Periodical cicadas are classified under which order?

Periodical cicadas belong to the order Homoptera, which is characterized by insects that typically have a uniform body shape, membranous wings, and mouthparts adapted for piercing plant tissues to feed on sap. This classification is appropriate for cicadas due to their life cycle, behaviors, and feeding habits, which are consistent with other members of the Homoptera group, such as aphids and leafhoppers.

The other options refer to different orders of insects that have distinct characteristics: Diptera includes flies and mosquitoes, which have a single pair of wings and undergo complete metamorphosis; Odonata includes dragonflies and damselflies, known for their long bodies and two pairs of wings; and Blattoidea encompasses cockroaches and termites, which have a completely different structure and lifestyle. Thus, classifying cicadas under Homoptera accurately reflects their biological and ecological associations.