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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

Type

Grasshopper-like insects
Insects known for periodic emergences
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Swarming Behavior

Form destructive swarms
Do not form swarms
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Impact

Cause agricultural damage
Generally harmless to crops
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Life Cycle

Shorter, multiple generations per year
Longer, emerge every several years
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Sound

Less notable
Known for loud calls
Sara Rehman
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

Cicadas

Plural of cicada
Sumera Saeed
Nov 30, 2022

FAQs

What triggers a locust swarm?

Environmental conditions like rainfall and vegetation growth.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Do cicadas harm trees?

Generally, they cause minimal damage.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023

Can locust swarms be predicted?

To some extent, using environmental cues.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Can cicadas be found worldwide?

They are more common in temperate regions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

How long do cicadas live underground?

Up to 17 years for some species.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

What's the purpose of cicadas' emergence?

To reproduce and perpetuate their species.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023

Do cicadas sing at night?

Some species are more active at dusk.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

What do locusts eat?

Mainly crops and vegetation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023

Do locusts pose a health risk?

Not directly, but they threaten food security.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

What's the economic impact of locusts?

They can cause severe agricultural losses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Are locusts and grasshoppers the same?

Locusts are a type of grasshopper.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Can locusts be controlled?

Through pesticides and environmental management.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Why do cicadas emerge periodically?

It's part of their unique life cycle.
Huma Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Do cicadas bite or sting?

No, they are harmless.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 26, 2023

Can locusts be eaten?

In some cultures, they are a food source.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

How do cicadas survive underground?

By feeding on tree root sap.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023

Why are cicadas so loud?

It's their mating call.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023

How big can locust swarms get?

Covering hundreds of square kilometers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023

How fast can locusts travel?

They can cover large distances daily.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023

Are all cicadas periodical?

No, some are annual.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

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