Cicadas are fascinating insects with unique adaptations that have enabled them to survive and thrive in various environments. Among these adaptations are their extraordinary life cycles and the ability to produce loud sounds for communication.
There are two main types of cicadas: annual, or dog-day cicadas, and periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas spend up to five years as nymphs underground, feeding on tree roots, but populations emerge every year. They typically have a green or camouflaged color to blend in with their surroundings. On the other hand, periodical cicadas emerge either every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. Notably, these cicadas have distinct black bodies with large, red-brown eyes [1].
Cicada males have a unique adaptation called a tymbal organ, which allows them to produce their signature loud sounds to attract females for mating. This membrane on the sides of their bodies vibrates to create the “singing” that we commonly associate with these insects. The mating process then leads to another crucial aspect of the cicada life cycle; females lay eggs in tree branches, where the eggs hatch and fall to the ground, burying themselves underground to begin the cycle anew [1].
Cicada Life Cycle
Nymphs and Instars
Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their unique life cycles. The life cycle begins with the female cicada laying eggs in the bark of a tree limb1. Once the eggs hatch, cicada nymphs emerge and briefly feed on sap before dropping to the ground1. They then dig down and tunnel in search for roots to feed on1.
Cicada nymphs go through several instar stages, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. For example, 17-year cicadas spend most of their lives underground, emerging as adults only after 13 or 17 years2. On the other hand, the annual cicada species have a shorter life cycle3.
Adults and Mating
Once nymphs complete their instar stages, they emerge from the ground as adults. Adult cicadas have bold adaptations like large red-brown eyes and membranous wings with orange veins4. They are known for their mating calls, where adult males produce loud courting sounds to attract females5.
The mating process is followed by egg-laying and the cycle restarts. It’s interesting to note that, despite their long life cycles, adult cicadas have a relatively short lifespan, usually just a few weeks3.
Comparison table: 17-year cicadas vs. annual cicadas
| Feature | 17-year cicadas | Annual cicadas |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan underground | 13 or 17 years2 | Shorter3 |
| Adult lifespan | A few weeks3 | A few weeks3 |
| Eyes | Red-brown4 | Similar4 |
| Wings | Membranous with orange veins4 | Similar4 |
Adaptations and Evolution
Prime Number Emergence
Periodical cicadas, belonging to the genus Magicicada, have a unique life cycle with prime number emergence periods. They come out either every 13 or 17 years depending on the species. This prime number emergence helps them avoid predation by making it difficult for predators to synchronize with their cycle.
Example:
- Magicicada septendecim emerges every 17 years
- Magicicada tredecim emerges every 13 years
Predator Avoidance
Cicadas have developed various strategies for predator avoidance, such as:
- Camouflage: Annual cicadas often have green or camouflaged colors, making them difficult to spot.
- Loud mating calls: Adult males produce loud courting sounds to attract females and confuse predators.
Climate Change Resilience
While data on cicada adaptations to climate change is limited, their underground nymph stage may provide some resilience:
- Nymphs feed on fluids from roots, allowing them to access moisture even during droughts.
- Their long developmental period may increase their chances of surviving temperature fluctuations.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Annual Cicadas | Periodical Cicadas |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Cicadidae | Cicadidae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Life cycle length | Up to 5 years | 13 or 17 years (prime) |
| Emergence cycle | Every year | Synchronized emergence |
| Camouflage | Green/Varied colors | Black body, red-brown eyes |
| Predator avoidance | Camouflage | Prime number emergence, loud mating calls |
| Climate change resilience | Unknown, possibly limited | Possible adaptation through nymph stage |
Cicada Species and Varieties
Magicicada Broods
Magicicada is a genus of cicadas found in the United States. There are around 3,000 cicada species worldwide, but Magicicadas are unique due to their lengthy life cycle, spending 13 or 17 years underground. They are divided into broods based on their periodical emergence. Examples of Magicicada species include M. decim and M. cassini.
Some characteristics of Magicicadas:
- Black bodies
- Red-brown eyes
- Live mostly in the eastern US
- Known for synchronized mass emergences
Neotibicen
The Neotibicen cicadas, also known as “dog-day cicadas,” are more commonly found across North America. Unlike Magicicadas, these cicadas have a shorter life cycle, taking about 2 to 5 years to mature. They are often observed on tree branches during summer.
Features of Neotibicen cicadas:
- Green or brown body
- Black markings
- Clear, fly-like wings
Greengrocer Cicadas
Greengrocer cicadas are native to Australia and known for their vibrant colors. Some popular varieties include the Yellow Monday, Double Drummer, and Black Prince. These species thrive not only in Australia but also in parts of Southeast Asia.
