About Black Cicada
A striking all-black alpine cicada endemic to the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Its dark colouration helps it absorb heat in cool alpine environments. It produces a distinctive high-pitched buzzing call.
Did You Know?
This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.
How to Identify Black Cicada
Black Cicada (Maoricicada nigra) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 18-25 mm.
Black Cicada Habitat
Black Cicada is found in mountains habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand - South Island). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Black Cicada Diet and Feeding
Black 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 Black Cicada Found?
Black Cicada can be found in Oceania (New Zealand - South Island), where it inhabits mountains environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Black Cicada can be found
Is Black Cicada Dangerous?
Black 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.
Black Cicada Role in Nature
Black 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Cicada
What does Black Cicada look like?
The Black Cicada typically measures 18-25 mm.
Where is Black Cicada found?
The Black Cicada is found in Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) and typically inhabits mountains environments.
What does Black Cicada eat?
The Black Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Black Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Black Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Black Cicada?
This cicada's black body acts as a solar panel, allowing it to warm up quickly in the cold alpine air to reach the body temperature needed for flight.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black Cicada (Maoricicada nigra). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-cicada
MLA:
"Black Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-cicada.