About Clapping Cicada
An endemic New Zealand cicada named for the sharp clapping sound it produces, distinct from the continuous drone of the chorus cicada. It is found in scrubland and forest edges. Males produce a rapid series of clicks that accelerate into a continuous buzz.
Did You Know?
The clapping cicada can produce clicks at a rate of over 300 per second, creating what sounds like a rapid drumroll.
How to Identify Clapping Cicada
Clapping Cicada (Amphipsalta cingulata) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 22-30 mm.
Clapping Cicada Habitat
Clapping Cicada is found in forests habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Clapping Cicada Diet and Feeding
Clapping 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 Clapping Cicada Found?
Clapping Cicada can be found in Oceania (New Zealand), where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Clapping Cicada can be found
Is Clapping Cicada Dangerous?
Clapping 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.
Clapping Cicada Role in Nature
Clapping 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 Clapping Cicada
What does Clapping Cicada look like?
The Clapping Cicada typically measures 22-30 mm.
Where is Clapping Cicada found?
The Clapping Cicada is found in Oceania (New Zealand) and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Clapping Cicada eat?
The Clapping Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Clapping Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Clapping Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Clapping Cicada?
The clapping cicada can produce clicks at a rate of over 300 per second, creating what sounds like a rapid drumroll.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Clapping Cicada (Amphipsalta cingulata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/clapping-cicada
MLA:
"Clapping Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/clapping-cicada.