Common Cicada

Taxonomic position: The common cicada (Tibicen haematodes) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. This large insect is widely recognized by its distinct sound and is a significant inhabitant of warm, Mediterranean-like climates where it thrives in orchards and wooded areas.

Crops affected: The pest primarily targets woody plants, causing notable damage in fruit orchards. Preferred hosts include pome fruits like apple and pear, as well as stone fruits such as peach, apricot, and plum. It is also known to infest vineyards and various ornamental trees, impacting both agricultural and aesthetic plantings.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle is complex and spans several years. Nymphs develop underground, living in the soil and feeding on the sap of tree roots. This subterranean stage is long-lasting, and the nymphs only emerge once they reach maturity. Adults are active during the summer months, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.

Nature of damage and harm: The most significant damage occurs when females insert their ovipositors into young stems and branches to deposit eggs. These deep incisions compromise the structural integrity of the plant tissues, leading to cracked bark, interrupted sap flow, and the eventual withering or breaking of infested branches.

• Prune and destroy all branches showing signs of egg-laying damage.
• Maintain healthy soil conditions to discourage larvae populations.
• Keep trees vigorous through proper irrigation and balanced fertilization.
• Monitor the emergence of adults and apply targeted treatments if necessary.
• Encourage natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps in the orchard.