Cicadas are mostly known from the loud buzzing or clicking noises that males produce on hot summer days. They are difficult to locate and will move around to the opposite side of trees or posts when approached.
Adult minor cicada (Platypedia minor) are about 2 cm long, with two pairs of large, transparent wings held roof-like over the body. The pale, wingless nymphs have enlarged front legs that they use to dig through soil.
Damage to individual shoots occurs occasionally when females deposit eggs into canes with their long, saw-toothed ovipositor. Deposition of several eggs into a cane can weaken it or cause it to break. The oviposition damage is recognizable by the slivers of wood protruding from a series of punctures.
Newly hatched nymphs drop to the ground to spend 2-3 years feeding on the roots of plants. It is not known if they feed on the roots of grapes.
