to the Cicadidae family within the Hemiptera order, which is a completely different order from the locusts. Cicadas are more closely related to other bugs like aphids, shield bugs, and leafhoppers.

Physical Differences: Locusts vs. Cicadas

While locusts and cicadas may share similar habitats and sometimes cause confusion, they have distinct physical characteristics that make them easy to tell apart.

Locusts’ Appearance

Locusts are usually medium to large-sized insects, often ranging from 2 to 5 cm long. They have long hind legs, which are adapted for jumping great distances. Their bodies are typically cylindrical and they possess short antennae.

Cicadas’ Appearance

Cicadas are known for their large, broad bodies, which can reach lengths of up to 5 cm or more. They have prominent, membranous wings, with a characteristic wide gap between the eyes. The cicada’s long antennae are also noticeably longer than those of locusts. Cicadas have a more stout, rounded appearance compared to the slimmer, elongated body of locusts.

Behavior and Lifecycle: How Locusts and Cicadas Differ

The behavioral patterns and life cycles of locusts and cicadas are vastly different, further highlighting their distinct nature.

Locusts’ Swarming Behavior

One of the most striking features of locusts is their ability to form massive swarms, especially in times of environmental stress, such as droughts or low food availability. When locusts aggregate into swarms, they can travel across vast distances and consume large amounts of crops, which can have devastating effects on agriculture. The swarming behavior is triggered by changes in temperature, humidity, and food scarcity.

Cicadas’ Singing and Lifecycle

Cicadas are primarily known for their loud, droning songs produced by males to attract mates. Unlike locusts, cicadas do not swarm in large groups. Instead, they have a fascinating lifecycle that involves spending the majority of their lives underground as nymphs. Some species, such as the periodical cicadas, live underground for up to 17 years before emerging as adults to mate, lay eggs, and die shortly after.

Ecological Impact: The Role of Locusts and Cicadas in Nature

Despite their differences, both locusts and cicadas play significant roles in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Locusts and Their Agricultural Impact

Locusts are well-known for their destructive capacity as pests. Their swarming behavior can lead to the decimation of crops and cause economic hardship for farmers. In some parts of the world, locust plagues have been known to cause widespread famine and food shortages. As a result, locusts are considered a major agricultural pest.

Cicadas and Their Ecological Benefits

Cicadas, on the other hand, have a more positive impact on ecosystems. Although they can cause damage to trees during the egg-laying process, cicadas also serve as a food source for many predators, including birds, mammals, and other insects. Additionally, the decomposition of dead cicadas provides essential nutrients to the soil, benefiting plant life in the long term.

Key Differences Between Locusts and Cicadas

Conclusion: Are Locusts the Same as Cicadas?

Although locusts and cicadas may seem similar at first glance, they are distinctly different insects with separate taxonomic classifications, behaviors, and ecological impacts. Locusts are grasshoppers that can form swarms and wreak havoc on crops, while cicadas are well-known for their life cycle and loud, seasonal songs. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone interested in the biology and environmental significance of these two fascinating insects.

By recognizing the unique characteristics and behaviors of locusts and cicadas, we can better appreciate their roles in nature and the ways they interact with the ecosystems they inhabit.

animal tags： Cicadidae Acrididae