Cicadas are fascinating insects that are often heard rather than seen. They are known for their loud, buzzing calls, which can be heard from a great distance. In fact, cicadas are one of the loudest insects in the world, with some species producing sounds up to 120 decibels. To put that into perspective, that's louder than a chainsaw or a rock concert.
While cicadas are generally harmless to humans, they can cause some discomfort if you are in close proximity to them for an extended period of time. This is because their calls are so loud that they can cause temporary hearing damage if you are too close to them. If you find yourself in an area with a large population of cicadas, it's a good idea to wear earplugs or move to a quieter area to avoid any potential hearing damage. In addition to their calls, cicadas are also known for their interesting life cycle.
Some species of cicadas have a life cycle that lasts up to 17 years, during which time they live underground as nymphs before emerging as adults to mate and lay eggs. The sound of thousands of cicadas emerging at once can be an incredible experience, and is definitely worth witnessing if you have the opportunity.
Overall, cicadas are a unique and fascinating part of the forest ecosystem in Nepal. While they may be loud and potentially harmful to your hearing if you are in close proximity to them for an extended period of time, they are generally harmless and should be appreciated for their incredible calls and fascinating life cycle.