The sound of summer often comes alive with the unmistakable buzz of cicadas. These insects have fascinated people for centuries with their unique life cycle and powerful chorus.
Cicadas live most of their lives underground and emerge after many years to create a spectacle of sound and activity. Join us as we talk about the buzzing life of cicadas and the details surrounding their habitat, their ecological impact, and their significance in our world.
What are Cicadas?
Cicadas are insects known for their loud, buzzing call. They belong to the order Hemiptera, which includes aphids and leafhoppers. Their unique appearance features wide-set eyes, short antennae, and transparent wings that give them an almost alien-like look.
Cicadas are divided into annual species and periodical species. The annual types appear every year, while the periodical ones are famous for emerging in cycles of 13 or 17 years.
Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs. In this stage, they feed on the sap from tree roots and grow slowly in the soil. This hidden phase can last for several years, depending on the species. When it is time, the nymphs dig their way to the surface, usually in late spring or early summer. They then molt one last time to become adults with wings.
The adult cicada is known for its loud call. Males produce this sound to attract females. The sound is made using special structures on their abdomen called tymbals.
Each species of cicada has its own song, which helps them find mates of the same kind. These songs can reach up to 100 decibels, which makes cicadas some of the loudest insects in the world.
Cicadas are found in many parts of the world. They thrive in warm climates and are especially common in regions with lots of trees and plants. While their loud song can be overwhelming, cicadas do not bite or sting. They are harmless to humans but can sometimes damage young trees with their egg-laying habits.
The Unique Life Cycle of Cicadas
Cicadas have one of the most fascinating life cycles in the insect world. Their life cycle is known for its long stages and unusual behavior. Here are each step in the life cycle of cicadas.
Egg Stage
The life cycle of a cicada starts with the female laying eggs. After mating, the female cicada uses her sharp ovipositor to cut small slits into tree branches or twigs. She deposits her eggs inside these slits to keep them protected. Each female can lay hundreds of eggs in different spots to spread out her offspring.
The eggs stay inside the tree branches for several weeks. During this time, they develop into tiny nymphs. When the eggs hatch, the small nymphs are ready to begin their life underground. They fall to the ground and quickly burrow into the soil to start the next phase of their life.
Nymph Stage
The nymph stage is the longest part of the cicada’s life. Nymphs live underground where they feed on the sap from tree roots. They use their specialized mouthparts to suck up the nutrients they need to grow. This underground phase can last anywhere from a few years to 17 years, depending on the type of cicada. The long period spent underground helps them avoid predators and stay safe while they mature.
During their time in the soil, cicada nymphs go through multiple molting stages. Each molt helps them grow larger and stronger. As they develop, the nymphs dig deeper into the ground to find better sources of food. This phase is vital for their survival as they build up the energy needed for their emergence as adults.
Emergence
After years underground, the nymphs finally come up to the surface. This usually happens when the weather is warm, and the soil reaches the right temperature. The nymphs emerge in large numbers, often at night, to avoid being easily spotted by predators. They climb onto tree trunks or other surfaces to begin their final molt.
During this molt, the outer shell of the nymph splits open, and the adult cicada pulls itself out. The wings expand and harden while the body dries out. This process takes a few hours and leaves behind an empty shell that many people recognize as stuck to trees or walls. Once their bodies are fully hardened, the adult cicadas are ready to begin their brief but active time above ground.
Adult Stage
The adult stage of a cicada’s life is short but very active. Adult cicadas are known for their loud calls that fill the air during warm days. These calls are produced by males who are trying to attract mates. Each species has its own unique song that helps them find the right partner. The males produce these sounds using a pair of structures called tymbals located on their abdomen.
Adult cicadas focus mainly on mating during this stage. After mating, the cycle starts over as females lay their eggs in tree branches. Adult cicadas do not live long and typically only survive for a few weeks. Once their time above ground comes to an end, they die, and their bodies return to the earth, adding nutrients to the soil and supporting the next generation of life.
The Famous Cicada Song
The cicada song is one of the most recognizable sounds of summer. Male cicadas create this noise to attract mates. They produce the sound using special structures called tymbals located on their abdomen.
Those special structures contract and release quickly, making a loud buzzing noise. The volume of the cicada song can reach up to 100 decibels, thus making them some of the loudest insects on Earth.
Each species of cicada has its own unique song. This helps males and females of the same species find each other. The sound can be heard in forests, gardens, and fields, filling the air with a continuous buzz.
The Natural Phenomenon of Cicada Emergence
Cicada’s emergence is a natural event that draws attention for its scale and sound. These insects stay hidden underground for years as nymphs before coming to the surface in huge numbers.
The emergence is timed with warm weather when the soil temperature reaches the right level. This timing helps them avoid predators and find the best conditions for survival.
The emergence often happens at night. Nymphs climb out of the ground and head for trees and plants. There, they molt one last time to become adults with wings. The empty shells left behind are a sign that the process has begun. Many people often notice this mass movement because of the sudden increase in buzzing sounds and the visible shells.
The reason so many cicadas emerge at the same time is a strategy called predator satiation. By coming out in massive numbers, they overwhelm potential predators. Birds, reptiles, and small mammals may eat their fill, but enough cicadas survive to keep the population going.
Once cicadas reach their adult form, they waste no time. Males start calling to attract females and the sound can be heard across neighborhoods and forests. The chorus is loud and can be surprising for those unfamiliar with it.
The emergence lasts for a few weeks before the adults die, but before they do so, they leave behind the next generation waiting in the eggs hidden in tree branches.
The Ecological Impact of Cicadas
Cicadas play an important role in the environment. Their emergence may seem sudden, but it helps support other parts of the ecosystem. Below are the ways cicadas affect their surroundings:
- Nutrient Cycling: When cicadas die, their bodies decompose and enrich the soil. This process adds nutrients that help plants grow better. The nutrient boost supports trees, flowers, and other vegetation.
- Food for Predators: Cicadas are a food source for many animals. Birds, reptiles, and small mammals eat cicadas when they emerge. The large number of cicadas helps feed these animals and supports their survival.
- Soil Aeration: Cicada nymphs live underground for years and create tunnels as they move through the soil. These tunnels help aerate the soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach plant roots more effectively.
- Tree Pruning: The egg-laying process involves female cicadas cutting slits in tree branches. While this can harm young trees, it also acts as a natural pruning method for older trees. Pruning can encourage new growth and strengthen the trees over time.
Conclusion
The unique life cycle, loud calls, and role of cicadas in the environment make them a fascinating part of nature. Learning more about cicadas shows us how even the smallest creatures play an important role in the natural world.