Bardic Cicada

Alternate Names

Drum bugs, Summer Bards

Summary

The Bardic Cicada is a member of the Cicada family native to the new Vassrun and the southwest Wilderuns. One of many Cicada species living in the region they are most easily recognized by their bright red and yellow coloration that is often compared to a performers clothes, that when paired with their 'songs' earns them the name of Bardic Cicadas. They are one of Tor'Saarns loudest insects, emitting a sound in excess of 120 decibels at immediate range, rivalled only by the leaf-screecher in it's home territory.

Description

Bardic Cicadas have a broad, short body with a relatively flat face and a rounded-triangular abdomen. The insect is a bright shade of rust-red with yellow markings on its head, and two yellow 'drum' pouches visible on each side even from above. The Cicada's wings are clear but have yellow veins and rims. The animals underside is a bright white, and seems to be covered in a thin layer of velvety hairs. Their segmented compound eyes are a yellow-brown, marked with black pupils. The Sound males of their kind emit is an ear-piercing metallic drone.

Uses and Relevance

Although not generally useful, some individuals enjoy their colors and will search for these cicadas to behold their beauty, often at the risk of their hearing. They are often the subject of art from foreigners travelling in the region, and painters will often journey to Ca'Vassrun to capture their unique appearance.

History

Although technically little more than a historical footnote, they appear often in the diaries of first age Felsaedan generals and even Tiorathan miliatry leaders invading Ca'Vassrun in the summer would write about them, often complaining about their earsplitting drone and the damage to their hearing it causes.

Size

14-17.5cm

Animal Family

Insect, Cicadas

Diet

Herbivorous (Sap)

Preferred Biomes

Dry Forests

Regions of Habitation

Native: Ca'Vassrun
Introduced: None
Domesticated: None