Why do we hear Cicadas in late summer as opposed to earlier in the year and how long do they call for?

Question

also what is the reason they are making this noise for in late summer?

are these in the UK too btw?

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

guess it depends on your location and the species of cicada...in North Texas they are referred to as "July Flies".   Mid summer is when they are most active...still heard one yesterday but for the most part they are gone until next year.  They call to attract a mate and then breed

Answer 2

Earlier in the summer Cicadas are buried underground and look like an odd grub/beetle with huge red eyes.  Later on in the summer they finally emerge and molt into the cicada with wings.  Once they are done molting they will make their noises to attract a mate.  They are most noticeable on very hot days as that is when mating is prime for them.  So, since they are still underground in the early summer, that's why you don't hear them.  You will hear them throughout the end of summer until the nights start cooling off (usually end of August in PA).

Edit:  When they are underground and in their pre-cicada form they can't make those noises.

Edit 2:  I'm not sure if they're the same type as in the UK...I've never heard ours in the morning unless it's extremely hot and muggy already.