African Bladder Cicada

About African Bladder Cicada

A sub-Saharan African cicada with flattened lateral extensions on its abdomen. It is commonly heard calling from trees in woodland savannas.

How to Identify African Bladder Cicada

African Bladder Cicada (Platypleura stridula) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 28-35 mm.

African Bladder Cicada Habitat

African Bladder Cicada is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Sub-Saharan Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

African Bladder Cicada Diet and Feeding

African Bladder Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.

Where Is African Bladder Cicada Found?

African Bladder Cicada can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is African Bladder Cicada Dangerous?

African Bladder Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

African Bladder Cicada Role in Nature

African Bladder Cicada is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity