Cicadas consume fluids from plants, but what exactly do they eat? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cicada diet, explaining what these insects eat during different stages of their lives. Learn about their feeding habits, preferred host plants, and the differences between cicadas and locusts, and discover more with related topics like sap feeders and xylem feeders.
1. What Do Cicadas Eat? Understanding the Cicada Diet
Cicadas are sap-sucking insects, meaning they feed on plant sap. What they eat depends on their stage of development. Cicadas undergo three life cycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- Nymphs: Cicada nymphs live underground and feed on the roots of plants.
- Adults: Adult cicadas emerge from the ground and feed on the sap from young twigs of trees and woody shrubs.
2. What is the Difference Between Cicadas and Locusts?
It’s easy to confuse cicadas and locusts, but they are very different insects. Locusts resemble grasshoppers and are voracious eaters of plants. Cicadas, on the other hand, feed in a different way and on different parts of plants.
- Locusts: Locusts have chewing mouthparts that allow them to eat almost any part of a plant above ground.
- Cicadas: Cicadas have piercing-sucking mouthparts, similar to those of a mosquito. They use these mouthparts to extract nourishment from plant roots and young twigs. Cicadas typically don’t eat plant leaves.
3. What Do Adult Cicadas Eat?
Adult cicadas primarily feed on plant fluids from young twigs of trees and woody shrubs. Unlike locusts, adult cicadas don’t cause serious plant damage through their feeding activities. However, they can harm plants when they cut small slits in branches to lay their eggs.
Preferred host trees for cicadas include:
- Oaks
- Maples
- Willows
- Ash species
Cicadas are opportunistic feeders and will likely be attracted to large plants near their underground nymph habitats.
4. What Do Cicada Nymphs Eat?
Cicada nymphs live underground and feed on plant roots. They use their piercing mouthparts to puncture the roots and suck up fluids located in the plant’s xylem. The xylem is the part of the plant that transports moisture and nutrients from the roots to the leaves.
While cicada nymphs may not directly cause significant plant damage, plant growth can be reduced if a large number of nymphs feed on the plant’s root system.
5. Do Cicadas Cause Damage to Plants?
While adult cicadas do not cause significant damage through feeding, their egg-laying behavior can harm trees. The slits they cut in branches can weaken the tree, especially in young or already stressed trees. Cicada nymphs can also impact plant growth if present in large numbers.
6. What Do Cicadas Not Eat?
Cicadas have a very specific diet. They do not:
- Prey on other insects
- Bite people (very unlikely)
- Suck blood
- Transmit diseases to people or animals
- Consume plants in vegetable or flower gardens
7. Why Are Cicadas Attracted to Certain Plants?
Cicadas are attracted to certain plants because they provide easy access to the sap they need for survival. Preferred host trees like oaks, maples, and willows have abundant sap in their young twigs, making them ideal food sources for adult cicadas. Nymphs are drawn to plants with large, accessible root systems.
8. How Do Cicadas Feed?
Cicadas have specialized mouthparts that allow them to feed efficiently on plant sap. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts are designed to puncture plant tissue and extract fluids. The nymphs use these mouthparts to tap into plant roots, while adults use them to feed on young twigs.
9. What is the Life Cycle of a Cicada?
Understanding the life cycle of a cicada helps explain their feeding habits at different stages:
- Egg: Female cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches.
- Nymph: Once hatched, the nymphs drop to the ground and burrow underground, where they feed on plant roots for several years.
- Adult: After years underground, the nymphs emerge as adults, mate, and lay eggs, completing the cycle.
10. Are Cicadas Harmful to Humans or Pets?
Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and pets. They don’t bite or sting and don’t transmit any diseases. While their buzzing sound can be annoying, they pose no real threat.
11. What Role Do Cicadas Play in the Ecosystem?
Cicadas play several important roles in the ecosystem:
- Soil Aeration: Nymphs aerate the soil as they burrow underground.
- Nutrient Cycling: When they die, their bodies decompose, returning nutrients to the soil.
- Food Source: Cicadas serve as a food source for birds, reptiles, and other animals.
12. How Can I Protect My Plants From Cicada Damage?
To protect your plants from cicada damage, consider the following:
- Netting: Cover young trees with netting to prevent female cicadas from laying eggs in the branches.
- Pruning: Prune damaged branches after the cicada season.
- Watering: Keep your plants well-watered to help them withstand any stress caused by cicadas.
