Quick answer
Cicadas feed on plant sap, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Forests and grasslands worldwide. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
Key takeaway
Cicadas feed on plant sap, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Forests and grasslands worldwide. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
Cicada diet overview
Cicadas (Cicadidae) are best summarised as Herbivore (plant sap). Anatomy and habitat (Forests and grasslands worldwide) decide whether they hunt, graze, filter, scavenge, or mix strategies across the year.
How cicadas find food
Energy-rich foods are prioritised when available; lean seasons force broader diets or longer travel. Young animals may eat different items or receive food from parents.
Cicada role in the food web
As herbivores shaping plants and seeds, cicadas move nutrients and influence prey or vegetation.
Feeding and human conflict
Never feed wild cicadas. Habituation raises injury risk and can lead to lethal management. Captive diets must match species needs, not generic pet food rules.
Range and habitat
Cicadas inhabit Forests and grasslands worldwide; known for the loud summer song of the males. Their preferred habitat includes forests and grasslands worldwide, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Africa, Asia, Europe, North Ameri
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult cicadas typically measure about 0.04 m in length and weigh roughly 0.002 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 5 km/h (3 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Cicadas are known for the loud summer singer with a long underground youth — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Cicada FAQs
What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas feed on plant sap, adjusting with season, age, and what is abundant in Forests and grasslands worldwide. That label is a preferred pattern, not every item an individual might sample.
What is the scientific name of the cicada?
Cicadidae — used in research and conservation listings for cicadas.
Where do cicadas live?
They are associated with Forests and grasslands worldwide. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of cicadas?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.