Where Are Cicadas Found? Discovering Their Global Habitats

Cicadas are fascinating insects that capture the attention of many due to their unique life cycles and eerie songs. You may have heard their unmistakable serenades and wondered where these extraordinary creatures can be found. In general, cicadas can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in the southern and eastern United States¹.

These large, thick-bodied insects are generally found in warmer climates where they can flourish in trees and other vegetation. Many cicada species, including the well-known periodical cicadas, have distinctive 17- or 13-year life cycles². Interestingly, the 17-year species can be found together from Connecticut to Kansas, while the 13-year species inhabit locations like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas³.

Now that you have an idea of where cicadas can be found, it’s important to know that these captivating insects are not harmful to humans, pets, or most plants. In fact, they play a vital role in the ecosystems they inhabit. So, the next time you hear their captivating chorus during summer evenings, you’ll have a better understanding of where these elusive, yet remarkable insects reside.

Understanding Cicadas

Cicadas are fascinating insects with unique attributes and life cycles. They belong to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha and can be found in many regions worldwide, although they are primarily found in the southern and eastern parts of the United States ¹. These insects are known for their distinctive wings and various environmental adaptations.

Some of the key features of cicadas include:

• Large, thick bodies measuring about 1 to 2 inches long.
• Prominent, transparent wings that often stick out.
• Existence in both annual and periodical species.

Annual cicadas, also known as “dog-day cicadas,” are usually larger in size and have a lifespan of around one year ². On the other hand, periodical cicadas, which are either 13-year or 17-year cicadas, emerge en masse after spending most of their lives underground as nymphs that feed on tree root sap ³. Their synchronized emergence is a unique biological phenomenon that fascinates many.

Cicadas go through several life stages that involve molting their skin. After hatching, young cicadas called nymphs grow through multiple instars, shedding their exoskeletons as they develop into adults. Adult cicadas mate, lay eggs, and then die.

Cicadas’ habitat often dictates their life cycles. They require certain environmental conditions to thrive. As a result, you’ll typically find cicadas in places where trees and vegetation provide ample resources and protection.

To summarize, it’s important to understand these key aspects of cicadas:

• They are found worldwide, but primarily in the United States.
• They have strikingly beautiful wings and come in different species.
• Annual and periodical cicadas have unique life cycles.
• Their habitats directly impact their life stages and behaviors.

By learning more about cicadas, you can appreciate their role in the ecosystem and better understand their unique characteristics.

Life Cycle of Cicadas

Cicadas begin their life as eggs laid by a female on tree branches. After hatching, the tiny nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil.

While underground, they feed on plant roots and molt through various instar stages. They spend the majority of their lives underground, with some species taking as long as 13 to 17 years to emerge as adults.

When it’s time to come above ground, the nymphs create a mud tunnel and climb onto nearby vegetation. Once there, they undergo one final molt to become adult cicadas, leaving behind their exoskeletons on tree trunks.

Adult cicadas have only one purpose: mating. They use loud mating calls to attract a mate, with males producing the sound through a specialized body part called a tymbal.

After mating, the female cicadas lay their eggs and the cycle begins anew. Sometimes, stragglers emerge early or late, but the majority of cicadas follow a predictable pattern.

Throughout the entire life cycle, cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for predators and aerating the soil during their underground phase. So next time you hear their unmistakable song, remember the fascinating journey they’ve taken to serenade you.

Periodical and Annual Cicadas

You might be wondering about the different types of cicadas and where they can be found. Let’s explore periodical and annual cicadas, two major groups that differ in their life cycles and appearances.

Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years, while annual cicadas make an appearance every year¹. These fascinating insects can be found in the Eastern United States².

To help you better understand the differences between these two types of cicadas, here’s a comparison table:

In terms of appearance, periodical cicadas have red eyes, red legs, and red wing veins, while annual cicadas are generally larger and display a dark green to black coloration with green wing veins¹¹.

Annual cicadas are commonly known as “dog-day cicadas” and can be found throughout the U.S. in the summer¹². Indiana, for example, is home to the Southern Grass Cicada and Green Winged Cicada¹³. On the other hand, periodical cicadas belonging to the genus Magicicada emerge in synchronized years¹⁴.

Using this information, you can now better distinguish between periodical and annual cicadas and understand their unique characteristics and distribution.

