Cicadas are insects distinguished by their loud chirping, large wide eyes, and transparent veined wings. Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, and only surface periodically to mate and then die. The Magicicada surfaces once every 13 or 17 years. There are 2,500 species of cicadaf inhabiting temperate to tropical climates around the world, none of which are known to be dangerous to humans. In many cultures cicadas are considered a delicious snack.