10 Fascinating Cicada Facts You Need to Know

The Cicada Lifecycle

Cicadas are fascinating insects that spend most of their lives underground. These insects emerge from the soil once every few years, in an event known as a “brood.” This emergence is triggered by soil temperature, with most broods emerging when the soil temperature reaches around 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Cicada’s Survival Strategy

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, where they feed on the sap of plants. This feeding strategy allows the insects to avoid predators and protect themselves from environmental changes. Cicadas have evolved a specialized proboscis that allows them to pierce plant stems and suck out the sap.

The Cicada’s Mating Call

One of the most distinctive features of the cicada is its loud, droning mating call. Male cicadas produce this call by vibrating their tymbals, which are specialized structures on their abdomens. The call of some species can be heard from up to 1.5 miles away.

The Cicada’s Diet

Adult cicadas do not feed on solid food, as they do not have functional mouths. Instead, they consume water and nutrients through a specialized breathing structure called a spiracle. Nymphs, on the other hand, feed on plant sap.

Cicadas and Human Culture

Cicadas have long been a part of human culture, with references to these insects appearing in art and literature for centuries. These insects are often associated with rebirth and longevity, due to their long life cycles.

Cicada Predators

Cicadas have a number of predators, including birds, squirrels, and even some species of ants. Despite this, cicadas are able to reproduce in large numbers thanks to their long life cycles and synchronized emergence.

The Periodical Cicada

The periodical cicada is one of the most fascinating cicada species. These insects only emerge once every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. During these broods, billions of cicadas emerge at once, creating a loud and impressive spectacle.

The Cicada’s Impact on Trees

Cicadas can cause damage to trees during their feeding stage, but the damage is typically not severe enough to seriously harm the tree. However, some species of cicadas are known to cause more significant damage, particularly to fruit trees.

Benefits of Cicada Emergences

Despite their occasional negative impact on trees, cicada emergences can also have benefits for the local ecosystem. Their emergence can stimulate plant growth, and their bodies provide a source of nutrition for many animals.

Cicada Enthusiasts

There are many cicada enthusiasts around the world who eagerly await each cicada brood emergence. These enthusiasts often participate in cicada counting programs to help track and monitor the populations of these fascinating insects.

Conclusion

Cicadas are truly fascinating insects with a unique lifecycle and distinctive features. Their synchronized emergences are a sight to behold, and despite their occasional negative impact on trees, they play an important role in the local ecosystem. Whether you’re a cicada enthusiast or simply fascinated by nature, there’s no denying that these insects are truly remarkable.