Find out why the cicada spends years underground and lives only a few weeks in the sun. Understand the fascinating life cycle of the cicada
The cicada is a very well-known insect in Brazil, especially for the characteristic sound it produces during the hottest days. Although many associate these animals with summer song, their life path is marked by a long period away from human eyes, which raises interesting questions about the cicada’s true cycle.
Many believe that the cicada lives only a few weeks, appearing briefly to sing before disappearing forever. The history of this insect, however, is more complex, since much of its existence takes place underground, in a dark and protected environment, away from external noises.
How many years does the cicada stay underground?
The cicada’s life cycle includes two main phases: the underground phase and the adult phase. During the underground phase the cicada nymph remains buried, feeding on the sap of the plant roots. This period is considerably long and can vary depending on the species. In tropical regions like Brazil, it is common for most cicadas to stay underground for 2 to 5 years, but some species can stay for up to 17 years in other countries, like the United States.
Therefore, saying that the cicada spends only 3 years underground is not entirely accurate for all species. The amount of time depends on factors such as climate, type of cicada and environmental conditions. In the case of the most common cicadas present in Brazilian urban areas, this three-year value can be taken as an average, but not as a rule for the entire population of these insects.
Is the life of an adult cicada really that short?
After a long period of underground development, the cicada nymph emerges to complete its metamorphosis and transform into an adult. The adult phase is in fact short when compared to the underground phase. Typically an adult cicada lives between two and six weeks, a period dedicated mainly to reproduction.
During this time, males make loud sounds to attract females. After mating, the females lay their eggs on the branches or trunks of trees, thus completing the life cycle. Soon after fulfilling this role, both males and females die, leaving a new generation ready to begin the process.
What are the main curiosities about the cicada?
Several characteristics make the cicada a unique animal in the insect kingdom. Among the main ones stand out:
- Sound produced: Only the male cicada is capable of producing song, which has the purpose of attracting females during the reproductive period.
- Underground lifespan: Depending on the species, cicadas can remain underground for two or several years as nymphs.
- Ecological importance: During their life cycle, cicadas contribute to soil aeration and serve as food for various animals.
- Complex metamorphosis: The process of transformation from nymph to adult occurs rapidly after emerging from the earth, marking a radical change in a short time.
- Species diversity: There are thousands of species of cicadas in the world, with different behaviors and life cycles.
Is it correct to say that the cicada lives longer underground than outside?
In general yes. For most species, the majority of the life cycle is spent underground as a nymph, feeding and growing slowly. Its short existence as an adult is dedicated exclusively to reproduction, justifying the fame of its short life in the sun. This characteristic makes the cicada an interesting example of an insect with a long development and an ephemeral adult phase, characterized by its characteristic song in the warmer months.
Knowing the cicada cycle therefore allows us to better understand the peculiar nature of this insect and the importance it has both in the ecological balance and in the Brazilian popular imagination. Next time the distinctive sound of the cicada rings out, it’s worth remembering that behind the brief spectacle lies a complex story of years spent underground.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
