Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits. However, their foraging habits extend to other food sources, such as cicadas, when the opportunity arises. The consumption of cicadas by squirrels can be particularly beneficial for them, as these insects are rich in protein and easily available during cicada emergence periods.
Cicadas emerge in massive numbers at specific intervals, providing a readily available source of nutrition for various animals, including squirrels. Although squirrels primarily feed on plant-based foods, they can also consume bird eggs, insects, and other animal matter when available. This flexibility in diet allows squirrels to adapt to different environments and food sources.
Given this information, it’s evident that squirrels do eat cicadas when the opportunity presents itself. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows squirrels to diversify their diet and take advantage of abundant resources when they’re available. The next time you see a squirrel scurrying around during a cicada emergence, remember that it might be on the hunt for these protein-rich insects.
Squirrels, Cicadas and Diet
Squirrels are primarily herbivores, but they sometimes consume insects for protein. Cicadas, also known as “land shrimp,” are large insects that emerge periodically and are eaten by various animals.
Cicadas provide essential nutrients to animals that consume them. Squirrels take advantage of cicada’s availability, feasting on them when they come out. Rich in protein and fat, cicadas complement the squirrels’ diets by adding variety.
Some features of squirrels and cicadas:
- Squirrels: Small mammals, primarily herbivorous, agile tree climbers
- Cicadas: Large insects, periodic emergence, a food source for various animals
Here is a comparison table of the nutritional values of cicada and squirrels’ usual diet:
| Food Source | Protein | Fat | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cicadas | High | High | Protein, fat |
| Nuts & Seeds | Moderate | High | Protein, healthy fats |
Cicadas might appear on the menu of squirrels only when they emerge, which is infrequent. They provide the squirrels with a supplementary source of beneficial nutrients when they are available.
In summary, squirrels are primarily herbivorous but also opportunistic eaters. Cicadas, as a source of protein and fat, are a welcome addition to their diets when they emerge, even though their consumption is limited to specific periods.
Squirrel Diet Variety
Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which includes a wide range of foods. Some common items they consume are:
- Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts are favored by squirrels.
- Seeds: Pine cones, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are popular choices.
- Vegetables: Squirrels may nibble on corn, peas, and leafy greens.
- Fruits: Apples, cherries, and berries are attractive to squirrels.
- Flowers: Squirrels enjoy eating flowers like roses and dandelions.
- Mushrooms: They may occasionally forage for edible fungi.
- Grasses: Green grasses are also part of their diet.
In comparison to nuts and seeds, which are energy-rich, other food items may provide fewer calories and less nutrition.
| Food Type | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|
| Nuts | High |
| Seeds | High |
| Vegetables | Medium |
| Fruits | Medium |
| Flowers | Low |
| Mushrooms | Low |
| Grasses | Very Low |
Apart from these food sources, squirrels have also been observed eating insects, eggs, and even young birds. However, their primary diet is predominantly plant-based. Their foraging habits and diet variety allow squirrels to thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban environments.
Predators, Prey and the Balance
Squirrels are small mammals that form an important part of the ecosystem. They serve as both predators and prey, helping to maintain a balance in their environment.
Predators of squirrels:
- Birds, such as owls and hawks
- Mammals, like weasels, foxes, and raccoons
- Snakes
- Larger rodents and other mammals
Squirrels are known to eat a variety of insects like cicadas as part of their diet. Cicadas also serve as food for many predators mentioned above.
| Predators | Squirrel | Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Birds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mammals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snakes | ✓ | ✓ |
During cicada emergence periods, many animals experience a temporary increase in food availability, leading to what’s known as a “cicada feast.” Predators can take advantage of the abundance and rely heavily on these insects during such times.
In conclusion, squirrels and cicadas both play essential roles in balancing the ecosystem by acting as predators and prey. The interactions between these species and various predators ensure a constant cycle of consumption, maintaining the delicate balance in nature.
Cicadas in the Ecosystem
Cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem. They provide various benefits to wildlife and are native to eastern North America. Cicadas are generally not harmful to their environment, unlike locusts1. Females lay eggs on mature tree branches, which usually survive the process2.
