Some northern Australian species are turning up in Victoria, others are breeding later in the year, and in the United States, they are emerging from the ground years ahead of schedule. Cicada movement and behaviour is being used as a yardstick to measure climate change.The Double drummer is thought to be the loudest insect in the world. Some species can sing as loud as 120 decibels. Each species of cicada has its own distinct song to attract only the right partners to mate with.

There are more than 200 species of cicada found across Australia.ĭo you live in NSW? Report cicada sightings to The Great Cicada Blitz (Sydney, AUS). It is mostly brown with black patterns across its back. Greengrocer ( Cyclochila australasiae): Also known as a Yellow Monday this regular visitor to Sydney backyards can range from brilliant green to yellow or even blue in colour.Ĭherrynose ( Macrotristria angularis): With a black body and transparent brown wings its the reddish nose that gives this cicada its name.įloury baker ( Aleeta curvicosta): Found alng the coast of QLD and NSW, this dark coloured cicada looks like it has been dusted with flour.ĭouble drummer ( Thopha saccata): The biggest and loudest of Australia’s cicadas. Some of the most common cicadas you may see or hear are: They have large compound eyes coming from the side of the head and three extra simple eyes on top of the head! They have three pairs of legs, and a hidden mouth. These wings can be anywhere from 2.5cm to 15cm long. Their strong veins are very prominent and can be seen through the transparent wings. Cicadas have stout bodies and two pairs of wings.