Greengrocer cicadas’ characteristics:
- Brightly colored bodies
- Large size
- Loud, distinctive calls
Comparison Table:
| Magicicada | Neotibicen | Greengrocer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographical Location | Eastern US | North America | Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Life Cycle | 13 or 17 years | 2 to 5 years | Varies by species |
| Notable Physical Traits | Black body, red eyes | Green/brown, clear wings | Vivid colors |
| Call Sound Quality | Cicadian rhythm | Shrill buzz | Distinctive calls |
Cicada Songs and Communication
Singing and Mating Calls
Cicadas are well-known for their songs, usually produced by male cicadas to attract females for mating. Males “sing” by vibrating a membrane on the sides of their bodies1. The abdomen of male cicadas is almost completely hollow, allowing sound waves from the tymbals to bounce around, making the sound louder and altering the quality of the noise3.
An interesting aspect of cicadas’ singing is the variations in sound between different species. For example, periodical cicada emergences consist of three species, each with their own distinctive sound5. A curious event involving cicadas is the emergence of Brood X, which consists of billions of cicadas coming out of the ground after 17 years1. The loud, buzzing sound produced by these billions of cicadas can reach up to a trillion decibels.
Species Language Differences
Each cicada species has its own unique sound to avoid attracting the wrong cicada5. Males from different species adapt their mating calls to ensure they are not attracting undesired females. Also, cicadas may change their songs according to the time of the day; dogday cicadas, for instance, tend to sing more in late afternoon and evening5.
It is essential to mention that cicadas also produce other vocalizations besides mating calls. For example, they can make squawking sounds when handled or disturbed2. These distinctive vocalizations contribute to the overall communication and survival strategies of cicadas in their natural environment.
Pros and Cons of Cicada Vocalizations
Pros:
- Attract desired females for mating
- Warn other cicadas of danger or disturbances
Cons:
- Attract predators due to the loud noise
- Disturb humans if present in large numbers
Comparison of Cicada Species Mating Calls
| Species | Mating Call Characteristics | Time of Day Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Periodical Cicada (Brood X) | Specific to each of the three species | Throughout the day |
| Dogday Cicada | Uniquely distinct from others | Late afternoon and evening |
Cicadas and Human Interaction
Teaching Resources
Cicadas, with their fascinating life cycles and unique adaptations, serve as excellent teaching resources for students. For example, some periodical cicadas emerge every 13 years while others emerge every 17 years. These insects offer valuable insights into biology, ecology, and evolution.
Cicadas in Culture and Literature
Cicadas have long been significant in various cultures worldwide. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, and each has inspired art, music, and theater. In some Asian cultures, the cicada symbolizes rebirth, health, wealth, and happiness.
- Midwest: In the United States, cicadas are particularly prevalent in the Midwest, providing artists in that region a rich source of inspiration.
- Literature: Cicadas have been featured in many works of literature, ranging from ancient Chinese poetry to contemporary novels.
- Cultural significance of emergence: The regularity of periodical cicadas’ emergence (13 or 17 years) has been observed and documented in various cultures, celebrating the unique lifecycle of these insects.
- Parasitoids: Certain parasitoids prey on cicadas, influencing the depictions of the insects in literature as well as their symbolism in different cultures.
In conclusion, cicadas have a substantial impact on human interactions, both as educational resources and as influential symbols in culture and literature.
Cicada Physical Characteristics
Stout Bodies and Large Compound Eyes
Cicadas are insects with stout bodies, measuring about 1-1.5 inches in length. They belong to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, which also includes other hemipterans such as leafhoppers and spittlebugs1. One of the most noticeable features of cicadas is their large compound eyes, which are often red-brown in color and facilitate their lifestyle by helping them navigate their environment4.
Colorations and Markings
The bodies of cicadas display various colorations and markings, depending on the species. Some cicadas have green or brown bodies with contrasting black markings5. Interestingly, their wings are transparent, featuring orange veins, and the first pair is much longer than their abdomen2.
Here’s a comparison of two common cicada features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stout Bodies | 1-1.5 inches long; robust and sturdy |
| Compound Eyes | Large, red-brown; excellent vision for navigating environment |
Some examples of cicada characteristics include:
- Large compound eyes for improved vision
- Stout bodies for durability and strength
- Green or brown bodies with black markings for camouflage as needed
Footnotes
- https://naturalhistory.si.edu/sites/default/files/media/file/cicada-life-cycle-infographic-handout.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/life-science/periodical-cicadas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://askabiologist.asu.edu/cicada-life-cycle ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/cicadas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cicadas/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