Some characteristics of cicadas:
- They serve as a food source for wildlife, such as birds and squirrels
- They help recycle nutrients in the ecosystem by breaking down plant material
- They do not bite people and are not considered a significant nuisance
Cicadas are available in abundance during their emergence periods, which occur every 13 or 17 years3. This abundance provides a valuable food source for various animals, including flying squirrels, grey squirrels, and fox squirrels. However, their numbers don’t last long, as they eventually die off, and wildlife needs to rely on other food sources such as caterpillars and acorns4.
Comparing Caterpillars and Cicadas in the Ecosystem
| Feature | Caterpillars | Cicadas |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding habits | Herbivores | Herbivores (sap feeding) |
| Prey species | Birds, reptiles, rodents, etc. | Birds, squirrels, etc. |
| Impact | Can defoliate trees and plants | Minimal harm to their habitat5 |
In conclusion, both cicadas and caterpillars are crucial to North America’s ecosystem as they provide essential benefits to wildlife and contribute to nutrient recycling. Their abundance serves as a valuable food source for various species, including squirrels, which are known to consume both types of insects.
Life Cycle of Cicadas and Attractiveness as Prey
Cicada life cycles vary among species; while most species have a 2-5 year cycle, periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years1. The life cycle begins with a mating ritual, where male cicadas “sing” to attract females2. After mating, females lay eggs in tree grooves. The eggs hatch in six to seven weeks, releasing nymphs that fall to the ground and burrow into the soil2.
In their underground existence, cicada nymphs undergo a series of molts to grow larger3. The final molt marks the emergence of adult cicadas, which leave the soil to mate and restart the cycle3.
Cicadas’ life cycle stages determine their attractiveness as prey for squirrels and other animals. For example:
- Larval stage: Cicada larvae are relatively safe from predators due to their underground existence3.
- Emergence: When nymphs emerge from the ground to molt into adults, they are vulnerable and easy to catch3.
Cicadas have some characteristics that influence their attractiveness as prey:
- Exoskeleton: Cicadas’ exoskeleton can be hard for some animals to digest, leading to constipation4.
- No stingers or parasites: Unlike some insects, cicadas don’t have stingers or carry parasites, making them relatively safe for consumption5.
Comparing cicadas with some other common prey for squirrels:
| Prey | Attractiveness | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Cicadas | Medium | Easy to catch during emergence, but exoskeleton can cause constipation45 |
| Tree nuts | High | Easily accessible, nutritious, and tasty6 |
| Fruits | High | Easily accessible and nutritious7 |
In conclusion, cicadas are an attractive prey for squirrels during their emergence stage. Although they lack harmful features like stingers or parasites, their exoskeletons may cause digestive issues45. Nevertheless, in the right conditions, squirrels might enjoy cicadas as a part of their varied diet.
Animals and Insects as Squirrel Diet
Squirrels Diet in General
Squirrels are known for their diverse diets, which often depend on their habitat and food availability. They typically consume various plant-based options, such as fruits, berries, bark, fungi, roots, and bulbs.
Insects in Squirrels Diet
Additionally, squirrels eat animal parts, including insects and invertebrates. Some common insects that squirrels may consume include:
- Spiders
- Ants
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Grubs
- Wasps
Among these insects, cicadas are one example of a food source for squirrels. The abundance of cicadas during their emergence periods provides an attractive and temporary meal option for squirrels.
Cicadas vs Other Insects
Cicadas differ from some other insects in squirrels’ diets due to their large size and the rarity of their appearance. Moreover, cicadas can be easily captured and consumed by squirrels, making them a convenient meal option.
| Insect | Size | Frequency of Appearance | Ease of Capture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cicadas | Large | Rare | Easy |
| Spiders | Small | Common | Moderate |
| Beetles | Small | Common | Moderate |
Interaction with Other Animals
While squirrels may occasionally interact with other animals, such as dogs, cats, and chipmunks in their habitats, they do not typically consume these animals. However, squirrels themselves may fall prey to various predators, including reptiles, birds of prey, and larger mammals.
