Editorial photo #13870535 Human Interest
Cicada - Biodiversity - Lemuriana Apicalis - India
A Lemuriana apicalis cicada is seen at night on a wall in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on June 20, 2026. India is home to approximately 200 to 250 cicada species, primarily found in forests from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats. Known for their loud summer mating calls, most cicadas in India are annual insects. They play a vital role in ecosystems as indicators of forest health, microhabitat recovery, and seasonal transitions. Nymphs spend years underground feeding on tree sap and aerating the soil. Upon emerging and dying, their bodies release nitrogen into the forest floor, acting as a natural fertilizer. Egg-laying slits made in tree branches naturally prune the trees, promoting stronger regrowth and larger fruits. Cicadas are celebrated in rural communities across North and Central India as the iconic ''soundtrack'' of the pre-monsoon season. Adult cicadas are attracted to artificial lights and often congregate on illuminated buildings. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)
