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Surprising Facts about Cicadas, Nature’s Noisy Marvels
This summer, the buzz about cicadas has been hard to miss—whether it’s in the news or right in your own backyard. While these noisy insects may have a bad reputation for garden disruptions, they’re quite remarkable. They’ve been emerging by the billions across 14 states, including Georgia.
Through the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta STEM programming, we’ve compiled a list of misconceptions and surprising facts about cicadas so you can understand this unique phenomenon. From their unique life cycles to their musical talents, let’s play True or False as we explore the surprising world of cicadas.
True or False: Cicadas make their noises using parts of their exoskeleton
TRUE!
Cicadas make noise using a specialized part of their exoskeleton called a tymbal, which are located on their abdomens. These tymbals act as resonance chambers, amplifying the sound produced by male cicadas. Why do they sing? To attract female cicadas, of course! So, that buzzing you hear? It’s a love song in the insect world.
Experts say that a full-scale emergence of cicadas like the one we’re experiencing this summer, can bring around millions of male cicadas. Together their love song crescendo can reach approximately 100 decibels – almost the same as a nearby chainsaw!
True or False: Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans
TRUE!
When the female cicadas are ready to lay their eggs,they make tiny cuts in tree bark. When the eggs hatch, out come the nymphs—juvenile cicadas. These nymphs fall to the ground and burrow near tree roots. There, they feast on sap and xylem (part of the tree roots). It’s like their own secret hideout, away from predators.
In fact, cicadas spend very little time above ground. Their lifespans range 13-17 years, one of the longest of any insect and their many years under the soil is spent feeding and shedding their exoskeletons.
True or False: Cicadas are a type of locust
FALSE!
Despite some misconceptions, cicadas are not relatives to locusts! Cicadas are a type of Hemiptera, which are a include aphids and planthoppers. They also tend to be smaller than locusts, reaching an average of two inches long, while some locusts can reach up to four inches long!
Locusts often form in swarms and are a type of short-horned grasshopper, belonging to the order Orthoptera along with other types of crickets and grasshoppers.
True or False: Cicadas will eat and destroy crops
FALSE!
Adult cicadas only feed on liquids, like plant sap or nectar. The only crops they can eat are things like sugarcane that have sweet sap. Otherwise, they won’t destroy your garden! That also means adult cicadas won’t bite you.
More than 3,000 species of cicadas exist, and among those found in North America are called “periodical” cicadas. This means they stay underground and emerge in a synchronized time. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why these cicadas evolved these cycles, but theorize it was to avoid predators. Another theory says it has to do with cooler weather during the last ice age. When it is time, these periodical cicadas emerge by the millions!
True or False: Many people consider cicadas to be a culinary delicacy
TRUE!
Entomophagy — the eating of insects — is actually common around the world, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. Many insects are recognized for their excellent source of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins and proteins. They’re thought to be a healthy, sustainable alternative to meat.
As for cicadas, they've been found in art and literature from ancient Greece (Homer’s Iliad), ancient China, and other cultures across the world as a source of food.
But what do these buzzing insects taste like? It depends on who you ask. Some liken them to shrimp, others to asparagus, and a few adventurous souls even mention peanut butter.
Before you indulge in cicada cuisine, a word of caution: these critters may harbor elevated levels of mercury and can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with shellfish allergies.
Consider Yourself a Bug Expert?
Remember, cicadas are more than just noise—they’re nature’s symphony, mysterious nymphs, and a piece of ancient culinary heritage. So, next time you hear that buzzing, appreciate the remarkable insects behind it!
As Girl Scouts, you can continue to explore the world of cicadas through STEM, wildlife programs and other outdoor programs. Learning skills like these through STEM helps Girl Scouts as they build confidence and navigate through life.
We want you to feel confident to explore STEM with your Girl Scouts, so we’ve created a wide variety of events and resources for volunteers and parents to take advantage of during the membership year.
Learn more about our council STEM programming below.