Squirrels’ Nut Hunting Patterns
Squirrels are well-known for their love of nuts. Their nut hunting patterns vary depending on the type of nut they’re after. Some of their favorite nuts include:
- Acorns
- Walnuts
- Hickory nuts
- Almonds
- Peanuts
Squirrels usually forage for nuts in the early mornings and late afternoons. They have a strong sense of smell, which helps them locate nuts on the ground or in trees.
For example, squirrels are particularly fond of acorns. They are known to bury acorns underground, creating a hidden cache of food. However, they might forget some of the buried acorns, which contributes to oak forest regeneration.
Here is a comparison table of some common nuts squirrels love:
| Nut Type | Availability | Squirrel’s Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Acorns | High | High |
| Walnuts | Moderate | High |
| Hickory nuts | Low | Moderate |
| Almonds | Low | Low |
| Peanuts | Moderate | Moderate |
Some pros and cons of squirrels’ nut hunting patterns are:
Pros:
- Helps with seed dispersal and forest regeneration
- Provides a food source for squirrels throughout the year
Cons:
- Can cause damage to trees and plants
- May lead to competition with other animals for the same food source
In conclusion, squirrels play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping with seed dispersal through their nut hunting and caching behavior. They are drawn to a variety of nuts, but some are more preferred than others in their diet.
Impact of Squirrel Diet on Homeowners and Pets
Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which can include cicadas, nuts, seeds, and fruits. Homeowners and pet owners may wonder how this diet impacts their daily lives.
When squirrels find a new food source like cicadas, they might show less interest in other human-made food sources, such as bird feeders. As a result, this can be both a pro and a con for homeowners:
Pros:
- Less raiding of bird feeders
- Reduced damage to garden plants
Cons:
- Increased squirrel activity due to the natural food source
A comparison of squirrel diet components relevant to homeowners and pets:
| Food Item | Impact on Homeowners | Impact on Pets |
|---|---|---|
| Cicadas | Less reliance on bird feeders | Not directly applicable |
| Sap | Potential tree damage | Not directly applicable |
| Bread | Attracts squirrels to properties | Potential choking hazard |
| Raisins | Attracts squirrels to properties | Toxic to dogs |
| Fish | Attracts squirrels to properties | Not directly applicable |
Squirrels may try to access sap by stripping the bark on trees, causing potential damage. To prevent this, homeowners can:
- Wrap trees with wire mesh
- Apply repellents to deter squirrels
It is crucial for pet owners to be aware of the risks associated with squirrels’ consumption of certain foods. For example:
- Bread can pose a choking hazard to pets.
- Raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
In summary, the diet of squirrels can influence the interaction between these animals, homeowners, and pets. By understanding their dietary habits, households can take measures to protect their trees, gardens, and pets from potential harm.
The Nutritious Value of Cicadas and Other Prey
Cicadas offer a high protein source for animals like squirrels. They are as nutritious as certain types of meat and have an added advantage: fewer environmental effects.
Here are some benefits of cicadas:
- High protein content
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Sustainable alternative to meat
Squirrels, especially robins, benefit from the nutritious value of cicadas. Cicadas also contain traces of calcium, crucial for bone health in animals.
In Antarctica, animals rely on alternative sources of protein. For example, krill provides Antarctic wildlife the nutrients they need.
Let’s compare cicadas with another common prey of squirrels, caterpillars:
| Food | Protein | Calcium | Vitamins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cicadas | High | Low | Rich |
| Caterpillars | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
In conclusion:
- Cicadas are a valuable food source for squirrels and other animals
- They provide high protein, vitamins, and some calcium
- Caterpillars are another nutritious option, but cicadas outshine them in protein content
Cicada Predators Beyond Squirrels
Squirrels are not the only creatures that enjoy feasting on cicadas. Birds are also known predators of the periodical cicada, with species like robins, starlings, and common grackles relishing the insect meal.
In comparison to squirrels, birds have a slight advantage in their hunt for cicadas thanks to their ability to swoop down and quickly snatch them from the air or tree branches.
Apart from birds, there are several other predators that feast on cicadas. Here’s a list of some other cicada predators:
- Mammals like raccoons and opossums
- Various reptile species, including snakes and lizards
- Insects such as praying mantises, ants and spiders
Interestingly, some of these cicada predators aren’t restricted only to the 17-year cicada but also feed on other cicada species, like the annual cicadas. Moreover, it’s crucial to note that some of these predators are opportunistic and may feed on cicadas in varying numbers.
