The Black-Spotted Cicada (Hyalessa maculaticollis) is an insect belonging to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. It is one of the most common cicada species in South Korea and is well known for its loud, distinctive song that fills forests, parks, and tree-lined streets during the summer. With its dark body, transparent wings, and powerful flight ability, the Black-Spotted Cicada spends most of its life underground as a nymph before emerging as an adult during the warm summer months.

In this article, we’ll explore the Black-Spotted Cicada’s characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction, and ecological importance.

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What Is the Black-Spotted Cicada?

The Black-Spotted Cicada belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae.

It is widely distributed throughout South Korea, northeastern China, and Japan, where it inhabits forests, parks, urban green spaces, and tree-lined streets.

Adult Black-Spotted Cicadas typically measure:

• Body Length: Approximately 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 inches)
• Wingspan: Approximately 70–90 mm (2.8–3.5 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 1–2 g (0.04–0.07 oz)

Their complete life cycle, including the underground nymph stage, lasts approximately 4–6 years, while adults typically live for only 3–5 weeks.

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Characteristics of the Black-Spotted Cicada

1. Loud, Powerful Song

The Black-Spotted Cicada is best known for the loud calls produced by males.

They generate sound by rapidly vibrating specialized structures on the abdomen called tymbals, using their songs to attract females and establish territory.

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2. Transparent Wings

The Black-Spotted Cicada has two pairs of large, transparent wings with clearly visible veins.

Its strong wings allow it to fly efficiently between trees in search of mates and feeding sites.

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3. Long Underground Nymph Stage

Most of the Black-Spotted Cicada’s life is spent underground as a nymph.

During this period, the nymph feeds on sap from tree roots and molts several times before emerging from the soil in summer to transform into an adult.

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Behavior

The Black-Spotted Cicada is a diurnal insect, remaining active during the day.

Its typical behaviors include:

• Being active during daylight hours
• Males producing loud songs
• Living primarily in trees
• Emerging in large numbers during summer
• Spending the nymph stage underground
• Reproducing and completing its adult life within a few weeks

Adults are most active during the hottest part of the summer.

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Diet and Habitat

The Black-Spotted Cicada is a sap-feeding herbivorous insect.

The adult diet includes:

• Tree sap
• Sap from young branches

The nymph diet includes:

• Sap from tree roots

Preferred habitats include:

• Deciduous forests
• Mixed forests
• Urban parks
• Tree-lined streets
• Woodlands
• Residential areas with mature trees

The species is commonly associated with broadleaf trees such as oaks, cherry trees, and zelkovas.

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Ecological Importance

The Black-Spotted Cicada plays an important role in forest ecosystems.

Its underground nymphs help aerate the soil as they tunnel through it, improving soil structure. Both nymphs and adults also serve as food for birds, squirrels, spiders, and praying mantises, making them an essential part of the terrestrial food web.

After molting, their shed exoskeletons decompose and contribute nutrients back to the ecosystem.

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Relationship with Humans

The Black-Spotted Cicada is completely harmless to humans.

Its song is one of the most recognizable sounds of summer and has become a familiar symbol of the season throughout East Asia. It is also an important species for ecological education and entomological research.

Although large populations in urban areas may be considered noisy, the Black-Spotted Cicada does not bite, sting, or produce venom, making it harmless to people.

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The Black-Spotted Cicada is one of South Korea’s most familiar summer insects, recognized for its powerful song and fascinating life cycle. After spending several years underground as a nymph, it emerges as an adult for only a few weeks to reproduce, illustrating one of nature’s most remarkable transformations.

With continued conservation of forests, parks, and urban green spaces, the Black-Spotted Cicada will continue to be an iconic sound of summer and an important contributor to healthy ecosystems for generations to come.