What Do Cicadas Eat? Understanding the Diet of These Fascinating Insects

Cicadas are intriguing insects that captivate attention with their loud calls and unique life cycles. One question often asked is, "What do cicadas eat?" To understand their diet, it's essential to consider the different stages of their life cycle and their feeding habits during each phase.

The Life Cycle of Cicadas

Cicadas go through a fascinating life cycle that includes both underground and above-ground stages. They spend the majority of their lives as nymphs buried in the soil, feeding on the roots of plants. After several years, depending on the species, they emerge as adults to mate and reproduce.

Nymph Stage: Feeding on Plant Roots

During their nymph stage, cicadas live underground, where they feed on the xylem sap from plant roots. This sap provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. The nymphs have specialized mouthparts, known as rostrums, that allow them to pierce the plant roots and suck out the sap. Their diet primarily consists of the fluids from deciduous trees, shrubs, and some herbaceous plants.

Common Trees for Nymph Feeding:

Oak
Maple
Willow
Ash

Adult Stage: Minimal Feeding

Once cicada nymphs complete their development, they emerge from the ground as winged adults. Unlike the nymphs, adult cicadas do not require extensive feeding. Their primary focus is on reproduction rather than nourishment. Although they have mouthparts similar to nymphs, adults consume very little. Some may sip small amounts of plant sap or water, but this is not a significant part of their behavior.

Adult Cicada Feeding Behavior:

Occasional sipping of plant sap
Minimal water intake

Cicadas and Your Garden

Cicadas are not significant threats to gardens and landscapes. While their feeding on plant roots during the nymph stage may raise concerns, it usually does not cause substantial harm to mature plants. However, young trees and shrubs may experience some stress due to the nymphs' feeding activity.

The primary concern for gardeners is the damage caused by female cicadas when they lay eggs. Females create small slits in tree branches to deposit their eggs, which can cause minor damage to young trees. This process, known as "flagging," results in dead twigs at the ends of branches. Although this might appear alarming, it typically has minimal impact on the overall health of mature trees.

Protecting Your Trees from Cicadas

To safeguard young trees and shrubs during a cicada emergence, consider the following protective measures:

Covering Trees: Use fine mesh netting or cheesecloth to cover small or newly planted trees. Secure the covering around the trunk to prevent cicadas from climbing up into the branches.
Avoiding Insecticides: Refrain from using insecticides, as they can eliminate the cicadas' natural predators, potentially worsening the situation.
Pruning Damaged Branches: After the egg-laying period, prune away significantly damaged branches to promote new growth.

The Ecological Benefits of Cicadas

Despite the minor inconveniences they may cause, cicadas play important roles in the ecosystem. They serve as a food source for various animals, including birds, chipmunks, foxes, and squirrels. The emergence of cicadas also aids in soil aeration, as their exit holes improve water infiltration and root growth. Additionally, cicadas contribute to nutrient cycling by decomposing and enriching the soil after they die.

Fascination with Cicadas

Cicadas inspire curiosity and wonder due to their unique life cycle and the synchronized mass emergence of periodical species. They offer valuable educational opportunities, allowing people, especially children, to observe and learn about the natural world.

FAQs About Cicadas

How long do cicadas live? Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, which can range from two to 17 years, depending on the species. Once they emerge, adult cicadas live for two to six weeks.

Can cicadas bite? No, cicadas cannot bite humans. They have piercing and sucking mouthparts designed for feeding on plant sap, not for biting.

Are cicadas harmful to humans? No, cicadas are harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting and are safe to handle.

Are cicadas and locusts the same? No, cicadas and locusts are different insects. Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera, while locusts are grasshoppers in the order Orthoptera. Locusts are more destructive to plants, especially crops.

Conclusion

Cicadas, with their unique life cycle and specialized feeding habits, are remarkable insects. While their nymphs feed on plant roots, adult cicadas focus on reproduction and consume minimal amounts of sap or water. Understanding what cicadas eat and their role in the ecosystem can help appreciate their presence and manage any potential impacts on gardens and landscapes.