The Ssseureum Cicada (Hyalessa maculaticollis) is an insect belonging to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. It is one of the most common cicada species found in South Korea, where its clear, prolonged song is a familiar sound of summer. Adults spend their lives on trees feeding on plant sap, while the nymphs live underground for several years before emerging to molt into adults during the warm season.

In this article, we’ll explore Hyalessa maculaticollis‘ characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction, and ecological importance.

---

What Is Hyalessa maculaticollis?

Hyalessa maculaticollis belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae.

Its scientific name is Hyalessa maculaticollis, and it is widely distributed throughout South Korea, China, and Japan.

Adult Hyalessa maculaticollis 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 1–3 g (0.04–0.11 oz)

The adult lifespan is about 3–6 weeks, while the complete life cycle, including the underground nymph stage, lasts several years.

---

Characteristics of Hyalessa maculaticollis

1. Clear, Continuous Song

The most recognizable characteristic of Hyalessa maculaticollis is its clear, continuous summer song.

Male cicadas produce their calls by rapidly vibrating specialized sound-producing organs called tymbals, which are located on the abdomen. These calls are used to attract females and establish territory.

---

2. Transparent Wings

Hyalessa maculaticollis has two pairs of transparent wings with intricate vein patterns.

When illuminated by sunlight, the wings display a delicate, shimmering appearance.

---

3. Long Underground Nymph Stage

The nymph spends several years underground feeding on the sap of tree roots.

Once fully developed, it emerges on warm summer nights, molts, and transforms into a winged adult.

---

Behavior

Hyalessa maculaticollis is a diurnal sap-feeding insect.

Its typical behaviors include:

• Being active during the day
• Living primarily in trees
• Males producing loud calls, while females remain silent
• Appearing mainly during the summer
• Spending several years underground as nymphs
• Laying eggs in the twigs of trees

Adults are most active during midsummer and die shortly after completing reproduction.

---

Diet and Habitat

Hyalessa maculaticollis is a plant sap feeder.

Its primary food sources include:

• Tree sap
• Sap from young branches
• Root sap during the nymph stage

Preferred habitats include:

• Deciduous forests
• Parks
• Urban street trees
• Woodlands
• Green spaces near residential areas

The species is commonly associated with trees such as oaks, willows, and zelkovas, although it utilizes many other deciduous tree species.

---

Ecological Importance

Hyalessa maculaticollis is an important herbivorous insect in forest ecosystems.

Both adults and nymphs provide food for numerous predators, including birds, spiders, praying mantises, and wasps, making the species an essential part of terrestrial food webs.

The shed exoskeletons left behind after molting also contribute to nutrient cycling and provide temporary shelter for small organisms.

---

Relationship with Humans

Hyalessa maculaticollis is one of the insects most closely associated with the Korean summer.

Its distinctive song is widely regarded as one of the natural sounds that symbolize the season and is frequently used in environmental education and insect observation programs.

Although large populations may create considerable noise in urban areas, the species is harmless to humans and does not bite or sting.

---

Hyalessa maculaticollis is one of East Asia’s most familiar cicadas, recognized for its beautiful summer song and fascinating life cycle. After spending several years developing underground, it emerges for only a few weeks as an adult to reproduce, making its appearance one of nature’s most remarkable seasonal events.

With continued protection of forests, parks, and urban green spaces, Hyalessa maculaticollis will continue to be an iconic symbol of summer and an important contributor to healthy terrestrial ecosystems for generations to come.