Cicada Mania! All About Periodical Cicadas & Their Life Cycle
Ever wondered about the symphony of the summer, that buzzing, clicking, whirring chorus that fills the air? That's the sound of cicadas, and in certain years, like 2024, their emergence is nothing short of a natural phenomenon, a buzzing, clicking, whirring chorus.
These insects, often misunderstood and sometimes feared, are a vital part of our ecosystems. Their life cycles, particularly those of the periodical cicadas, are among the most fascinating in the natural world. From their nymph stage, feeding on tree roots deep underground, to their brief but boisterous adult lives, cicadas offer a glimpse into a world operating on a timescale far different from our own. Their existence is a testament to nature's intricate planning and resilience.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Cicada |
| Scientific Classification | Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadidae (various genera and species) |
| Life Cycle | Egg, Nymph (multiple instars), Adult |
| Diet (Nymph) | Xylem sap from tree roots |
| Diet (Adult) | Minimal feeding; primarily focused on reproduction |
| Habitat | Worldwide, in temperate and tropical regions; specific to host trees |
| Key Characteristics | Loud buzzing sound, large compound eyes, membranous wings |
| Conservation Status | Generally not endangered, but habitat loss can affect local populations |
| Periodical Cicada Lifespan | Nymph: 13 or 17 years underground; Adult: Approximately 2-4 weeks |
| Annual Cicada Lifespan | Varies by species; adults typically live several weeks to a few months |
| Sound Production | Tymbals (vibrating membranes) in the abdomen |
| Geographic Distribution (Example: Black Prince Cicada) | Coastal regions and nearby mountains of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, Australia |
| Distinguishing Features (Example: Quesada Cicada) | Yellow coloring visible on the wings |
| Reference Website | Cicada Mania |
The periodical cicada, particularly those belonging to the genus Magicicada, are masters of patience. Their nymphs spend either 13 or 17 years underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots. This extended developmental period is a survival strategy, allowing them to emerge in massive numbers, overwhelming predators and ensuring the continuation of their species. These emergences are not just a biological curiosity; they are ecological events that impact forest ecosystems, providing a pulse of nutrients and altering plant growth patterns.
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In Charleston, Illinois, on May 25, 2024, Carolyn Kaster of AP Photo captured an image of an adult periodical cicada, a snapshot of this natural phenomenon. The photo, shared on Facebook, shows the cicada waving its legs as it climbs over an iris in the afternoon sun. This single image encapsulates the brief but vibrant adult life of these insects, a stark contrast to their long years spent in the darkness of the soil.
The life cycle of a cicada is a tale of transformation. The nymph, after its long subterranean existence, splits its skin and transforms into an adult. This molting process, sometimes captured in photographs of cicadas that died while molting, is a vulnerable moment for the insect. The new adult, soft and pale, must harden its exoskeleton and expand its wings before it can take to the air.
Female cicadas play a crucial role in the continuation of the cycle. They can lay up to 400 eggs, dividing them among dozens of sites, typically in twigs and branches. This egg-laying process can sometimes cause damage to young trees, but the overall impact on the ecosystem is generally considered to be beneficial. After six to ten weeks, the eggs hatch, and the new nymphs drop to the ground, burrowing into the soil to begin their own long development.
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While the periodical cicadas are famous for their mass emergences, annual cicada species are present every year. These species, which include Robinsons cicada, lyric cicada, scissors grinder cicada, swamp cicada, northern dusk singing cicada, prairie cicada, and Walkers cicada, have slight physical differences and distinct singing patterns. Their constant presence provides a continuous soundtrack to the summer months, a reminder of the insect world that thrives around us.
The sound produced by cicadas is a remarkable feat of natural engineering. Small muscles rapidly pull the tymbals, vibrating membranes located on the sides of the abdomen, in and out of shape. This vibration creates the characteristic buzzing or clicking sound, which is then amplified by the cicada's mostly hollow abdomen. The intensity of this sound, particularly in communal species, can be deafening, reaching levels of up to 120 decibels, loud enough to be painful to the human ear. This cacophony is thought to serve as a defense mechanism against predatory birds, confusing and deterring them.
Cicadas are found in diverse habitats around the world. The black prince cicada ( Psaltoda plaga), for example, is native to the coastal regions and nearby mountains of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in Australia. The genus Quesada, including species like Quesada gigas, is found in Costa Rica and other parts of Central and South America. These cicadas often have yellow coloring visible on their wings, a distinguishing feature that aids in identification.
The study and appreciation of cicadas are accessible to everyone. Online resources, such as iNaturalist, provide platforms for citizen scientists to contribute to our understanding of cicada distribution and behavior. The 2024 North American Annual Cicada Location Project encourages individuals to report their cicada sightings, helping to track the distribution and emergence patterns of these fascinating insects. Additionally, online image libraries, such as Pixabay and Wikimedia Commons, offer a wealth of free images of cicadas, allowing anyone to explore their diversity and beauty.
The emergence of cicadas is more than just a biological event; it is a cultural phenomenon. Children marvel at the strange insects, collecting their molted skins and listening to their loud songs. Artists and writers draw inspiration from their unique life cycle and their symbolic association with transformation and renewal. Even businesses capitalize on the cicada mania, offering cicada-themed merchandise and experiences. This intersection of nature and culture highlights the profound impact that cicadas have on our lives.
The adult cicada's life is fleeting, a brief period dedicated to reproduction. After mating, the females lay their eggs, ensuring the continuation of the cycle. The adults then die, their bodies providing nutrients to the soil. This short but intense existence is a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life, a lesson that is amplified by the cicada's long years spent in the darkness. Their emergence is a celebration of life, a burst of activity and sound that fills the summer air before fading away, leaving behind the promise of a future generation.
The study of cicadas offers insights into various scientific fields, including entomology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Their unique life cycles, their complex communication systems, and their interactions with their environment provide valuable data for researchers. By studying cicadas, we can gain a better understanding of the natural world and the intricate processes that govern it. Their existence challenges our perception of time and reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living things.
From the adult periodical cicada, Magicicada spp., requiring 17 years to complete development, to the annual cicada species appearing every year, these insects captivate and intrigue. Their songs are sometimes music to our ears, other times a midsummer cacophony, but their existence is inevitably short lived, making their presence all the more precious. The gallery of cicada photos from Costa Rica by Jose Mora, the images of a new adult cicada hanging as its wings harden in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on May 13, 2021, and the photos taken by Greta Bailey of the cicada before releasing it back into the yard these moments capture the essence of the cicada experience. Whether you are identifying cicadas in the field, joining the 2024 North American Annual Cicada Location Project on iNaturalist, or simply appreciating their song, cicadas offer a unique connection to the natural world.
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