Did you know that there are insects that emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, creating swarms of millions that fill the air with their distinctive buzzing sounds? These fascinating creatures are called periodical cicadas, and they belong to the genus Magicicada, found primarily in the eastern United States. Their synchronized mass emergence is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that has captivated the attention of many. Surprisingly, these periodical cicadas are not locusts, but rather true bugs belonging to the order Hemiptera. They spend the majority of their long lives, around 99.5%, underground as nymphs, feeding on the roots of trees before finally emerging above ground for a brief adult stage.
Key Takeaways
- Periodical cicadas emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, creating massive synchronized swarms.
- These insects belong to the genus Magicicada and are found in the eastern United States.
- Periodical cicadas are not locusts, but true bugs in the order Hemiptera.
- They spend the majority of their lives, around 99.5%, underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots.
- The synchronized mass emergence of periodical cicadas is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Introduction to Periodical Cicadas
Periodical cicadas are unique insects known for their extraordinarily long life cycles of 13 or 17 years. They are called “periodical” because the entire local population emerges synchronously in the same year. This remarkable adaptation helps ensure successful mating and reproduction. The periodical cicada nymphs spend the majority of their lives, over 99.5%, underground feeding on tree roots.
Fascinating Insects with Long Life Cycles
The difference between the 13-year and 17-year life cycles of periodical cicadas is believed to be the time needed for the second instar to fully develop. This extended nymphal stage allows the cicadas to survive and thrive in their underground habitats, emerging only when the soil temperature reaches a critical level, usually around 64°F at a depth of 8-12 inches.
Emergence and Swarming Behavior
When the soil temperature reaches the optimal level, typically in late spring, the mature periodical cicada nymphs emerge en masse, shedding their exoskeletons and transforming into winged adults. This synchronized emergence results in swarms of millions of cicadas filling the air with their loud, distinctive mating calls. The males form large choruses to attract females, creating a deafening wall of sound that can reach up to 100 decibels.
Periodical Cicada Species and Characteristics
The intriguing world of periodical cicadas is dominated by the genus Magicicada, which encompasses seven distinct species found in the eastern United States. These remarkable insects are distinguished not only by their physical characteristics but also by their unique mating calls that fill the air during their synchronized emergences.
The Genus Magicicada
Magicicada is the genus that encompasses all periodical cicada species, each with its own 13-year or 17-year life cycle. These seven species, collectively known as the periodical cicada, are the true icons of this natural phenomenon, captivating the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Physical Appearance and Identification
Periodical cicada species share a distinctive physical appearance, with black bodies, red eyes, and orange wing veins. They are generally smaller in size compared to the more common annual cicadas, typically measuring between 2.4 to 3.3 cm in length. These unique visual cues, combined with their synchronized emergence patterns, make periodical cicada appearance a reliable way to identify these fascinating creatures.
Unique Mating Calls and Sounds
The males of each Magicicada species produce a variety of distinctive calling songs to attract mates during their brief adult stage. These periodical cicada sounds can range from a “weeee-whoa” or “Pharaoh” sound to a combination of buzzing and ticking noises, creating a deafening chorus that can reach up to 100 decibels when millions of these singers take to the air.
The Remarkable Life Cycle of Periodical Cicadas
Periodical cicadas spend the majority of their lives, around 99.5%, as underground nymphs, feeding on the xylem fluids of tree roots. These nymphs undergo five instar stages while burrowing deeper into the soil as they mature. The difference between the 13-year and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles is believed to be the time needed for the second instar to fully develop.
Underground Nymph Stage
As the periodical cicada nymphs mature underground, they continue to molt and grow, eventually reaching the fifth instar stage. During this time, they burrow deeper into the soil, seeking out the roots of their preferred host plants, which include various hardwood tree species.
Synchronized Mass Emergence
When the soil temperature reaches a critical level, usually around 64°F at a depth of 8-12 inches, the mature fifth-instar nymphs emerge from the ground, often constructing mud turrets to aid their ascent. This synchronized mass emergence is a remarkable adaptation that helps ensure successful mating and reproduction for these periodical cicadas.
Adult Transformation and Reproduction
The newly emerged nymphs then molt one final time, transforming into winged adults. After a brief period of hardening, the adults take flight, with the males forming large mating choruses to attract females. Mated females then lay their eggs in the stems of woody plants, completing the life cycle of the periodical cicada.
