Cicada Bugs In The Garden: A Guide to Understanding These Noisy Creatures

Have you ever been enjoying a peaceful afternoon in your garden, only to be interrupted by the deafening buzz of cicada bugs? These insects are a common sight in many parts of the world, including North America and Asia. While they may be annoying, cicadas are actually fascinating creatures with a unique life cycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the world of cicada bugs and learn more about these noisy neighbors.

The Life Cycle of Cicada Bugs

Cicada bugs have one of the most unusual life cycles of any insect. They spend the majority of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on sap from tree roots. Depending on the species, cicada nymphs can remain underground for anywhere from two to 17 years, living in complete darkness and never seeing the light of day.

When it is time for the cicadas to emerge from the ground, they do so en masse, sometimes by the millions. This phenomenon is called a "brood" and varies depending on the region and species of cicada. Once they emerge, the cicadas shed their exoskeletons and transform into adults with wings. The males then begin the loud chorus of mating calls that cicadas are famous for.

The Song of the Cicada

One of the most distinctive features of cicadas is their loud, buzzing song. Male cicadas use a special organ called a tymbal to produce this sound. By rapidly vibrating their tymbals, they create a high-pitched noise that can reach up to 120 decibels.

While cicadas are often associated with annoyance and disruption, their songs are actually quite beautiful. Different species of cicadas produce different songs, and some have even been known to harmonize with each other.

Cicadas and Your Garden

If you have a garden, you may have noticed cicadas buzzing around your plants. While they can be destructive to some trees and shrubs, cicadas are generally harmless to garden crops. In fact, they can even be beneficial. When cicadas emerge from the ground, they leave behind tunnels that can help aerate the soil. Additionally, when they die, their bodies decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.

However, if you have young or newly planted trees, you may want to take steps to protect them from cicada damage. Female cicadas lay their eggs in the branches of trees, which can cause wilting and discoloration. You can protect your trees by covering them with netting or a fine mesh cloth during the cicada season.

Cicada Myths and Legends

Cicadas have been a part of human culture and mythology for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, cicadas were associated with music and poetry, and were often depicted in works of art. In China, cicadas were thought to bring good luck and were believed to be reincarnations of humans who had lived virtuous lives.

Today, cicadas continue to inspire fascination and curiosity. Some people collect cicada exoskeletons as souvenirs, while others enjoy listening to their songs on warm summer days.

Cicada bugs are a unique and fascinating part of the natural world. While their loud buzzing may be annoying at times, they play an important role in the ecosystem and have inspired countless myths and legends throughout history. By understanding more about these noisy neighbors, we can learn to appreciate them for the remarkable creatures that they are.

A cicada resting on a leaf (Photo by Jane Doe)

Cicada Bugs, Broods, Mating Calls, Trees, Soil, Myths, Legends