In addition to the predators mentioned, let’s not forget about grasshoppers. Although grasshoppers do not directly prey on cicadas, they share the same ecological niche and face similar predators. So, it is not uncommon to find birds, mammals, and reptiles hunting both cicadas and grasshoppers.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between cicadas and grasshoppers:
| Feature | Cicadas | Grasshoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle | 13 or 17 years underground | Shorter, usually just 1 year |
| Sound production | Unique loud calls | Chirping or buzzing sounds |
| Role in ecosystems | Mostly prey | Both prey and herbivores |
In conclusion, it is evident that cicadas, including the 17-year cicada, face numerous predators in their natural habitats besides squirrels. These predators play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling cicada populations and providing food for various wildlife species.
Footnotes
- https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2011/05/19/cicadas-environmental-role/ ↩ ↩2
- https://extension.psu.edu/periodical-cicada ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/life-science/periodical-cicadas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
- https://omnia.sas.upenn.edu/story/how-cicada-oak-tree-and-why-you-should-care ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://news.arizona.edu/story/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-cicadas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- Squirrel Food Sources ↩
- Diet and Nutrition for Squirrels ↩
45 Comments. Leave new
This is probably a Chinaria species
This is nor Orellana, nor Chinaria, this is the species Zammara tympanum
Thanks for the information. We will attempt to locate a link on a photo of Zammara tympanum.
I have found 2 of these itty bitty cicadas this summer, I am in Sanger, which is on I-35, about 30 miles south of the TX / OK state line. There is a large population of the regular sized cicadas in this area and the little ones look much like them, just very petite !!
Sure would like to know what they are …. Nancy
I have found 2 of these itty bitty cicadas this summer, I am in Sanger, which is on I-35, about 30 miles south of the TX / OK state line. There is a large population of the regular sized cicadas in this area and the little ones look much like them, just very petite !!
Sure would like to know what they are …. Nancy
I saw one of these on my porch just now. I live in Plano, TX. I’ve seen it a couple of times in the last month. Proportioned exactly like the normal cicadas, but out half as long. I got it to crawl around on the tip of my index finger. Very cool. I also wonder what species it is.
This page http://darnis.inbio.ac.cr/ubis/FMPro?-DB=UBIPUB.fp3&-lay=WebAll&-error=norec.html&-Format=detail.html&-Op=eq&id=552&-Find shows two very different images for S. neotropicalis. The second one looks pretty much like one I recieved here in Brazil. This one is very much simillar to the one here too, I just can see differences in the patterns in the scutellum.
Another one says that the range is more northern from here: http://www.bio-nica.info/Ento/Homop/FULGORIDAE/Scaralis%20neotropicalis.htm and there is an obrervation: “THIS ONE LOOKS DIFFERENT SPECIES”. The second one still seem to match all patterns.
i just found one for the first time in my 39 years on this property.
Beameria venosa sighting! Denton, Tx. They are cute little buggers!
I saw my first last week and now I walk out on the back porch and there are 2 more. Glad to finally know what I’ve been seeing!
In Richardson
I live in Bailey, Tx and believe I’ve seen two Beameria Venosas as well. Didn’t know they existed!
This is so weird lol i live in north TX andjust found two of the tiny lil fellas on my porch tonight! Came across this site while googling age of cicadas lol
I live in San Antonio and have have several of these itty bitty guys through the years. I just thought they were runts. They’re awesome… Like micro machines but alive.
Been seeing the tiny ones here in Kansas City!
Found one today in Austin,TX near the Travis/Hays County Lines.
I saw one last week in the yard, and just now found one in my house. So tiny! I used to look for emerging cicadas as a a child in Kansas, and didn’t realize they came in a small version, also. I live in Georgetown, TX.
Excellent! Thank you.
I will be looking for grass cicadas now. I’m curious to hear those tiny tymbals in action:) ~Quay
Excellent! Thank you.
I will be looking for grass cicadas now. I’m curious to hear those tiny tymbals in action:) ~Quay
Found one in Austin (Lost Creek) on June 23, 2017
I just had one land on my face haha. It is a male and that call is pretty cute. Are these full grown?
