About Empress Cicada
The largest cicada species in the world with a wingspan up to 200 mm. Found in the rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. Its body length exceeds 70 mm.
Did You Know?
With a wingspan of 20 cm, this is the worlds largest cicada — it is so heavy that it makes an audible buzzing thump when it crashes into tree trunks while flying.
How to Identify Empress Cicada
Empress Cicada (Pomponia imperatoria) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 70 mm body, 200 mm wingspan.
Empress Cicada Habitat
Empress Cicada is found in forests habitats, particularly across Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Empress Cicada Diet and Feeding
Empress 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 Empress Cicada Found?
Empress Cicada can be found in Asia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Empress Cicada can be found
Is Empress Cicada Dangerous?
Empress 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.
Empress Cicada Role in Nature
Empress 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 Empress Cicada
What does Empress Cicada look like?
The Empress Cicada typically measures 70 mm body, 200 mm wingspan.
Where is Empress Cicada found?
The Empress Cicada is found in Asia and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Empress Cicada eat?
The Empress Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Empress Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Empress Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Empress Cicada endangered?
The Empress Cicada is currently classified as Data Deficient by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Empress Cicada?
With a wingspan of 20 cm, this is the worlds largest cicada — it is so heavy that it makes an audible buzzing thump when it crashes into tree trunks while flying.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Empress Cicada (Pomponia imperatoria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/empress-cicada
MLA:
"Empress Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/empress-cicada.