Cicadas are insects about 1 to 1.5 inches long with stout, wedge-shaped bodies and a wide head featuring prominent, wide-set compound eyes and three simple eyes (ocelli) on top of the head. They have short antennae and two pairs of transparent, membranous wings with noticeable veins, often held roof-like over their bodies. Their legs number six, and they have a beak-like mouthpart used for feeding on plant juices

. Appearance varies slightly by species:

• Periodical cicadas typically have striking black bodies, bright red eyes, and orange wing veins. They range from about 1 to 2 inches in size

• Annual or dog-day cicadas often have greenish or brown bodies with black markings and clear wings. They are about 1.5 inches long

The head includes a large nose-like structure called the post-clypeus, which houses muscles for feeding. Male cicadas have specialized structures called tymbals used to produce their loud, buzzing mating calls

. In summary, cicadas look like stout-bodied insects with large, red or dark eyes, clear veined wings, short antennae, and a distinctive beak, with coloration ranging from black and red to greenish-brown depending on the species