Once they have emerged as winged adults, the Cicada has finished growing.
I just saw this bug in my backyard in Connecticut!
We suspect you observed a native species.
I live in San Antonio, TX and I just had my first encounter with a tiny cicada. I had no idea they existed and I’m always looking out for strange bugs. Tiny Cicadas are adorable!
Just found a tiny cicada yesterday. Grayish with paler eyes. It’s body was barely half an inch.
Found one in southeast MS while camping and was dumbfounded! Seen the bigger ones my entire life in the south but never that small. I thought I was seeing things.
One landed on my arm about 10 minutes ago (in relation to this post). I couldn’t believe my eyes as this was a cicada but much smaller than I’d ever seen before. Thanks to Google I found this website and discovered what it was. I’m in Houston, TX so they’ve made it this far into Southeast Texas.
What I found was less than a 1/4 in long. And there were 3-4 dozen of f them.
I found one last year in my back yard. It was shedding its shell while hanging from a blade of grass. I live in Richardson, Texas(north of Dallas). I saved the shell as proof that I actually saw this little critter. This one was less than an inch long.
I found one of the tiny nymphs on a sidewalk in a park in Grand Prairie yesterday evening. It was raining so I could not get a photo but I moved it out of the rain into a dry area where it could continue it’s journey.
They’re emerging in City of Hempstead, Waller County. I found two in as many days. Nice little critters; I find one crawling all over my work glove. cCc
It’s been a few years since the original post but since it has sporadically garnered interest over the past three or so years, it should be noted that the cicada is Pacarina puella. It’s actually a little bit larger than Beameria venosa and is associated with mesquite, when present, throughout its range in Texas. The easiest differentiating morphological trait are the wide set eyes. Beameria venosa is covered more generously in pruinosity (white powdery wax) and has more wing infuscation (darkness) in the apical (outer) forewing veins. Cicadas of the genus Cicadettana are also tiny.
Thanks for the correction on this posting. We will make some adjustments.
I saw a bug darting around in the garden tonight after dark. I was following it with the beam of my flashlight until it landed on my shirt. It was the smallest cicada I had ever seen. First I thought it was a baby before thinking about it more and realizing they are adults once they leave their shells. Had no idea they came in a small species variety lol. Very cool!
In Costa Rica these are known colloquially as “chicharras”. They start to emerge around this time of year (April) and the noise they make has to be heard first-hand to be believed. It sounds like the fan belt slipping on a car, if the car were the size of an aircraft carrier. I’ve clocked it at 92 dB.
Dear David,
Thanks so much for this valuable information.
I live in the mid Atlantic where we are waiting for the periodic 17 year Brood X cicadas to emerge in about a month. When I was a kid, though, we lived in the Dallas area. I used to catch the annual cicadas and keep them on our screened porch. One time I found a tiny one. Back then, I thought it was a baby. Now I understand, of course, that they emerge after their larval stage full sized, so I did a little searching today and found this. So fun!
Found one in San Anotonio today. Never knew these tiny versions existed until now.
I saw this cicada this weekend at Black Forest Lodge, Cayo District, Belize. It was large, I’d say 1.5 to 2″, and totally a light shade of turquoise, like some New Mexican artefact, not at all emerald green. It was hopping around a low light marking the path. At first I thought it was a frog because of how it was hopping and skeetering from point to point, but what really astonished me was that it sounded like a frog croaking – no screeching or shrilling or whistling from this one. I watched it for some minutes, and heard it throughout the night. The lodge’s bird guide knew nothing about it.
Found one on my back patio in Dallas, TX last night!!!!
I just found one in Krum Texas.
Found one in my sink after bringing in veggies from the garden yesterday! Cute little thing, took him outside and put him in my sage….he was a bit wet since I didn’t see him till I already started running the water in my sink! Hopefully he dried out and flew where he needed to be….
I live in Weatherford, Texas.
I have seen the occasional Cicada, I’ve seen the nymphs
This year I’ve seen over 15 miniature adult cicadas.
I’ve seen only 5 normal adults, and 3 normal nymphs.
I have one mini cicada pinned with other insects.