What Do Baby Cicadas Look Like?

August 3, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Cicadas are one of the most interesting insects in the world. Not only do they make a loud noise, but they also have a very unique life cycle. Baby cicadas, or nymphs, look quite different than their adult counterparts.

Nymphs are small, wingless insects that resemble ants more than they do cicadas. They are typically dark in color and have long antennae. Nymphs live underground where they feed on tree roots.

Over the course of several years, they molt (shed their skin) multiple times as they grow larger.

As you may know, cicadas are a type of insect that goes through metamorphosis. This means that they have distinct stages in their lives, and each stage looks different. So, what do baby cicadas look like?

Well, baby cicadas (or nymphs) are wingless and have a white or pale green body. They also have large eyes and long antennae. As they grow older, they develop wings and their bodies turn dark brown or black.

At this point, they’re ready to mate and lay eggs! Cicadas are fascinating creatures, and it’s amazing to see how much they change as they go through life. If you ever get the chance to see one up close, definitely take a look!

Credit: www.montclair.edu

What Do Freshly Hatched Cicadas Look Like?

If you’ve ever seen a cicada, you know that they’re big, noisy insects. But what do they look like when they first hatch? Freshly hatched cicadas are small and pale, with underdeveloped wings.

They’re barely more than 1/8 of an inch long, and their eyes are still black dots. Their bodies are soft and fragile, so they spend most of their time in trees or other protected areas. As they grow older, cicadas gradually become darker and their wings develop.

By the time they’re adults, they’re about 2 inches long and have dark brown or black bodies with brightly colored wing markings.

Are Baby Cicadas White?

There are many different species of cicada, and their colors can vary widely. However, baby cicadas are generally white. This is because they have not yet developed the dark pigmentation that adults have.

Once they molt and become adults, their colors will darken and they may even develop patterns on their wings.

How Big Do Cicadas Hatch?

Cicadas hatch from their eggs underground, and when they first emerge, they are about the size of a penny. They will grow to their full adult size in about six weeks.

Can a Cicada Hurt You?

Cicadas are not known to hurt humans, as they do not bite or sting. However, their incredibly loud mating calls can cause some discomfort!

Amazing Cicada Life Cycle | Sir David Attenborough’s Life In the Undergrowth | BBC

Cicada Life Cycle Diagram

Cicadas are one of the most fascinating insects in the world. Their life cycle is nothing short of amazing. Here is a look at the Cicada life cycle diagram:

The first stage of a Cicada’s life cycle is the egg stage. The female Cicada will lay her eggs in tree bark or leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs will fall to the ground and burrow into the soil.

The nymph stage can last anywhere from 2-17 years, depending on the species of Cicada. During this time, they will feed on plant roots and grow larger. When they are ready to emerge, they will climb up trees or plants and shed their skin for the final time.

Once they emerge as adults, Cicadas only have one goal: to mate! They will do this by singing loud mating calls to attract mates. After mating, females will lay their eggs and start the cycle all over again!

Conclusion

If you’re lucky enough to spot a baby cicada, you’ll know it by its small size and black body. These little insects are born without wings and spend their early days crawling around in search of food. Once they reach adulthood, cicadas grow wings and become adept flyers.

If you see a winged insect flying around in late summer or early fall, there’s a good chance it’s a cicada!