So Cute Lyristes Plebejus Insect

Lyristes plebejus: The Summer Songster of the Mediterranean
Lyristes plebejus, commonly known as the plebeian cicada or simply the Mediterranean cicada, is one of the most iconic and sonorous insects of southern Europe. Known for its intense and characteristic summer song, L. plebejus plays a vital role not only in its ecosystem but also in the cultural fabric of the Mediterranean basin. It belongs to the order Hemiptera and family Cicadidae, a group that contains some of the most acoustically gifted insects on Earth.
Taxonomy and Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Lyristes
Species: L. plebejus
Historically, this species was classified under the genus Tibicen as Tibicen plebejus, but recent taxonomic revisions based on molecular and morphological studies have placed it under the genus Lyristes. These revisions help clarify evolutionary relationships among cicadas in Europe and North Africa.
Physical Characteristics
Adult Lyristes plebejus are relatively large insects, measuring up to 30–36 mm in body length, with a wingspan exceeding 80 mm. Their robust bodies are typically brown or dark tan, often adorned with black markings that help them blend into tree bark and foliage. Their transparent wings have prominent veins and extend well past the abdomen when folded at rest.
Notably, males are equipped with specialized organs called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomen. These tymbals are responsible for producing the loud and resonant mating calls that define Mediterranean summers.
Distribution and Habitat
Lyristes plebejus is native to the Mediterranean region, including countries like France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and parts of North Africa. It thrives in warm, dry climates, particularly in open woodlands, olive groves, vineyards, orchards, pine forests, and rural areas with plenty of sun-exposed trees and shrubs.