Nature is gifting us many rare occurrences this year—after the total eclipse came the Cicadas. If you’re in an emergence hotspot, you’ve likely heard the omnipresent roar of chirping.
Cicadas are well-known for their tendency to vanish completely for several years and then make a strong comeback at a specific time, and 2024 is that lucky time. From their prolonged underground existence to their mass emergences, cicadas have a range of intriguing traits that make them a subject of interest for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Cicadas are arguably one of the most interesting (and goosebump-inducing) insects on earth, and there are over 3000 species of them to marvel at.
With their buzzing calls, uncommon life cycles, and presence on almost every continent on Earth, Cicadas have captured the curiosity of people around the world. We’re here to uncover these mysterious bugs’ distinct qualities and actions and highlight their importance in our fragile ecosystem.
1. There Are Two Types of Cicadas
The 3000 species of Cicadas are classified into annual and periodic cicadas. Annual cicadas are usually dark-colored with green patterns and use camouflage to avoid predators. They appear occasionally during the summer. Periodic cicadas are unique to the central and eastern parts of the United States and are characterized by bright red eyes, black backs, and orange undersides.
Periodic cicadas are less common but emerge from the ground at the same time, exhibiting an incredible feat of endurance. They hibernate for decades before emerging, and their numbers can reach millions or even billions.
2. Their Life Cycle Can Span 17 Years
Cicadas have a unique life cycle lasting from two to 17 years, depending on the species. This is a remarkable feat since most insects live for about a year (except a queen termite, which can live up to 50 years!) This extraordinarily long life cycle makes Cicadas one of the longest-living insects in the world.
Cicadas live underground as nymphs during their life cycle. They emerge as adults to mate and lay eggs.
3. There’s a Massive Influx Every Few Years
If you have noticed louder buzzing in the woods and more translucent-winged insects in the fields, you may witness Cicadas’ influx. They arrive in large numbers every few years, and their presence is hard to ignore. They mostly appear in some places from April until the end of June.
Despite spending most of their lives underground, cicadas are well-known for their mass emergences. Millions of cicadas can appear simultaneously during these emergences, creating a spectacle.
4. Predator Satiation Survival Tactic
Have you ever eaten so much of one particular food that you can’t bear the sight of it anymore? That’s predator satiation, and Cicadas know a thing or two about it. Their emergence in large numbers isn’t by chance; they do this so that their predators become full and no longer have the appetite to consume all of them.
This strategy increases the chances of survival for a significant percentage of young cicadas. This tactic is particularly effective for periodic cicadas that emerge in billions and synchronize their life cycle to avoid predators, ensuring that a large number of their offspring survive.
5. They Are Found On Every Continent Except Antarctica.
The Cicadas are as diverse as they are many, and they can be found in every continent except Antarctica. Most cicadas are found in tropical regions, where the warm and humid climate provides an ideal habitat for these insects. Some of the largest and most diverse cicada populations can be found in tropical rainforests.
While cicadas are most commonly associated with tropical regions, some species can be found in temperate climates. These cicadas have adapted to survive in environments with cooler temperatures and less precipitation than their tropical counterparts.
6. Males Emit Loud Mating Buzz-calls
Did you know that male cicadas attract female cicadas for mating by producing loud, buzzing calls? It’s pretty fascinating! The calls vary in loudness and frequency among different species of cicadas. Each species has its unique call that can be used to identify them.
These calls differentiate between different species of cicada. The males’ ability to produce loud and distinctive calls is crucial for their reproduction and the continuation of their species.
7. They Can Only Pick Up On the Song Of Their Species
Cicadas produce a significant amount of noise with their buzzing sound, but research has shown they have highly selective hearing abilities. They can only perceive sounds that come from their own species. This explains why male cicadas only respond to the calls of female cicadas of their kind, and the same goes for females.
Furthermore, female cicadas use these calls to locate males for mating purposes. When a female cicada is ready to mate, she emits a specific call that only males of her species can hear. This call attracts male cicadas, who then respond with their call to signal their location. This unique communication system ensures that cicadas of the same species can find and mate with each other, leading to successful reproduction.
8. They Are The Loudest Insects in The World
The mosquito buzzing in your ears is irritating, but that buzz has nothing on what the Cicada can give. Cicadas are known for their loud and distinctive buzz, which can be heard from quite a distance away. The greengrocer Cicada is among the loudest insects, and its buzz can reach up to an ear-splitting 120 decibels.
This is much louder than the sound of a typical conversation. It’s no wonder that Cicadas are often associated with the hot summer months when their buzzing can be heard for miles around. On a more annoying note, their buzzing can go on for hours or even days.
9. They Undergo Incomplete Metamorphosis
Did you know that cicadas experience incomplete metamorphosis? This means they go through three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. Fascinatingly, the female cicadas lay their eggs in the bark of trees, where they remain until they hatch.
The nymphs are wingless and live most of their lives underground, where they feed on the roots of plants. Depending on the species, this stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Once the nymphs have matured, they emerge from the soil as adults, and the final stage of development is characterized by the cicada’s wings, which are used for flight and mating.
10. They Don’t Sting
Cicadas may be loud, but their bark is definitely louder than their bites—in fact, they don’t “bite” at all. Cicadas are generally regarded as harmless creatures. They do not sting or bite humans and are not known to carry any diseases that could harm people. Mosquitoes could learn a thing or two from Cicadas.
They play an important role in the food chain, serving as a food source for many animals, such as birds and other insects. Their burrowing behavior also helps aerate the soil and improve its quality. Although their presence may be annoying to some, cicadas are a fascinating and important part of the natural world.
11. What They Eat
What do cicadas, the fascinating insects that can sleep for over a decade, eat? Due to their unique mouthparts, cicadas consume plant fluids, including sap from tree roots. Some species have evolved to consume xylem fluids that pass through plant stems, while others have adapted to consume fungi.
Cicadas have a remarkable ability to survive and thrive in various habitats by adjusting to various food sources. They have developed innovative methods of obtaining food to support their growth. Additionally, cicadas may also have an appetite for mushrooms.
12. They Emerge at 64°F Soil Temperature
As your bread pops out of the toaster only when it’s ready, Cicadas have a unique emergence pattern. Their surfacing is triggered by a specific soil temperature –64 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re usually about eight inches below the surface.
Once the temperature threshold is met, the nymphs crawl out of the ground, usually at night. They climb up trees without being noticed, and before you know it, there are millions of them at tree bases. This isn’t a one-day affair; it may occur over several evenings.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
