Cicadas are among the most fascinating and loudest insects on Earth, famous for their distinctive, rhythmic songs. Their sound is a symbol of hot summer days, stillness, and the gentle hum of nature. Though small, cicadas live remarkable lives that continue to intrigue scientists around the world. They play an important role in ecosystems and are admired for their extraordinary biology and mysterious life cycles. Below are some captivating and educational facts about cicadas that you might not know.
- Cicadas have existed on Earth for more than 200 million years. Their ancestors lived during the age of the dinosaurs, and since then, they have changed very little. Because of this, scientists often refer to them as living fossils that have survived through time.
- There are more than 3,000 known species of cicadas worldwide. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and are remarkably adaptable to various climates — from tropical rainforests to dry grasslands and deserts.
- The most famous types are periodical cicadas, which emerge only once every 13 or 17 years. During this time, they live underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap of plant roots. When the time is right, millions of them come to the surface to reproduce in one of nature’s most astonishing events.
- The life cycle of cicadas is one of the most unique among all insects. They spend most of their lives underground and only live a few weeks above ground. During this short time, they mate, lay eggs, and die, leaving behind a new generation.
- Male cicadas are known for their loud singing, which can reach over 100 decibels. This is as loud as a motorcycle or chainsaw. Their songs serve mainly to attract females and to mark their territory.
- Cicadas produce sound not with their wings, like crickets, but with special organs called tymbals located on their abdomen. When their muscles contract, these thin membranes vibrate, creating a powerful resonating sound.
- Each species of cicada has its own distinct song. This allows females to recognize males of their species even among thousands of others. To the human ear, the differences are often too subtle to distinguish.
- The loud chorus of cicadas can also serve as a defense mechanism. Some predators avoid places where cicadas sing because they cannot tolerate such intense noise. In this way, their song acts as a natural shield.
- Female cicadas do not sing. Their main role is to lay eggs inside tree branches. They use a special sharp organ to cut into the bark and deposit their eggs safely within.
- Once the eggs hatch, the tiny nymphs fall to the ground and immediately burrow deep into the soil. They remain underground for anywhere between 2 and 17 years, feeding on root sap until they are ready to emerge as adults.
- A mass emergence of cicadas is one of nature’s most impressive spectacles. In some regions of the United States, populations can reach more than 1.5 million cicadas per hectare. Their collective sound can completely transform the natural soundscape.
- Despite their vast numbers, cicadas are harmless to humans. They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. They simply live out their brief surface lives, singing and reproducing.
- In various cultures, cicadas symbolize immortality and rebirth. In ancient China, small cicada figures were placed in tombs as symbols of eternal life. In Japan, they are associated with the fleeting beauty and impermanence of life.
- The bodies of cicadas have a special structure that helps them survive in harsh conditions. Their exoskeleton is coated with a microscopic waxy layer that repels water and dirt, keeping them clean even in rain or dust.
- Cicada wings are also remarkable. Besides allowing flight, their surfaces have natural antibacterial properties. The microscopic structures on the wings physically destroy bacterial cell walls, preventing the growth of microbes.
- Cicadas have excellent vision. They possess two large compound eyes on the sides of their head and three smaller simple eyes in between. This combination allows them to navigate light and movement efficiently.
- Cicadas emerge from the ground only when the soil temperature reaches about 18 degrees Celsius. This shows their sensitivity to climate changes and environmental conditions.
- In nature, cicadas have many predators — birds, spiders, ants, snakes, and even parasitic fungi. However, their mass emergence ensures that enough survive, as predators cannot consume them all at once.
- Researchers have noticed that the loud sound of cicadas can slightly raise the air temperature around them. This happens due to the vibrations and movement of air caused by their powerful sound waves.
- Cicadas rarely stay silent. Even when there are no females nearby, males continue to sing, maintaining communication with their group. Their collective chorus is considered one of the loudest natural sounds on land.
- Despite their noise, cicadas are vital for ecosystems. When they die, their bodies decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients, helping plants grow.
- In some countries, cicadas are eaten as a delicacy. In Thailand, China, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they are fried or roasted, and their flavor is said to resemble nuts or shrimp.
- Cicadas have inspired humans for thousands of years. Their songs have appeared in ancient Greek poetry, music, and philosophy, where they were regarded as the voice of nature and a symbol of eternal summer.
Cicadas are true marvels of nature, embodying ancient history, beauty, and the harmony of life. Interesting facts about them reveal how astonishing and complex the world of insects can be. These small creatures remind us that even the tiniest forms of life play an essential role in the balance of nature and fill the world with their unique melody.
