When cicadas emerge from the ground, they bring with them a symphony of sounds that heralds summer. But what do these fascinating insects actually eat when they're above ground? The answer might surprise you.
Unlike their voracious cousins, locusts, which chew through plants with gusto, cicadas have a more refined approach to dining. Equipped with specialized piercing and sucking mouthparts—similar to those of mosquitoes—they primarily feed on plant fluids rather than munching on leaves or stems. This feeding behavior is crucial for their survival but also reflects their unique role in the ecosystem.
As adults, cicadas focus on reproduction rather than indulging in lavish meals. They seek out young twigs and small branches of trees and woody shrubs to extract sap—a sugary fluid rich in nutrients essential for energy during their brief adult life cycle. Interestingly enough, this stage lasts only a few weeks to a month; thus, they don’t consume large quantities of food.
Before reaching adulthood, cicada nymphs spend years underground—anywhere from 2 to 17 years depending on the species—feeding off tree roots using those same specialized mouthparts. This underground phase allows them to grow slowly until it’s time for transformation into adults who will eventually tunnel up and join the chorus above ground.
While some may worry about potential damage caused by these insects as they feast upon plant sap or lay eggs in tree branches (which can weaken young twigs), it's important to note that mature trees typically recover quickly from such minor injuries. Cicadas are not major pests like locusts; instead, they play an integral part in aerating soil when emerging en masse and serve as vital food sources for birds and other wildlife.
So next time you hear that unmistakable buzzing sound echoing through your neighborhood during summer nights, remember: while cicadas may seem preoccupied with singing their hearts out—and perhaps looking for love—their diet is surprisingly simple yet significant.