Walking Cicada
Okanagana synodica
This record describes Okanagana synodica (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Unmistakable.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Tibicininae
- Tribe
- Tibicinini
- Genus
- Okanagana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Primarily a species of the Great Basin, records from Kansas exist, but further east may be misidentified
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host plants are probably grasses
Life History
A theory of a 19-year life cycle has been suggested.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Okanagana synodica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Walking Cicada (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Scott Taylor; Additional contributions by Will Chatfield-Taylor , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Cicada
How big is Walking Cicada?
15mm or less
How do you identify Walking Cicada?
Unmistakable.
Where is Walking Cicada found?
Range: Primarily a species of the Great Basin, records from Kansas exist, but further east may be misidentified
What does Walking Cicada eat?
The diet of the Walking Cicada includes host plants are probably grasses.
What is the life cycle of a Walking Cicada?
A theory of a 19-year life cycle has been suggested.