Identifying Cicadas

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud and unique sounds. They come in various colors and sizes. Let’s explore some key characteristics that can help you quickly identify them:

• Males and females: Both sexes look quite similar in appearance. However, male cicadas are the ones making the loud sounds you may associate with cicadas. They have a special organ called a tymbal that helps produce these noises to attract females for mating.
• Colors: Cicadas often display an array of colors, including tan, green, brown, black, and white. The colors may vary even within the same species, but most commonly, you’ll find them in shades of brown and green.
• Eyes and antennae: Many cicadas have red or black eyes, which can be quite striking against their body color. Their short antennae help them gather sensory information from their surroundings.
• Wings: Cicadas are known for their translucent wings, which can be a distinguishing feature. Here’s a comparison of cicada wings:

By observing these characteristics, you can easily identify cicadas when you encounter them. Remember, these interesting creatures play an important role in our ecosystem, and their characteristic sounds are an essential part of many natural environments. So, next time you hear their chorus, take a moment to appreciate these fascinating insects.

Geographical Distribution of Cicadas

Cicadas are found in various parts of the world, spanning multiple continents. There are over 3,000 species globally, with around 190 species in North America. Remarkably, cicadas are absent only in Antarctica.

In the United States, cicadas inhabit mostly the southern and eastern regions, including states like Ohio, New York, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Delaware. To easily visualize their distribution, an interactive map is available from the US Forest Service.

Cicadas are predominantly found in:

• Tropical areas
• Temperate regions

Tropical habitats host a diverse range of cicada species, while temperate regions, such as some parts of the United States, witness the emergence of periodical cicadas in synchronized broods.

Outside the United States, cicadas are widely distributed across continents like:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Africa
• Asia
• Europe

Cicadas play a significant role in various cultures, symbolizing rebirth, health, wealth, and happiness in some Asian societies. Their unique life cycle, geographical distribution, and environmental diversity make them fascinating insects worth understanding.

Cicada Broods

Periodical cicadas are organized into groups known as broods, which emerge on a common schedule. These broods can be identified by Roman numerals and differ based on their emergence years and locations. Here are some examples:

• Brood X is one of the largest broods, last emerging in 2021.
• Brood XIII is another prominent brood, expected to emerge in 2024, along with Brood XIX. The map shows their progress.

You’ll find periodical cicadas in different regions of the United States, with each brood specific to certain areas. For example:

• Brood V is found in parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland.
• Brood VI has been observed in North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.

To determine which broods are active in the current year, consult resources like the US Forest Service’s interactive map. Just remember that cicadas aren’t harmful to humans, pets, gardens, or crops, but you might notice their presence due to the loud courting sounds made by adult males.

By familiarizing yourself with different cicada broods, you’ll know what to expect and when to expect them in your region. Keep an eye out for updates and resources to stay informed about these fascinating insects.

Specific Cicada Species

Cicadas are fascinating insects with over 3,000 different species found around the world, except Antarctica¹. In this section, we’ll discuss some specific species, including the Magicicada, Tibicen, and Dog-day Cicada.

Magicicada:
The Magicicada is unique for its periodical life cycles of 13 and 17 years². These cicadas are mostly found in North America and have black bodies with striking red eyes and orange wing veins³. They usually emerge in May and June.

Tibicen:
Tibicen, also known as the Annual or Dog-day Cicadas, are more commonly found and have shorter life cycles⁴. With around 190 species occurring in North America¹, you’ll likely encounter them during the hot summer days, hence the name Dog-day Cicada.

Dog-day Cicada (Neotibicen canicularis):
A well-known species of the Tibicen group, the Dog-day Cicada, is often seen in the United States⁴. It can be found on trees and shrubs, making a loud buzzing sound that signals the arrival of those hot summer days.

To summarize, here’s a comparison table of the cicadas mentioned:

Now that you know more about these specific cicada species, you’ll better understand and appreciate the fascinating world of these unique insects during your outdoor adventures.

Cicadas and the Environment

Cicadas are unique insects found primarily in the southern and eastern parts of the United States. They play an essential role in the environment as they contribute to the health of their habitats. In this section, we’ll explore the relationships between cicadas, trees, forests, soil, and habitats.

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots as nymphs. This process not only benefits the cicadas, but also helps aerate the soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the trees’ roots more effectively.

When adult cicadas emerge, they lay their eggs on the branches of mature trees. Despite the overwhelming numbers of cicadas during their emergence, they do very little damage to the environment. Trees affected by the influx of cicadas usually appear to survive the event without any notable harm.

The presence of cicadas can have other positive impacts on their habitats. These insects serve as a food source for various predators, such as birds and small mammals. By providing an abundant and easily obtainable meal, they play a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem.