13. What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Cicadas?
There are several misconceptions about cicadas:
- Cicadas are locusts: As mentioned earlier, cicadas and locusts are different insects.
- Cicadas bite: Cicadas do not bite or sting.
- Cicadas are poisonous: Cicadas are not poisonous to humans or pets.
14. Where Do Cicadas Live?
Cicadas are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
15. How Long Do Cicadas Live?
The lifespan of a cicada varies depending on the species. Some cicadas live for only a few years, while others live for over a decade. The 17-year cicada, for example, spends 17 years underground as a nymph before emerging as an adult.
16. What Are the Different Types of Cicadas?
There are two main types of cicadas:
- Annual Cicadas: These cicadas emerge every year.
- Periodical Cicadas: These cicadas emerge in cycles, such as every 13 or 17 years.
17. Why Do Cicadas Make So Much Noise?
Male cicadas make loud buzzing sounds to attract female cicadas for mating. Each species has a unique song.
18. How Do Cicadas Survive Underground for So Long?
Cicada nymphs survive underground by feeding on plant roots and remaining in a stable, protected environment. The xylem they consume provides the nutrients they need to grow and develop over many years.
19. What is the Difference Between Annual and Periodical Cicadas?
Annual cicadas emerge every year, while periodical cicadas emerge in cycles of 13 or 17 years. Periodical cicadas are known for their mass emergences, which can involve millions of cicadas in a single area.
20. How Do Scientists Study Cicadas?
Scientists study cicadas by:
- Collecting and identifying specimens: This helps track different species and their distribution.
- Monitoring emergence patterns: Observing when and where cicadas emerge provides insights into their life cycle.
- Studying their DNA: This can reveal evolutionary relationships between different cicada species.
- Tracking their feeding habits: Understanding what cicadas eat and how they impact plants.
21. Are Cicadas Edible?
Yes, cicadas are edible and are consumed in some parts of the world. They are often eaten fried or roasted. However, people with seafood allergies should avoid eating cicadas, as they are related to shellfish.
22. How Do Cicadas Emerge From the Ground?
When cicada nymphs are ready to emerge, they dig their way out of the ground and climb onto a nearby tree or plant. They then shed their exoskeleton, revealing their adult form.
23. What Time of Year Do Cicadas Emerge?
Cicadas typically emerge in the late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm enough for them to survive and reproduce.
24. Why Do Cicadas Shed Their Skin?
Cicadas shed their skin, or exoskeleton, to grow. As they grow, their exoskeleton becomes too small, and they must shed it to reveal a new, larger exoskeleton.
25. How Can I Tell if I Have Cicadas in My Yard?
You can tell if you have cicadas in your yard by:
- Seeing cicadas: Adult cicadas are easily recognizable by their large size and clear wings.
- Hearing their buzzing sound: Male cicadas make a loud buzzing sound to attract mates.
- Seeing shed exoskeletons: Cicadas leave behind their shed exoskeletons on trees and plants.
- Noticing small slits in tree branches: Female cicadas make small slits in tree branches when laying eggs.
26. What is Xylem and Why is it Important to Cicadas?
Xylem is the vascular tissue in plants that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. It’s crucial for cicada nymphs because they feed directly on the xylem within plant roots, obtaining the necessary moisture and nutrients for their development.
27. Are Cicadas Considered Pests?
Whether cicadas are considered pests depends on the context and the scale of their impact. While they don’t typically cause widespread damage, their egg-laying habits can harm young trees. In large numbers, nymphs feeding on roots can also stress plants. However, they also contribute to the ecosystem by aerating soil and providing a food source for other animals.
28. How Do Cicadas Find Plants to Feed On?
Cicadas locate plants using a combination of cues. Nymphs are drawn to the roots of plants through chemical signals in the soil. Adult cicadas use visual cues to spot potential host trees and may also be attracted by the scent of plant sap.
29. What are the Natural Predators of Cicadas?
Cicadas have numerous natural predators, including:
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Spiders
- Mantises
- Wasps
These predators help control cicada populations and maintain balance in the ecosystem.
30. What Research is Being Conducted on Cicadas?
Ongoing research on cicadas includes:
- Genomic studies: Investigating the genetic makeup of different cicada species to understand their evolution and behavior.
- Ecological studies: Examining the role of cicadas in the ecosystem and their interactions with other species.
- Behavioral studies: Studying cicada mating rituals, feeding habits, and other behaviors.
