It’s time for Australians to cast their vote for their favorite insect! This wonderful opportunity has arisen through the inaugural ABC Australian Insect of the Year competition. This year, the goal of this initiative is to showcase the weird, amazing world of insects from all over the country. Of the thousands of candidates, one insect in particular is a clear favorite—the greengrocer cicada—who offers a history that exceeds 300 million years. With its Tunisian green skinny and that summer evening shrill squeaking, this insect embodies the unforgettable, bizarre essence of Australian fauna.
The greengrocer cicada is much more than eye candy. It is capable of flying at speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour. In addition, it can do amazing aerial maneuvers such as hovering, barrel rolls and even flying backwards! That kind of muscle control makes it a more accurate, even deadlier, predator. It lets the little fungus eat about 100 mosquitoes a day. It’s its exceptional predatory prowess that has made it a copy of nature’s most essential and irreplaceable ecosystem managers.
The greengrocer cicada’s life cycle is just as fascinating. The nymphs remain safely holed up beneath the soil for up to seven years. Once they come out, they flaunt their spectacular colors and put on choreographed mating dances. In that brief two-month lifespan, these cicadas engage in an exuberant search for love. Their rasping calls fill the air as they announce the arrival of the Australian summer.
The other incredible insects in the competition were the giant rainforest mantis and various Christmas beetles. There are approximately 36 species of Christmas beetles in Australia, with 35 species endemic to the continent. Mesmerizing in radiant beauty, the strikingly gorgeous giant rainforest mantis also carries a most dangerous weapon. Its muscular legs are covered in dagger-like spines and its compound eyes can almost rotate a full circle.
Jessie Sinclair, an advocate for insect awareness and protection, explained how essential it is to recognize where insects fit into our ecosystem.
“People often don’t think about how essential many insects are, for example, for pollination,” – Jessie Sinclair
Sinclair reminded everyone that insects are an important part of the production of food. Without them, most flowering crops wouldn’t be able to produce.
“So many crops are pollinated by insects they actually put food on our table. Without them those crops can’t be pollinated.” – Jessie Sinclair
Bishop’s words reflect a growing appreciation for this insect’s duality. Its vibrant surface presence and its hidden life underground. Illustrator Kate Umbers went one step further, reimagining the cicada’s depiction and presenting her as a superhero.
“With its iconic summer soundtrack, vivid green get-up, and underground mystery years, the greengrocer cicada is a true Aussie original.” – AB Bishop
This year’s competition is not only a celebration of these bizarre and beautiful creatures, but an educational experience. The ultimate goal is for all Australians to be able step outside and discover the amazing variety of insects that live in their backyard. Sinclair wants to use these narratives to glorify a chosen few insects. Terry thinks that this will enable participants to fully understand the importance of the work that they are doing.
“Australia’s secret superhero. By day, it’s undercover in alpine camouflage. But when trouble strikes? Bam! It flashes bold red and blue stripes like a tiny caped crusader shouting, ‘Not today, birdbrain!’” – Kate Umbers
As Australians cast their votes, they are reminded of the essential roles that insects play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture. The greengrocer cicada is a perfect example of this balance, both with its fascinating traits and its value to the ecosystem.
“My hope would be, with something like the ABC Australian Insect of the Year, you choose a small number of insects to look at, to explore and celebrate, and that will give you a taste of what’s out there.” – Jessie Sinclair
As Australians cast their votes, they are reminded of the essential roles that insects play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture. The greengrocer cicada exemplifies this balance with its unique characteristics and contributions to the ecosystem.
