Locusts vs. Cicadas: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 26, 2023
Locusts are swarming, grasshopper-like insects causing crop damage; cicadas are known for their loud calls and periodic emergences.
Key Differences
Locusts are a type of grasshopper that can transform into a swarming phase, causing significant agricultural damage. Cicadas are known for their distinctive sound and periodic emergences, occurring every several years.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locust swarms can devastate crops and vegetation due to their large numbers and voracious appetite. Cicadas, while numerous, primarily feed on tree sap and are not considered agricultural pests.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts have a shorter life cycle and can produce multiple generations in a year. Cicadas have longer life cycles, with some species emerging only every 13 or 17 years.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locust outbreaks are often linked to specific environmental conditions, leading to population explosions. Cicada emergences are more predictable, based on a fixed life cycle.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
While both insects can occur in large numbers, locust swarms are often associated with famine and economic hardship. Cicadas, on the other hand, are mostly a curiosity and known for their loud mating calls.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Life Cycle
Shorter, multiple generations per year
Longer, emerge every several years
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
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Locusts and Cicadas Definitions
Locusts
Swarming, grasshopper-like insects.
Farmers were concerned about the approaching locust swarm.
Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Cicadas
Insects known for loud calls and periodic appearances.
The sound of cicadas filled the summer evening.
Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts
Insects known for mass movements and feeding.
The locust invasion was unprecedented in its scale.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Cicadas
Long-living insects with distinctive emergences.
The 17-year cicadas emerged in astounding numbers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts
Transformable grasshoppers entering a gregarious phase.
The locusts changed behavior due to environmental conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
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Cicadas
Harmless to crops, feeding on tree sap.
Cicadas are more of an auditory nuisance than a pest.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts
Insects capable of causing agricultural devastation.
Locusts destroyed the entire crop within hours.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Cicadas
Insects with unique life cycles and mass emergences.
The cicadas' synchronized emergence is a biological marvel.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts
Migratory pests threatening food security.
Emergency measures were taken to control the locust outbreak.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Cicadas
Famous for their loud mating calls.
The chorus of cicadas indicated the peak of summer.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
Locusts
Any of various short-horned grasshoppers that sometimes migrate in immense swarms, devouring vegetation and crops.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 30, 2022
Cicadas
Any of various insects chiefly of the family Cicadidae, having a broad head, membranous wings, and in the male a pair of resonating organs that produce a characteristic high-pitched, droning sound.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 30, 2022
FAQs
What triggers a locust swarm?
Environmental conditions like rainfall and vegetation growth.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
What's the purpose of cicadas' emergence?
To reproduce and perpetuate their species.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
What's the economic impact of locusts?
They can cause severe agricultural losses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
