CICADAS
- Cicadas are insects known for spending the majority of their lives below ground and emerging from the soil primarily for mating purposes.
- Once above ground, their lifespan is relatively brief, typically lasting between two to four weeks. There are three species of 17-year cicadas and three species of 13-year cicadas. Initially, there were 30 broods of periodic cicadas categorized mainly by geographic location and emergence times. Presently, approximately 15 broods remain active, as some have become extinct.
- These insects are found not only in the Americas but also in New Zealand and Australia. The terms "13-year" and "17-year" refer to the length of time it takes for cicada nymphs to mature into adults.
- While the reason for their extended development period remains unclear, researchers speculate it may be an adaptation to avoid predators on the surface.
- During their time underground, nymphs sustain themselves by feeding on sap from plant roots. Following this developmental phase, cicada nymphs create a shelter known as a "cicada hut" before tunneling their way to the surface and ascending nearby trees or vegetation
- After emerging from the soil in immense numbers, cicadas undergo molting, shedding their exoskeletons to assume their winged form. Their discarded exoskeletons are commonly found attached to tree trunks and branches.
- Cicada emergence is typically tightly synchronized, with the majority of adults emerging over a span of a few nights. The adult cicadas have a brief lifespan of about two to four weeks, during which they feed sparingly and focus on mating.
- Male cicadas produce loud "songs" to attract females, creating a collective chorus that can reach up to 100 decibels, comparable to the noise level of a powered lawnmower.
- Following mating, females lay their eggs in twigs measuring ½ to ¼ inches in diameter. A single female can deposit over 400 eggs in 40-50 different locations.
- These eggs remain in the twigs for six to ten weeks before hatching, after which the nymphs drop to the ground.
- There, they burrow 6-18 inches beneath the surface to feed and will emerge 13 or 17 years later, depending on their cohort.
- The egg-laying process by cicadas can cause significant damage to small twigs, particularly impacting ornamental and hardwood trees. Newly planted fruit and ornamental trees, such as apple, dogwood, peach, cherry, and pear, are among the most severely affected species
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Upon emerging from the ground in vast numbers, cicadas molt, shedding their exoskeletons to transition into their winged form. These discarded exoskeletons are commonly observed attached to tree trunks and branches.
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The adult cicadas have a relatively short lifespan, lasting approximately two to four weeks.
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Male cicadas emit distinct calls to attract females.
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The collective chorus produced by these male cicadas is remarkably loud, reaching volumes of up to 100 decibels.
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Following mating, females deposit their eggs in twigs measuring between ½ to ¼ inches in diameter.
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These eggs remain within the twigs for a period of six to ten weeks before hatching. Upon hatching, the nymphs descend to the ground where they burrow 6-18 inches below the surface to feed. They resurface 13 or 17 years later, depending on their brood.
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IUCN Status: Near Threatened
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These insects play a beneficial role in the ecosystem, serving as natural tree caretakers. The holes they create upon emerging from the ground aid in soil aeration and facilitate the infiltration of rainwater, nourishing tree roots during the summer months
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For Prelims: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change.
For Mains: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
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