What Animals Eat Cicadas: A Friendly Guide to Cicada Predators

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud, distinctive songs and emerging from the ground in large numbers after spending years underground. These large plant-feeding insects provide a valuable food source for a variety of animals due to their abundance and nutritional content.

When cicadas emerge, many animals alter their diet to take advantage of this temporary bounty. Some of the creatures you might observe feasting on these insects include birds, mammals, and even reptiles. The availability of cicadas can create a feeding frenzy, allowing these animals to thrive during their emergence period.

Cicada Life Cycle

In the cicada life cycle, there are three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Let’s explore each stage in more detail.

Egg stage: Female cicadas lay their eggs on the branches of trees or shrubs. The eggs typically hatch in 6-10 weeks, giving birth to tiny nymphs.

Nymph stage: As nymphs, cicadas live underground, feeding on tree roots. Their life cycle in this stage can last 2-3 years for annual cicadas, while periodical cicadas have either 13-year or 17-year cycles. Throughout this time, the nymphs go through several molting stages, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow.

Some characteristics of nymphs include:

• Brownish color
• No wings
• Strong front legs for digging

Adult stage: Once the nymphs are ready to emerge from the ground, they go through one final molting before transforming into adult cicadas. Adult males are known for their loud courting sounds, which they produce by vibrating membranes on their abdomen.

Adult cicadas have the following features:

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

Adult cicadas typically have a short lifespan of 2-4 weeks above ground, during which they mate and lay eggs to restart the life cycle. Various animals, such as birds, spiders, and mammals, feed on both nymphs and adult cicadas to maintain the balance within the ecosystem.

Physiology of Cicadas

Body Structure

Cicadas have a unique body structure that helps them survive and thrive in their environment. Their bodies are divided into three sections: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head features a pair of large red-brown eyes and small antennae. The thorax is where you’ll find the wings and legs. The membranous wings have orange veins and can span twice the length of their bodies. Their legs are short, designed for crawling rather than jumping.

• Head: Contains eyes, mouthparts, and antennae
• Thorax: Houses legs and wings
• Abdomen: Contains internal organs

Senses

You might wonder how cicadas perceive the world around them. Their primary senses are vision and sound.

Vision

Cicadas have two large compound eyes on the sides of their head, which give them a wide field of vision. These red-brown eyes allow them to navigate their surroundings and locate potential mates.

Sound

Besides their vision, cicadas rely heavily on their hearing ability. Male cicadas produce loud courting sounds to attract females. They have unique organs called tymbals, located on their abdomen, that help them produce those sounds. In contrast, female cicadas can perceive these sounds via their tympana, a pair of organs that function as ears.

Cicada Types

Let’s explore the two main types of cicadas that you’ll likely come across: the periodical cicadas and the annual cicadas.

Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas are unique because they spend a significant portion of their lives underground, with some species hiding for 13 or 17 years before emerging as adults. This unusual life cycle is what sets them apart from other cicadas.

Here are a few key characteristics of periodical cicadas:

• Found in North America
• Black body with red eyes
• Emerges in large broods

There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, and around 190 of these species occur in North America¹. One common example of a periodical cicada in the United States is the Magicicada genus.

Annual Cicadas

Annual cicadas, also called dog-day cicadas, have a shorter life cycle, spending up to five years feeding as nymphs underground². However, populations emerge every year, hence the name “annual” cicadas.

Key features of annual cicadas include:

• A green or camouflaged color theme
• Smaller antennae compared to periodical cicadas
• Active during mid to late summer

Comparing both cicadas, you can see a clear difference:

Now that you’re familiar with these two types of cicadas, you can better understand the habits and life cycles of these fascinating insects.

What Animals Eat Cicadas

Birds

Many species of birds enjoy cicadas as a nutritious treat. They can be seen feasting on these insect delicacies when they emerge. Examples of birds that eat cicadas include:

• Robins
• Blue Jays
• Woodpeckers

Mammals

Among the mammals that consider cicadas to be a tasty snack, you’ll find rodents, bats, and larger mammals like foxes and raccoons. Some examples are:

• Squirrels
• Rats
• Opossums
• Skunks

Invertebrates

Cicadas also fall prey to various invertebrates. Cicada-hunter wasps, spiders, and other insects see them as a valuable food source. A few examples of invertebrate predators include:

• Cicada-hunter wasps
• Ground beetles
• Dragonflies
• Robber flies

Pets

Cats and dogs might show interest in cicadas. While it’s not harmful for your pets to eat cicadas in moderation, it’s important to ensure they don’t consume them excessively or pick them up from areas where pesticides may have been applied. Details on cicadas and pets include:

• Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous.
• Overconsumption can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.
• Excessive consumption of cicadas can lead to dental issues in dogs, as their hard exoskeleton might damage canines’ teeth.

Remember, if you are ever in doubt, always consult your veterinarian for guidance on the appropriate dietary choices for your pet.

Unique Cicada Predators

Cicada Killer Wasp

Cicadas have various predators, but the cicada killer wasp is one of the most noteworthy. These wasps specifically target cicadas for their offspring. You might be curious about how they do this.

The cicada killer wasp is known scientifically as Sphecius speciosus. They are large, solitary wasps that capture cicadas to feed their young. Here are some fascinating points about this predator:

• They are among the largest wasps in North America
• Female wasps capture and paralyze cicadas with a sting
• The paralyzed cicadas are deposited in underground nests for the larvae to consume

The lifecycle of the cicada killer wasp revolves around hunting cicadas. After mating, female wasps begin searching for cicadas. Once found, they paralyze them, then drag them to a prepared underground burrow. They lay an egg on each paralyzed cicada, which will hatch and devour their immobile but still living meal.