To sum it up, cicadas and the environment have a mutually beneficial relationship. They play crucial roles in maintaining soil health, supporting trees and forests, and providing sustenance for other species in their habitats. Their unique life cycle greatly contributes to the delicate balance of the ecosystems in which they reside.

Cicadas: Predators and Threats

Cicadas have several predators that pose a threat to their existence. One of the most common predators of cicadas is birds, which feed on both adult and immature cicadas. Some examples of birds that prey on cicadas include:

• Robins
• Mockingbirds
• Blue jays

Additionally, red ants are known to attack and consume cicada nymphs. The ants can cause damage to the nymphs when they emerge from the ground to molt into their adult form.

There are other animals and insects that also hunt cicadas, such as:

• Bats
• Raccoons
• Spiders
• Praying mantises

As you can see, cicadas face numerous threats from various predators. However, their periodic emergence in large numbers helps to ensure the survival of their species, making it difficult for predators to wipe them out completely. To better understand the predators and threats for cicadas, here’s a simple comparison table:

Remember that cicadas are not harmful to humans, pets, household gardens, or crops. They are simply part of our ecosystem and play a role in controlling other insect populations. Just be aware of the predators and threats that these fascinating insects encounter in their life cycle.

Sounds of Cicadas

Cicadas produce distinctive sounds mainly for mating purposes, with each species having its unique call. You’ll notice that these insects create their noise using a specialized organ called tymbals, found on the first abdominal segment of males.

Male cicadas generate these sounds by rapidly vibrating their tymbals, amplifying the volume through the hollow abdomen, which acts as a resonating chamber. Due to their noise-generating ability, large swarms of cicadas can create deafening sounds, often compared to lawnmowers or power tools.

It’s important to note that cicadas can be found in various locations, including Florida and other parts of North America. In some cases, noise levels generated by cicadas may range from 90-100 decibels (dB), making their calls audible from far distances.

In case you were wondering about their impact on human health, generally, it’s the decibel level and exposure time that determine the potential risk of hearing damage. However, while the calls of cicadas can be quite loud, it is rare to experience prolonged exposure at dangerously high levels.

Here’s a brief comparison of cicada sounds with other familiar noises:

Keep in mind when you hear cicadas singing that the primary goal is attracting a mate, and their fascinating behavior echoes the vibrant nature of these remarkable insects.

Cicada Research

In 2021, scientists from various institutions, including the University of Connecticut, conducted research on periodical cicadas. These cicadas are famous for their fascinating life cycles, which last either 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.

Participating researchers collected valuable data on cicada emergence locations and densities. This information helps increase our understanding of cicada distribution patterns and their role in ecosystems.

Various teams have been tracking historical records and recent observations of cyclical cicada appearances. You can discover some fascinating facts about cicadas:

• They are not harmful to humans, pets, or crops.
• Adult cicadas can grow up to 1.5 inches long with a wingspan twice that size.
• They have black bodies, large red-brown eyes, and membranous wings with orange veins.

Although the 2021 emergence has passed, there’s still ongoing research and preparation for future cicada events. Scientists are particularly interested in the anticipated Brood X emergence in 2038. By documenting and analyzing past and present occurrences, researchers can better predict and prepare for the impact of future cicada appearances.

Efforts such as mapping updates and continued research contribute to our understanding of these intriguing insects, allowing us to better appreciate and coexist with them. So, keep an eye out for upcoming cicada studies and discoveries to learn more about these amazing creatures.

Oviposition and Cicadas

Cicadas, especially periodical ones, are known for their fascinating life cycles, as they spend most of their lives underground before emerging as adults to mate. During the mating process, female cicadas lay their eggs on host plants using their specialized egg-laying organ called an ovipositor.

When choosing a host plant, cicadas are influenced by factors such as light and the architecture of a plant’s branches. You might notice that some trees or shrubs, especially those with longer and broader branches, are highly favored by cicadas. Typically, these insects prefer deciduous trees like oak, hickory, and pear for egg-laying.

The following features play a crucial role in determining a suitable host plant for cicada oviposition:

• Plant type (deciduous trees or shrubs)
• Branch architecture
• Light availability

Among the types of cicadas, periodical cicadas in the Eastern United States have 13- or 17-year life cycles. When they emerge, each group is known as a “brood” or “year-class.” The broods are designated by Roman numerals, with 12 broods of 17-year cicadas and three broods of 13-year cicadas currently recognized (source).

Just remember that when you see female cicadas laying their eggs on trees and shrubs, they are using their ovipositor and carefully selecting their host plants based on various factors. This is an integral part of the fascinating life cycle of cicadas.