Cicadas are insects that spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from plant roots for 2 to 17 years depending on the species. When mature, they emerge from the soil, molt into adults, and live above ground for a few weeks to mate, lay eggs, and then die
. What cicadas do:
- Feeding: Nymphs suck sap from roots underground, while adults feed on fluids from woody shrubs and trees
- Reproduction: Adult males produce loud, rhythmic calls to attract females. After mating, females lay eggs in slits cut into tree branches. The eggs hatch into nymphs that drop to the ground and burrow underground to start the cycle again
- Ecological roles: Cicadas aerate soil through their burrowing, prune mature trees by feeding, and add nutrients to the soil when they die and decompose. They also serve as a significant food source for birds, reptiles, and other predators
- Sound production: Male cicadas produce some of the loudest insect sounds using specialized structures called tymbals to attract mates
Cicadas are not harmful to humans-they do not bite or sting-and while their mass emergences can be noisy and sometimes damage young trees, they play important roles in ecosystems by supporting food webs and contributing to soil health
. In summary, cicadas primarily feed on plant sap, reproduce through synchronized emergences, produce loud mating calls, and contribute to ecosystem functions such as soil aeration and nutrient cycling