Remember that aside from the cicada killer wasp, there are many other predators that find cicadas to be a tasty snack. However, the unique hunting behavior and lifecycle of the cicada killer wasp make them a fascinating subject for those interested in nature’s more unusual predator-prey relationships.

Cicada Nourishment

From Plants

When cicadas feed, they mainly consume plant roots in their nymph stage. These young cicadas rely on the sap from plants like grass, trees, and bushes to provide nourishment. For example, they may consume sap from tree roots or grass blades. This sap provides them with various nutrients such as water, protein, and minerals like zinc and iron.

The adult cicada, however, feeds less frequently. They mainly focus on reproducing and laying eggs on tree branches. Even so, they may still occasionally consume plant fluids like sap from tree branches¹.

From Soil

In their nymph stage, cicadas are also nourished by resources found within the soil. They feed on minerals and nutrients that are essential for their growth and development². Some sources of nourishment from the soil include:

• Seeds: Cicada nymphs may feed on the seeds of various plants, extracting nutrients to support their development.
• Nuts: Nymphs may also consume nuts, which offer a rich source of proteins and minerals.
• Berries: Soil-dwelling cicadas can feed on buried berries, which provide vital nutrients as well.

Here is a comparison table highlighting the major sources of nourishment for cicadas:

Remember, while cicadas mainly obtain their nutrition from plant roots and soil resources, adult cicadas focus more on mating and reproduction than feeding.

Geographical Distribution of Cicadas

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their distinctive, loud chirping sounds. They can be found in various regions around the world. In North America, there are around 190 cicada species, with the United States being home to a significant number of them¹. Maryland and Pennsylvania, for instance, are two states known for having a large population of cicadas.

These insects inhabit diverse habitats, from forests to grasslands. Surprisingly, the one continent where you won’t find them is Antarctica². Some prominent cicada species in the United States include the periodical cicada and the dog-day cicada³.

To provide a clearer picture of cicada distribution, here’s a comparison table for your reference:

Here are some characteristics of cicadas’ habitats:

• Diverse environments: From forests to grasslands, cicadas can adapt to various settings.
• Absence in Antarctica: This is the only continent where cicadas are not present due to the extreme conditions.

Now that you have a better understanding of the geographical distribution of cicadas, remember to keep an eye out for these fascinating insects in your local environment.

Common Misunderstandings About Cicadas

Misunderstanding 1: Cicadas are locusts

Cicadas are often mistakenly thought of as locusts. However, they are not related to locusts, which are a type of grasshopper. The confusion may arise due to their similar appearance and the fact that both insects can emerge in large numbers.

Misunderstanding 2: Cicadas are dangerous

Cicadas are generally harmless to humans, pets, and plants. They have no venom and don’t bite or sting. In fact, many animals, such as birds, bats, and wasps, rely on cicadas as a food source during their mass emergences.

Misunderstanding 3: Cicadas are toxic

Cicadas are considered non-toxic and are even consumed by humans in some parts of the world. However, it is essential to ensure that the cicadas you collect for consumption come from a clean environment.

Misunderstanding 4: Eating cicadas can cause an allergic reaction

Some people might be concerned that eating cicadas could lead to an allergic reaction. While this is a possibility, it is rare, and only affects individuals who are allergic to shellfish, as both cicadas and shellfish share some similar proteins.

To summarize, here are some key points about cicadas:

• Cicadas are not locusts; they are a different species of insect.
• They are harmless to humans, pets, and plants.
• Cicadas are non-toxic and can be safely consumed if gathered appropriately.
• Allergic reactions to eating cicadas are rare and primarily affect those with a shellfish allergy.

Cicadas’ Role in the Ecosystem

Cicadas are fascinating insects, whose appearance in large swarms can have significant effects on the ecosystem. These insects serve as a major food source for various wild species of animals during their population growth periods.

For instance, birds, small mammals, and even reptiles like turtles eagerly feast on cicadas. These insects provide a protein-rich meal for these animals, which contributes to their own population growth in response to the abundant food source.

In addition to being a nutritious meal for different animals, cicadas also help with soil aeration. Their nymphs create tunnels in the ground while feeding on tree roots, which improves soil quality by allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate more easily.

While their presence might seem overwhelming during a swarm, cicadas actually play a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. So, the next time you hear the buzzing sound of cicadas, remember that they’re providing sustenance for various wild animal species and contributing positively to our environment.

Additional Topics

Cicadas as Food

Cicadas can be a sustainable food source for both humans and animals. They are rich in protein and have a low environmental impact compared to many other food sources. In fact, cicadas are edible and can be prepared in various ways for human consumption.

As an example, you can cook cicadas by frying, boiling, or even roasting them. A popular method is to dip them in melted chocolate, creating a unique and nutritious treat. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cicada recipes, as they can be a tasty and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources.

Here are some points about using cicadas as food:

• Environmentally friendly
• High in protein
• Can be prepared in various ways
• Eaten by both humans and animals

Remember that when eating cicadas or serving them to others, it is essential to ensure they are cooked properly for safety and enhanced flavor. Embrace the potential of this natural, renewable, and friendly food source in your kitchen.