Cicāda
(
τέττιξ). A species of insect, frequently mentioned by the
classical writers. It is originally a caterpillar, then a chrysalis, and is converted into a
fly late in the spring. Its song is much louder and shriller than that of the grasshopper. The
ancient writers, and especially the poets, praise the sweetness of their song; and Plutarch
says they were sacred to the Muses. According to Aelian, only the male cicada sings, and that
in the hottest weather. This is confirmed by the discoveries of modern naturalists. The cicada
is extremely common in the south of Italy. It is found also in the United States, being called
in some parts “the harvest-fly,” and in others, very erroneously,
“the locust.”