PEST
 
   NAME
     Cicadas
     Various Cicada Species
 
   ORDER
     Hemiptera
 
   FAMILY
     Cicadidae

Description of the Pest
Cicadas are sap-sucking insects, up to 60mm in length. They penetrate soft shoots with their long proboscis. The nymph is subterranean and also has piercing and sucking mouthparts; it feeds on the roots of the plant. The nymph emerges to shed its skin and become a winged adult; the discarded nymph shell (exoskeleton) is often seen on tree trunks and wooden fences during summer. Adults are best known for their constant high-pitched chirping as the temperatures increase during summer months.

Adult Black prince				Adult Cicada

Adults of different species may be black, green, brown, orange or yellow.
Common species include the green grocer (Cyclochila australasiae); black prince (Pasltoda argentata); double drummer (Thopha saccata); and floury baker (Abricta curvicosta).

Life Cycle 
This insect has a Hemimetabolous life cycle, i.e. nymphs and adults.
The nymphs remain underground for several years; they emerge and become adults during late spring to early summer. Eggs are deposited into slits made by the female in the bark of host plants - this process may cause die-back.

Distribution of the Pest
World wide including Australia

Adult emerges from the exoskeleton of the nymph	Adult Cicada

Period of Activity
Adults remain active throughout the warmer months of the year.
The larvae are feeding in the soil for many years all year round.

Damage Caused
This is a large, noisy insect whose presence seldom causes serious damage to plants. 
Soft shoots on which the adults feed may wilt. Adults produce an exudate similar to honeydew.  Loud noise is due to the males only (up to 120 decibels) can also be a problem.
Dieback to stem can result due to the activities of the females laying their eggs in the young stems

Susceptible Plants
Cicadas feed on a wide range of native plants - including Eucalypts and exotics.

Control
Natural predators including birds, possums and spiders may reduce numbers. 
Cicadas are a minor pest and control measures are not usually necessary. They are an important component of the Australian ecosystem.

Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide

Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley