How Long Do Cicadas Live: Unraveling the Mystery of Their Lifespan

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their unique life cycle and the loud sounds they produce. These thick-bodied creatures can be found in various regions, with some species having a distinct life span.

In general, cicadas live for several years, spending most of their time underground as nymphs, feeding on the fluids from plant roots. Some cicadas, known as periodical cicadas, emerge every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. They come out to mate, lay eggs, and then die shortly after, completing their life cycle.

In contrast, other cicada species found in places like Colorado have a shorter life cycle, taking 3 to 5 years from egg to adult. Regardless of their life span, cicadas play a vital role in ecosystems, serving as a food source for various animals and contributing to nutrient cycles.

Cicada Types and Habitats

Cicadas are large, thick-bodied insects that can be found in the US and other parts of the world like Australia. They belong to the superfamily Cicadoidea and can be classified into two main types: periodical cicadas and annual cicadas.

Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas are unique to North America and emerge from underground every 13 or 17 years, depending on their brood life cycle. A notable example of periodical cicadas is the Magicicada genus, which consists of seven species. They typically live on deciduous trees and have a distinctive black and red coloration.

Notable features of periodical cicadas include:

• 13 or 17-year underground development
• Part of broods, like the Onondaga Brood
• Only found in North America

Annual Cicadas

Annual cicadas, like the Okanagana genus, emerge every year, mainly in the Eastern United States. They spend 2-5 years developing underground, feeding on tree roots before they emerge for a brief adult life of about three to four weeks. These cicadas have a greenish hue and are more widespread than their periodical counterparts.

Characteristics of annual cicadas include:

• 2 to 5-year underground development
• Found in Australia and the US
• Greenish color

The table below provides a comparison of periodical and annual cicadas:

As part of the Hemiptera order, both cicada types produce sound using their tymbal, a complex abdominal structure used for communication. The cicadas are relatively harmless to humans and plants, with the exception of some minor injuries caused by egg-laying.

Life Cycle of Cicadas

Egg Stage

Cicadas begin their life as eggs laid by female cicadas. After mating, female cicadas use their ovipositor to make slits in tree branches, where they lay their eggs¹. The eggs hatch after approximately six to seven weeks².

Nymph Stage

Upon hatching, the cicada nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil³. They start feeding on plant roots and go through five molting stages before emerging from the ground⁴. The duration of the nymph stage varies, typically lasting from 2-5 years depending on environmental factors and food availability⁵. Some cicada species, known as periodical cicadas, stay in the nymph stage for either 13 or 17 years⁶.

Comparison of nymph stages:

Adult Stage

After the final molt, cicadas emerge as winged adults. Adult cicadas are characterized by their large compound eyes, which distinguish them from grasshoppers⁷. Males attract females by vibrating membranes on the sides of their bodies, creating their iconic “song”⁸. The adult stage is relatively short, as cicadas die shortly after mating and laying eggs⁹.

Key features of adult cicadas:

• Large compound eyes
• Wings
• Males “sing” to attract females
• Brief lifespan

Mating and Reproduction

Mating Call

Male cicadas use a unique mating call to attract females. This loud call, produced by vibrating a membrane on the sides of their bodies, can reach up to 100 decibels. This sound varies between species and even between periodical and annual cicadas.

Mate Selection

Female cicadas use their antennae to discern males’ calls and respond by flicking their wings. Males and females then mate, creating the next generation of cicadas. For periodical cicadas, this can happen every 13 or 17 years, while for annual cicadas, it occurs every summer.

Characteristics of cicadas:

• Black bodies
• Large red-brown eyes
• Membranous wings with orange veins
• Stout bodies

Egg Laying Process

After mating, female cicadas lay their eggs within slits made in tree branches, as mentioned in Ask A Biologist. For the eggs to hatch, they require six to seven weeks. The nymphs then fall to the ground, dig into the soil, and the cycle starts anew.

Pros of cicadas:

• Harmless to humans
• Important food source for other species
• Aerators for the soil

Cons of cicadas:

• Loud mating calls
• Damage to younger trees due to egg-laying
• Potential crop damage

Comparison of cicada types:

By focusing on the mating call, mate selection, and egg-laying process, our understanding of cicada reproduction is enhanced, allowing us to appreciate their importance in the ecosystem.

Cicadas and the Environment

Cicadas as a Food Source

Cicadas provide a valuable food source for various predators, such as birds and small mammals. Their abundance during mass emergence makes them an easy prey:

• High in protein
• Easily accessible

Cicadas and Plant Health

Cicadas play a role in the health of plants:

• Females lay eggs in tree branches, causing minor damage
• Nymphs feed on plant sap in the soil, aerating it for healthy root growth

Cultural Significance

Cicadas hold an important place in many cultures around the world:

• Associated with rebirth and renewal
• Used as a symbol in art and literature

Comparison of Cicadas and Locusts

In summary, cicadas play an ecological role as a food source, contribute to plant health, and have cultural significance in various societies.