In the United States, there are seven special types of insects called periodical cicadas, and they all belong to a group known as Magicicada. These cicadas are quite unique because they spend most of their lives underground. Depending on the type, they stay hidden for either 13 or 17 years! During this long time, they live in the dark, hardly move, and eat very little.
While underground, cicadas survive by drinking a liquid called xylem, which comes from tree roots. This is their main source of food. No other insect in the world takes as long as periodical cicadas to grow and develop while living underground.
Then, something amazing happens. On a special spring night, millions of cicadas come out from the ground all at once. This is a spectacular event because they all do it together, like a big, synchronized dance. They find the nearest tree or tall surface, climb up, and shed their old skin to reveal their final form with wings.
In total, trillions of cicadas emerge around the same time across the United States. This massive emergence is one of nature’s most incredible shows. It’s like a giant insect party where they all come out to enjoy the world above ground after years of waiting.
Periodical cicadas are fascinating because of their long life cycle and the way they all come out together. Scientists believe that this synchronized emergence helps them survive. By coming out in such large numbers, they overwhelm predators, ensuring that enough cicadas survive to continue the cycle.
Learning about periodical cicadas teaches us about patience, survival, and the wonders of nature. Next time you hear the loud buzzing of cicadas, remember the incredible journey they’ve been on to reach the surface!
Draw a comic strip that illustrates the lifecycle of a periodical cicada. Include scenes of their time underground, their emergence, and their life above ground. Use your creativity to show the unique aspects of their lifecycle, and add speech bubbles to make it fun!
Imagine you are a cicada emerging from the ground. Create a dance that represents the synchronized emergence of cicadas. Think about how they move from underground to climbing trees. Perform your dance for the class and explain the different stages you are representing.
Using materials like clay, cardboard, and paint, build a model of a cicada’s habitat. Include underground tunnels and tree roots to show where they live for most of their lives. Present your model to the class and explain how cicadas survive underground.
Write a short story from the perspective of a cicada. Describe your life underground, the excitement of emerging, and the challenges you face above ground. Share your story with the class and discuss the survival strategies of cicadas.
Research the sounds cicadas make and try to replicate them using simple instruments or objects around you. Record your sounds and play them for the class. Discuss why cicadas make these sounds and how it helps them during their emergence.
The seven species of periodical cicadas in the United States all belong to the genus Magicicada. They are unique organisms that, depending on the species, spend either 13 or 17 years underground. During this time, they experience no light, minimal movement, and very little food. No other insect on Earth takes this long to develop underground. They survive by feeding on xylem, which is a liquid from tree roots.
Then, on one significant spring night, millions of them emerge simultaneously, creating an astonishing number of organisms living their lives in complete synchrony. They climb up the nearest vertical surface and shed their skin, emerging in their final winged form. In total, trillions of cicadas will emerge around the same time across the United States.
Cicadas – Insects known for their loud buzzing sounds, often found in trees during the summer. – Example sentence: Every summer, the cicadas fill the air with their buzzing songs.
Underground – Located beneath the surface of the earth. – Example sentence: Many animals, like moles and earthworms, live underground to stay safe from predators.
Emerge – To come out from a hidden or enclosed space. – Example sentence: After spending years underground, cicadas emerge to sing and find mates.
Life – The existence of living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. – Example sentence: The forest is full of life, with birds singing and insects buzzing around.
Food – Any nutritious substance that living organisms eat or absorb to maintain life and growth. – Example sentence: Plants use sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
Xylem – The part of a plant that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. – Example sentence: The xylem helps trees get the water they need to grow tall and strong.
Spring – The season after winter when plants begin to grow and animals become more active. – Example sentence: In spring, flowers bloom and animals come out of hibernation.
Synchronized – Happening at the same time or rate. – Example sentence: The synchronized emergence of cicadas creates a loud chorus in the forest.
Predators – Animals that hunt and eat other animals for food. – Example sentence: Owls are predators that hunt small mammals at night.
Nature – The natural world, including plants, animals, and landscapes. – Example sentence: Nature provides us with beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems to explore.
