African Cicada

About African Cicada

A large cicada with brownish wings and a stout body. Males produce a deafening chorus using specialized tymbal organs on the abdomen during the hot hours of the day.

How to Identify African Cicada

African Cicada (Platypleura hirtipennis) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 35-50 mm body length.

African Cicada Habitat

African Cicada is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

African Cicada Diet and Feeding

African 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 Cicada Found?

African Cicada can be found in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia), where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is African Cicada Dangerous?

African 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 Cicada Role in Nature

African 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