Giant Cicada
Quesada gigas
This record describes Quesada gigas (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
SONG - Loudest insect in the Western Hemisphere! At the height of the season in s. TX, sings all day (and occasionally through the night). In c. TX, sings primarily at dusk (between 8:37 and 9:04), and less often at dawn (between 6:15 and 6:25). (MAQ, pers. obs.)
Wikipedia reference for Quesada gigas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_cicada.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Cicadinae
- Tribe
- Fidicinini
- Genus
- Quesada
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It appears to have a generalist approach to host plants that facilitates its use of multiple plant communities.
Geographic Range
c. TX to c. Argentina , this is the widest ranging cicada in the Western Hemisphere U.S. (Texas) Range Map - Texas Entomology
Seasonal Activity
primarily June-Sept in s. TX based on 132 spmns in the TAMUIC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Immatures feed on tree roots, mostly Huisache and other members of the Legume family. In a single park in Brazil, the species was found to use 17 different families as host plants.
Life History
spends at least four years underground as immature insects feeding on tree roots.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: gigas (G). 'giant, very large'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Quesada gigas. 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 Giant Cicada (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bill Reynolds
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Cicada
What is Giant Cicada?
Giant Cicada (Quesada gigas) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Giant Cicada found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | It appears to have a generalist approach to host plants that facilitates its use of multiple plant communities. |
| Range | c. TX to c. Argentina , this is the widest ranging cicada in the Western Hemisphere U.S. (Texas) Range Map - Texas Entomology |
What does Giant Cicada eat?
The diet of the Giant Cicada includes Immatures feed on tree roots, mostly Huisache and other members of the Legume family. In a single park in Brazil, the species was found to use 17 different families as host plants..
When is Giant Cicada active?
Giant Cicada: seasonal activity - primarily June-Sept in s. TX based on 132 spmns in the TAMUIC ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Giant Cicada?
spends at least four years underground as immature insects feeding on tree roots.