What Is The Difference Between Locust And Cicada: A Comprehensive Guide

Rae Bernier 19 Jun 2025

Many people often confuse locusts and cicadas due to their similar appearances and roles in ecosystems. However, these two insects belong to entirely different families and exhibit distinct characteristics. Understanding the difference between locust and cicada is essential for anyone interested in entomology or agriculture, as each insect plays a unique role in nature.

Locusts and cicadas are both fascinating creatures that have intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Despite their shared insect classification, they differ significantly in behavior, lifecycle, and ecological impact. This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of locusts and cicadas, shedding light on their distinguishing features.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clearer understanding of what sets locusts apart from cicadas, enabling you to appreciate the diversity of insect life and their importance in the natural world. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply a curious reader, this article offers valuable insights into the world of these remarkable insects.

Biological Classification of Locust and Cicada
Physical Appearance: Locust vs Cicada
Lifecycle Differences Between Locusts and Cicadas
Feeding Habits and Diet
Sound Production: How They Communicate
Ecological Impact on Ecosystems
Pest Control and Management Strategies
Myths and Facts About Locusts and Cicadas
Historical Significance in Human Culture
Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Biological Classification of Locust and Cicada

The first step in understanding the difference between locust and cicada lies in their biological classification. Locusts belong to the family Acrididae, which is part of the order Orthoptera. This order also includes grasshoppers and crickets, making locusts closely related to these insects. Cicadas, on the other hand, are members of the family Cicadidae, under the order Hemiptera, which includes true bugs such as aphids and leafhoppers.

Key Characteristics of Locusts

Locusts are known for their ability to swarm and cause significant damage to crops. They undergo a unique phase transformation, where solitary individuals can transform into gregarious forms under certain conditions. This transformation is triggered by population density and environmental factors, leading to large-scale swarms that can devastate agricultural lands.

Key Characteristics of Cicadas

Cicadas are famous for their loud, buzzing calls, which they produce using specialized structures called tymbals. Unlike locusts, cicadas do not swarm but emerge in large numbers during specific life stages. Some species, like the periodical cicadas, have synchronized lifecycles that occur every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.

Physical Appearance: Locust vs Cicada

Locusts and cicadas differ significantly in their physical appearance, which can help in distinguishing between the two. Below are some key differences:

Size: Cicadas are generally larger than locusts, with some species reaching up to 5 cm in length.
Coloration: Locusts typically have a green or brown coloration, which helps them blend into their surroundings. Cicadas, on the other hand, often exhibit striking patterns and colors, including black, green, and orange.
Wings: Both insects have wings, but cicadas have transparent, veined wings that are longer and more prominent compared to the shorter wings of locusts.

Lifecycle Differences Between Locusts and Cicadas

The lifecycle of locusts and cicadas varies significantly, reflecting their different ecological roles.

Locust Lifecycle

Locusts have a relatively short lifecycle, typically lasting a few months. They go through three stages: egg, nymph (or juvenile), and adult. During the nymph stage, locusts molt several times before reaching adulthood. Under favorable conditions, locust populations can grow rapidly, leading to the formation of swarms.

Cicada Lifecycle

Cicadas, especially the periodical species, have one of the longest insect lifecycles, with some spending up to 17 years underground as nymphs. Once they emerge, adult cicadas live for only a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs. The eggs hatch, and the nymphs burrow into the ground to start the cycle anew.

Feeding Habits and Diet

Locusts and cicadas also differ in their feeding habits and dietary preferences.

Locust Feeding Habits

Locusts are herbivores that feed on a wide variety of plants, including crops like wheat, rice, and maize. Their voracious appetite and swarming behavior make them a major agricultural pest in many parts of the world.

Cicada Feeding Habits

Cicadas primarily feed on plant sap, which they extract using their specialized mouthparts. As nymphs, they feed on roots, while adult cicadas feed on sap from stems and branches. Unlike locusts, cicadas do not cause significant damage to crops, as their feeding habits are less destructive.

Sound Production: How They Communicate

One of the most noticeable differences between locusts and cicadas is their method of sound production.

Locust Sounds

Locusts produce sounds by rubbing their legs against their wings, a process known as stridulation. These sounds are usually softer and less frequent compared to cicadas.

Cicada Sounds

Cicadas are renowned for their loud, rhythmic calls, which can be heard from great distances. They produce these sounds using tymbals, drum-like structures located on their abdomens. Male cicadas use these calls to attract mates during the breeding season.

Ecological Impact on Ecosystems

Both locusts and cicadas play important roles in their respective ecosystems, but their impacts differ significantly.

Locust Ecological Role

Locusts can have a devastating impact on agriculture, particularly in regions prone to locust outbreaks. Their swarming behavior allows them to consume vast amounts of vegetation, leading to food shortages and economic losses. However, they also serve as a food source for many predators, including birds and reptiles.

Cicada Ecological Role

Cicadas contribute to soil health by aerating the ground as nymphs burrow through it. They also provide a valuable food source for a wide range of animals, including birds, squirrels, and even humans in some cultures. Additionally, their emergence can influence local ecosystems by providing a temporary abundance of nutrients.

Pest Control and Management Strategies

Given the potential damage caused by locusts, effective pest control measures are crucial for protecting crops and livelihoods.

Locust Control Methods

Traditional methods of locust control include the use of chemical pesticides and biological agents. More recently, remote sensing and predictive modeling have been employed to monitor and predict locust outbreaks, enabling targeted interventions. Community-based initiatives and international cooperation are also vital for managing locust populations effectively.

Cicada Control

Cicadas generally do not require pest control measures, as they do not pose a significant threat to crops or infrastructure. However, in some cases, protective netting may be used to shield young trees and plants from damage caused by egg-laying females.

Myths and Facts About Locusts and Cicadas

There are many myths surrounding locusts and cicadas, often fueled by their mysterious behaviors and unique life cycles.

Myth: Locusts and cicadas are the same insects. Fact: They belong to entirely different families and exhibit distinct characteristics.
Myth: Cicadas emerge every year in large numbers. Fact: Periodical cicadas emerge in synchronized cycles of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.
Myth: Locusts are harmful to humans. Fact: While locusts can damage crops, they are not harmful to humans directly.

Historical Significance in Human Culture

Both locusts and cicadas have played significant roles in human history and culture.

Locusts in History

Locust plagues have been documented in various civilizations throughout history, including ancient Egypt, where they were considered one of the ten plagues in the Bible. These outbreaks have had profound impacts on agriculture and human societies, leading to famine and economic hardship.

Cicadas in Culture

Cicadas have inspired art, literature, and music in many cultures. In ancient China, cicadas were symbols of rebirth and immortality due to their long lifecycles. Their calls have also been celebrated in poetry and folklore, reflecting their enduring fascination for humans.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

In conclusion, the difference between locust and cicada lies in their biological classification, physical appearance, lifecycle, feeding habits, and ecological roles. While locusts are notorious for their destructive swarming behavior, cicadas are admired for their unique calls and mysterious lifecycles. Understanding these differences not only enriches our knowledge of the natural world but also highlights the importance of preserving insect biodiversity.

We invite you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. For further reading, explore our other articles on entomology and ecology. Together, we can continue to learn and appreciate the intricate web of life that surrounds us.

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