- Climate change impacts: Assessing how climate change is affecting cicada populations and emergence patterns.
31. What are the Cultural Significance of Cicadas?
Cicadas hold cultural significance in various societies:
- Symbolism: In some cultures, cicadas symbolize rebirth, immortality, and transformation.
- Art and Literature: Cicadas have been featured in art, literature, and music throughout history.
- Food Source: As mentioned earlier, cicadas are consumed as a food source in some parts of the world.
32. What is the Impact of Cicada Emergence on Local Ecosystems?
Cicada emergences can have a significant impact on local ecosystems:
- Nutrient Pulse: The decomposition of cicada bodies after emergence provides a nutrient pulse to the soil, benefiting plants.
- Food Web Disruption: The sudden abundance of cicadas can disrupt local food webs, providing a feast for predators and affecting the populations of other insects.
- Plant Stress: Heavy cicada egg-laying can stress young trees, potentially causing branch dieback.
33. How Can I Differentiate Between Different Species of Cicadas?
Differentiating between cicada species can be done by:
- Size and Shape: Different species vary in size and body shape.
- Coloration: Cicadas exhibit a range of colors, including green, brown, and black.
- Song: Each species has a unique song that can be used for identification.
- Geographic Location: Certain species are found in specific geographic regions.
34. What are the Effects of Pesticides on Cicadas?
Pesticides can have detrimental effects on cicadas, especially when applied during their emergence. Pesticides can directly kill cicadas or disrupt their nervous systems, affecting their ability to reproduce and survive. It’s essential to use pesticides judiciously and consider alternative pest control methods to minimize harm to cicadas and other beneficial insects.
35. How Do Cicadas Regulate Their Body Temperature?
Cicadas regulate their body temperature through various mechanisms:
- Evaporative Cooling: Cicadas can cool down by evaporating water from their bodies through specialized pores.
- Behavioral Adaptations: They seek shade during the hottest parts of the day and adjust their activity levels to avoid overheating.
- Body Orientation: Cicadas orient their bodies to minimize exposure to direct sunlight.
36. What is the Evolutionary History of Cicadas?
Cicadas have a long evolutionary history, dating back millions of years. Fossil evidence suggests that cicadas were present during the Mesozoic Era, alongside dinosaurs. Over time, they have evolved diverse adaptations to survive in various environments.
37. What are the Conservation Status of Cicadas?
Most cicada species are not currently considered threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change could pose potential threats to cicada populations in the future. Monitoring cicada populations and implementing conservation measures can help ensure their long-term survival.
38. How Do Cicadas Contribute to Scientific Research?
Cicadas contribute to scientific research in various ways:
- Ecological Studies: Studying cicadas provides insights into ecosystem dynamics and food web interactions.
- Evolutionary Biology: Cicadas serve as model organisms for studying evolutionary processes, such as adaptation and speciation.
- Climate Change Research: Monitoring cicada populations can help assess the impacts of climate change on insect biodiversity.
- Biomimicry: Researchers study cicada wings and exoskeletons to develop new materials with unique properties.
39. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cicada Diet
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What do cicada nymphs eat? | Cicada nymphs feed on the xylem fluids from plant roots. |
| What do adult cicadas eat? | Adult cicadas feed on plant fluids from the young twigs of trees and woody shrubs. |
| Do cicadas cause damage to plants? | Adult cicadas cause minor damage when they lay eggs. Nymphs may reduce plant growth if there are extremely large numbers of them. |
| Do cicadas bite humans or animals? | No, cicadas do not bite humans or animals. |
| Are cicadas harmful? | Cicadas are generally harmless. They do not transmit diseases and are not poisonous. |
| What is the difference between cicadas and locusts? | Locusts chew and consume almost any part of a plant above ground. Cicadas use piercing/sucking mouthparts to obtain their nourishment from below ground roots and young twigs. |
| What trees do cicadas prefer? | Preferred hosts for cicadas include trees such as oaks, maples, willows, and ash species. |
| How do cicadas find food? | Nymphs are drawn to the roots of plants through chemical signals in the soil. Adult cicadas use visual cues to spot potential host trees and may also be attracted by the scent of plant sap. |
| Are cicadas edible? | Yes, cicadas are edible and are consumed in some parts of the world, often fried or roasted. |
| What role do cicadas play in the ecosystem? | Cicadas play several important roles in the ecosystem, including soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and serving as a food source for various animals. |
40. Still Have Questions About Cicadas?
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