Snoring cicada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Snoring cicada
Kikihia cutora cutora
Scientific classification
Genus:	Kikihia
Species:	cutora
Synonyms
Cicada cutora Walker, 1850

The Kikihia cutora, also known as the snoring cicada, is a special kind of cicada. This insect is only found in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. A scientist named Francis Walker first officially described this species in 1850.

Snoring Cicada

Snoring cicadas are known for their unique sounds. Like all cicadas, they are insects that spend most of their lives underground. They live as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. When they are ready, they dig their way out of the ground. Then, they change into their adult form.

Adult cicadas live above ground for a short time. Their main goal is to find a mate and lay eggs. Male cicadas make loud noises to attract females. The snoring cicada's call sounds a bit like snoring, which is how it got its name!

Different Types of Snoring Cicadas

The snoring cicada actually has three different types, called subspecies. These are like different groups within the same species. They might live in different areas or have slight differences in their looks or sounds.

Here are the three subspecies:

• Kikihia cutora cumberi: This one is often called the Southern Snoring Cicada. It was identified in 1973.
• Kikihia cutora cutora: This is the original type, known as the Northern Snoring Cicada. It was described in 1850.
• Kikihia cutora exulis: This type is called the Kermadec Cicada or Kermadec Snoring Cicada. It was identified in 1950.