About Putnam's Cicada
A small, dark cicada found in arid pinyon-juniper woodlands of the western US. It produces quiet clicks rather than the loud buzzing of typical cicadas.
Did You Know?
Instead of singing, males attract females by tapping their wings together to produce soft clicking sounds.
How to Identify Putnam's Cicada
Putnam's Cicada (Platypedia putnami) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadidae. Adults typically measure 18-25 mm.
Putnam's Cicada Habitat
Putnam's Cicada is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Putnam's Cicada Diet and Feeding
Putnam's 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 Putnam's Cicada Found?
Putnam's Cicada can be found in North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Putnam's Cicada can be found
Is Putnam's Cicada Dangerous?
Putnam's 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.
Putnam's Cicada Role in Nature
Putnam's 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 Putnam's Cicada
What does Putnam's Cicada look like?
The Putnam's Cicada typically measures 18-25 mm.
Where is Putnam's Cicada found?
The Putnam's Cicada is found in North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Putnam's Cicada eat?
The Putnam's Cicada feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Putnam's Cicada dangerous to humans?
The Putnam's Cicada is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Putnam's Cicada?
Instead of singing, males attract females by tapping their wings together to produce soft clicking sounds.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Putnam's Cicada (Platypedia putnami). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/putnams-cicada
MLA:
"Putnam's Cicada." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/putnams-cicada.