How Long Do Cicadas Live Above Ground?

2025-02-28 15:41:03 0

Cicadas are fascinating insects with a life cycle that’s unlike most others. One of the most notable aspects of their existence is how much shorter their time above ground is compared to their time spent underground. Depending on the species, cicadas can emerge as frequently as every year or as infrequently as every 17 years, but their time above ground typically lasts only about five to six weeks. Despite this brief period, it is an intense and important part of their life cycle.

Cicada Habitat and Distribution

Cicadas thrive in areas with abundant deciduous trees, making suburban neighborhoods with leafy trees ideal habitats for these insects. While North America is home to a large variety of cicada species, some cicadas are found in pine forests, near swamps, or even along coastal areas. Cicadas that live in woodlands typically have longer cycles than other species, but the amount of time spent above ground remains consistent across different species.

Cicada Habitat	Common Locations
Deciduous forests	Most common habitat, especially in suburban areas.
Pine forests	Some species prefer areas with coniferous trees.
Swamps and coastal areas	Certain species are found near these wetland habitats.

These habitats support the underground life of cicadas, where they spend the majority of their life as nymphs, feeding on tree sap.

Cicada Nymph Stage

After mating, female cicadas lay their eggs in small tree branches and twigs. Eggs hatch about six weeks later, and the young cicadas, known as nymphs, drop to the ground. Once they burrow underground, cicada nymphs feed on the sap of tree roots, grasses, woody plants, and other herbal plants. During their underground life, they undergo four molts, gradually growing larger.

The fifth and final molt occurs once they emerge above ground for their final life cycle, marking their brief time in the sunlight before they die.

Cicada Emergence

Cicadas emerge in huge swarms, often numbering in the millions. The emergence is triggered when the ground reaches a certain nighttime temperature, and they typically appear at night. The cicadas then shed their exoskeletons on tree trunks, where the new, soft exoskeletons harden within a few hours.

Some cicadas emerge in what are known as off-years, typically involving a smaller number of insects compared to the larger emergence events. These stragglers most often appear the year before or after a periodic emergence.

Cicada Emergence	Details
Peak emergence	Happens when the ground reaches the ideal temperature.
Straggler emergence	Occurs in off-years, usually in smaller numbers.
Nighttime emergence	Cicadas emerge primarily after dark to avoid predators.

The emergence period is critical for cicadas, as it is the only time they will live above ground.

Breeding Behavior of Cicadas

The primary activity of adult cicadas above ground is breeding. Male cicadas produce a distinctive mating call, filling the air with their songs as they seek mates. These calls are not only a sign of the male's presence but also a way to attract females.

Cicada Behavior	Description
Mating Calls	Males produce loud calls to attract females.
Mating	Males and females mate continuously during the short above-ground life.
Egg Laying	Females use an ovipositor to lay eggs in tree branches.

Once mating is successful, the female uses her ovipositor (a sharp, egg-laying tube) to create slits in tree branches where she deposits 500 eggs. After laying her eggs, the female dies, while the males might live a few days longer, continuing to mate until the end of their life cycle.

Conclusion

Cicadas are remarkable insects with a life cycle that focuses primarily on reproduction in their short period above ground. While their underground life spans for years, the few weeks they spend above ground are intense and crucial for continuing the species. Whether they emerge annually or after a long 17 years, cicadas provide a fascinating look into nature’s cyclical rhythms.

animal tags： cicadas