What’s that chirping in summer? Cicadas!
In summer, the cicadas in Croatia are an unmistakable and enchanting element of nature. Their loud, melodic songs fill the warm days and evenings and create a unique atmosphere. The cicadas belong to the Cicadidae family and are known for their impressive voices, which are produced by special vocal apparatus. During the hot months, they are particularly active in the Mediterranean forests, meadows and coastlines of Croatia. Their song is mainly used for communication and finding a partner.
The cicadas are a symbol of summer in Croatia and contribute to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the landscape. Visitors appreciate the harmonious concert that the cicadas perform in nature and it is an experience that appeals to the senses. Despite their loudness, cicadas are harmless and an important part of the ecosystem. They help to maintain the ecological balance and are a fascinating example of the diversity of wildlife in Croatia.
The cicada is a fascinating creature from the Cicadidae family. They are insects that are best known for their impressive songs. Cicadas have a robust body, large eyes and often translucent wings that make them look elegant when flying.
The life cycle of the cicada is quite interesting. It begins when the adult cicadas lay eggs in the bark of trees or plants. After a few weeks, the larvae, known as nymphs, hatch and initially live in the soil. These nymphs spend most of their time underground, where they feed on roots. During this phase, they grow and go through several moults.
Only after several years, depending on the species, do the nymphs emerge from the soil, climb trees or shrubs and transform into adult cicadas. As adults, they feed mainly on plant sap, which they ingest with their piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem, as they not only provide the characteristic summer concert, but also serve as food for many birds, mammals and other insects. Their way of life and their song make them a fascinating part of nature in Croatia and contribute to the diversity and beauty of the animal world. Their song makes summer in Croatia even more unforgettable and invites you to linger in nature.
The picture below shows a newly emerged cicada which is drying before it can fly for the first time.
Below the picture you will find a video.