Periodical Cicada Habitats and Distribution
Periodical cicadas are found exclusively in the eastern United States, with their range extending from New England to the Gulf Coast states and as far west as Texas and southern Wisconsin. This expansive territory is home to the seven distinct Magicicada species, each organized into synchronized 13-year and 17-year broods that emerge in different areas across the region.
Eastern North America Range
The periodical cicada’s habitat is primarily concentrated in the eastern half of North America, with their distribution centered around the Appalachian Mountains and the surrounding deciduous forest ecosystems. These remarkable insects thrive in areas where the soil and climate conditions support their unique life cycle, allowing them to burrow underground for over a decade before emerging in massive swarms.
Preferred Habitats and Host Plants
Periodical cicadas are particularly drawn to deciduous forest habitats, where the nymphs can feed on the roots of various tree species. They exhibit a strong preference for hardwood trees like oak, maple, and hickory, which provide ample sustenance for the underground nymphs during their extended developmental stages. While the adult cicadas do not directly harm mature vegetation, they can cause temporary damage to young trees and shrubs through their egg-laying activities.
The Impacts of Periodical Cicadas
Periodical cicadas play important ecological roles and provide numerous benefits to their environment. The massive emergence of these insects serves as a valuable food source for a wide range of predators, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. The influx of protein-rich periodical cicadas often coincides with the breeding seasons of many animals, allowing them to feed and raise their young more successfully.
Ecological Roles and Benefits
While periodical cicadas pose little threat to mature vegetation, they can potentially cause damage to young trees and shrubs through their egg-laying activities. The females use their ovipositors to create slits in the stems and branches of woody plants, which can lead to twig dieback or flagging. Covering vulnerable plants with fine netting during the periodical cicada emergence can help prevent this periodical cicada damage.
Potential Damage to Young Trees and Shrubs
The periodical cicada impact on the ecosystem is both complex and fascinating. These insects play a crucial role in the food web, providing a vital food source for a variety of predators. However, their egg-laying behavior can also potentially harm young, delicate plants. By understanding the nuances of periodical cicada ecology and periodical cicada benefits, we can better appreciate the intricate balance of the natural world and take appropriate measures to mitigate any periodical cicada damage when necessary.
Periodical Cicada in Idaho
While periodical cicadas are primarily found in the eastern United States, their range does extend westward into certain parts of the country, including Idaho. In Idaho, the 17-year Brood X periodical cicadas have been observed emerging in some areas, though their population size and distribution within the state may be more limited compared to their strongholds in the eastern regions. Residents of Idaho may encounter these remarkable insects during their synchronized emergence events, which can create a stunning and noisy natural spectacle.
The periodical cicada in Idaho is a fascinating phenomenon, as these insects typically thrive in the deciduous forests of the eastern United States. However, the westward expansion of their range has allowed them to establish a presence in certain parts of Idaho, where they can be observed during their periodic emergence.
While the periodical cicada population in Idaho may not be as large or widespread as in other regions, their appearance is still a remarkable event that captures the attention of local residents. The synchronized emergence of these insects, with their distinctive mating calls and swarming behavior, is a unique natural occurrence that provides a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
For those living in Idaho, the opportunity to witness the periodical cicada emergence can be a truly memorable experience. These insects, with their long life cycles and intricate life histories, offer a fascinating insight into the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the remarkable adaptations of living organisms.
Conclusion
Periodical cicadas are truly remarkable insects, with their synchronized, once-in-a-decade-or-two emergence events captivating the attention of people across the eastern United States. These fascinating creatures spend the majority of their lives underground as nymphs, only to erupt from the soil in staggering numbers, filling the air with their distinctive mating calls. While their presence can be disruptive, periodical cicadas play important ecological roles and provide numerous benefits to their environment.
By understanding the unique life cycle and characteristics of these enigmatic periodical cicadas, we can better appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The synchronized emergence of these insects is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature, reminding us of the remarkable diversity that exists within our world.
As we continue to explore and learn more about periodical cicadas, we can appreciate the role they play in the broader ecosystem and find ways to coexist with these remarkable creatures. Through education and conservation efforts, we can ensure that the periodic cicada’s unique life cycle and ecological contributions are preserved for generations to come.
