About New Zealand Cicada
A small endemic cicada from New Zealand notable for being silent - it has lost the ability to produce sound. It communicates through substrate vibrations transmitted through plant stems instead. This species represents a unique evolutionary path among cicadas.
Did You Know?
Despite belonging to one of the noisiest insect families, this cicada is completely mute and instead communicates by vibrating plant stems.
How to Identify New Zealand Cicada
New Zealand Cicada (Kikihia muta) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm.
New Zealand Cicada Habitat
New Zealand Cicada is found in heathland 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.
New Zealand Cicada Diet and Feeding
New Zealand 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 New Zealand Cicada Found?
New Zealand Cicada can be found in Oceania (New Zealand - South Island), where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where New Zealand Cicada can be found
Is New Zealand Cicada Dangerous?
New Zealand 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.
New Zealand Cicada Role in Nature
New Zealand 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 New Zealand Cicada
What does New Zealand Cicada look like?
The New Zealand Cicada typically measures 15-20 mm.
Where is New Zealand Cicada found?
The New Zealand Cicada is found in Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does New Zealand Cicada eat?
The New Zealand Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is New Zealand Cicada dangerous to humans?
The New Zealand Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about New Zealand Cicada?
Despite belonging to one of the noisiest insect families, this cicada is completely mute and instead communicates by vibrating plant stems.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). New Zealand Cicada (Kikihia muta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-cicada
MLA:
"New Zealand Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-cicada.