I bet you have never seen these colorful cicadas!

In addition to sweat and high temperatures, the sound of insects is also an indispensable element in summer. Various insects add a touch of vitality to the languid summer, and cicadas are one of the most famous performers.

Do you think all cicadas are black? In fact, there are many beautiful cicadas! The diversity of cicada species recorded in China is very high, and there are many beautiful species with high appearance. Not only do they make pleasant calls, but they are also very pleasing to the eye.

Perhaps the most common cicada is the red-veined bear cicada (Cryptotympana atrata), also known as the black grasshopper cicada. Its nymphs are on the human table｜taibif.tw

A jewel-like blue-black hunk

The Black Libao Island Cicada (Formotosena seebohmi) is one of the largest species of Cicadidae distributed in China, and appears in large numbers every summer.

In addition to its loud call and large size, the most striking feature of this cicada is the striking blue-green serrated pattern on its chest and head. The row of white spots and the blue main wing veins on its dark brown wings add more aura to it.

Cicadas on Heilibao Island, photographed in Qiongzhong, Hainan in May 2017 | Wu Chao

The Black Libao Island cicada usually lives on relatively high tree trunks, and it chirps most happily from noon to afternoon. Imagine that in the hot summer forest, a blue light suddenly flies over your head, which instantly adds a lot of coolness.

During the peak season, the entire forest will be filled with their annoying calls. Since most of the color in the body is pigment, the blue color of the Black Treasure Island cicada will quickly fade and turn into yellow-green after it dies. This species also has another nickname called the Taiwan Grandpa Cicada, but in fact, in China, they are not only distributed in Taiwan, but also widely distributed in southern and southwestern China.

The glittering "jasper"

In the plateau-like southwest of China, the high temperatures and the endless chirping of cicadas can often be irritating. However, among these noisy performers, there are still many impressive and colorful species, and Cheng's web-winged cicada (Polyneura cheni) is undoubtedly the most beautiful among them.

Cheng's web-winged cicada has broad forewings that transition from emerald green to yellow-green, with black edges at the ends and closely arranged but not messy wing veins, full of an orderly beauty. The bright yellow markings on the chest and neck and the red compound eyes add a touch of luxurious momentum.

The emerald green wing veins are so eye-catching｜projectnoah.org

Cheng's net-winged cicada has high requirements for habitat, and generally lives in forests with good vegetation. Most of the time, they live on relatively tall tree trunks, and their voices can only be heard but not seen.

Most people's impression of cicadas is mostly common species such as the oak cicada, the cold cicada, and the cicada. When many people first see Cheng's web-winged cicada in the wild, they are often amazed by its extraordinary beauty and even wonder if it is a cicada.

Low-key and gorgeous style

Cicada diversity is high in southern China, especially in subtropical areas, where species richness is even greater, including some seldom-seen, gorgeous species, such as the Guangxi cicada (Gallogaena guangxiensis).

Guangxi cicada is mainly distributed in southwest and south China. Among the insects, it is a very delicate and attractive type. Its front wings have bright and generous yellow wavy patterns and emerald green wing veins, and its black hind wings are dotted with white patches. Compared with the high-profile appearance of the above two, Guangxi cicada gives people a stronger contrast impression.

This species is often found at the edge of woodlands and is also attracted to lights. Due to its fast flight and bright yellow patches on its wings, it is sometimes mistaken for a large nymphalidae.

The author's collection, from top to bottom, is Guangxi colorful cicada, Cheng's web-winged cicada and Heilibaodao cicada｜@喜欢Scale powder的刺儿

In midsummer, the cicadas’ music reaches its climax. However, as urbanization expands, we need to travel to relatively remote areas to see these noisy gems. Our every move is closely related to the future of these beautiful creatures.

Author: Qian Qian Zao.ssp

This article comes from the Species Calendar, welcome to forward

If you need to reprint, please contact [email protected]