Do Cicadas Really “Sing Until They Explode”? Debunking the Myth and Exploring Their Life Cycle

Cicadas are fascinating creatures that have captured the curiosity of many with their loud, high-pitched songs. But, one common myth that often circulates is that these insects “sing until they explode.” This intriguing idea leads many to wonder whether the powerful sounds emitted by cicadas come at the cost of their own survival. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this myth, look into the biology of cicadas, and uncover the secrets of their life cycle. Let's dive deep into the world of cicadas to uncover the science and facts that shape their existence.

The Sound of Cicadas: Myth vs. Reality

What Causes Cicadas to Sing?

Cicadas are known for their incredibly loud calls, with some species capable of producing sounds that can reach up to 120 decibels—louder than a chainsaw or even a lion’s roar! However, contrary to popular belief, cicadas do not sing “until they explode.” The source of their song is an organ called the timpani, which functions similarly to the human eardrum but is adapted for sound production.

The primary reason cicadas produce such loud sounds is for mating. Male cicadas use their songs to attract females, and the sound serves as a form of communication to signal their readiness to reproduce. This vocalization, while intense, does not result in the cicada’s demise, as some myths suggest.

The Truth Behind the “Exploding” Myth

While it may seem dramatic, the idea that cicadas explode due to their songs is entirely a misunderstanding. What people may interpret as an “explosion” is actually a natural process called ecdysis or molting. This process occurs when a cicada sheds its exoskeleton to accommodate its growth. The shell breaks apart, and the cicada emerges from it as an adult, often with wings that were previously folded underneath.

Although the sudden appearance of a newly-formed cicada can appear like a dramatic rupture, it is simply part of the insect’s natural development. In reality, cicadas are not at risk of self-destruction through their loud vocalizations.

Understanding the Cicada Life Cycle

The life cycle of a cicada is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. It involves several distinct stages that can span from a few years to decades, depending on the species. Let’s explore the different phases of cicada life.

From Egg to Nymph: The Underground Journey

Cicadas start their life in a rather unassuming way. Female cicadas deposit their eggs in the cracks of tree branches. Once the eggs hatch, tiny nymphs emerge. These nymphs fall to the ground and instinctively burrow into the soil, where they will remain for a long period of time.

The duration of the nymph stage can vary greatly. Some cicada species stay underground for as little as 2 years, while others, known as periodic cicadas, may spend 13 or even 17 years below the surface. During this time, they feed on the sap from tree roots, gradually growing and developing until they are ready to emerge as adults.

The Emergence: A Spectacle of Nature

After spending years underground, the nymphs reach a critical stage in their development. They ascend from the depths of the soil and begin their final molt. This transformation, called ecdysis, is the moment when cicadas shed their nymphal skins and emerge as winged adults. This process is often dramatic, with cicadas climbing trees and other vertical surfaces before they finally break free from their old exoskeletons.

This emergence typically occurs in vast numbers, creating a breathtaking spectacle that can be seen in forests and urban areas. These mass emergences are most common in late spring and early summer, when temperatures are warm enough to trigger the final molt.

Reproduction: The Adult Cicada's Purpose

Once cicadas emerge from the ground, they have a singular goal: reproduction. The adult cicada's main task is to mate and ensure the next generation continues the cycle. Male cicadas use their loud calls to attract females. The calls are not only loud but also complex, varying in pitch and rhythm to communicate different messages. Once a female is attracted by the male's song, mating occurs, and the female will deposit her eggs back into the branches of trees, completing the reproductive cycle.

Interestingly, after mating, most adult cicadas do not live for long. Their lifespan in the adult stage is generally only a few weeks to a few months. Despite their brief existence, their impact on the environment is significant.

Cicadas' Role in the Ecosystem

Though cicadas live relatively short lives as adults, they play an important role in the ecosystem. Here’s how:

A Vital Food Source for Predators

Cicadas are a valuable food source for a wide variety of predators, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and other insects. The massive emergences provide an abundance of food in a short period, which supports many species in the ecosystem.

Contribution to Soil Health

As cicadas decompose after their life cycle ends, their bodies enrich the soil. The nutrients released from their decaying bodies help fertilize the soil, contributing to the growth of plants and enriching the ecosystem.

Moreover, the cicadas’ underground activities also have ecological benefits. Their burrowing helps aerate the soil, which can improve root growth for plants and trees, further benefiting the ecosystem.

Fascinating Cicada Facts

• Diurnal Behavior: Cicadas are most active during the day, especially in the warm afternoon hours, making their presence known through their buzzing calls.
• Temperature Sensitivity: The cicada's song is influenced by temperature. As the heat increases, so does their activity, and the songs grow louder and more frequent.
• Noise Levels: Cicadas are notorious for their loud noise, which peaks during hot, sunny days. Their calls are not only loud but also can be heard from great distances, making them one of the most vocal insects in the animal kingdom.
• Annual vs. Periodic Cicadas: While some cicadas are annual, emerging every year, others are periodic and emerge once every 13 or 17 years. Despite the longer intervals, both types of cicadas produce similar noises during their active period.

The Bottom Line

The myth that cicadas “sing until they explode” is just that—a myth. These creatures are fascinating for their resilience and unique life cycle, which includes an impressive underground stage, dramatic transformations, and a brief yet impactful adulthood. While their loud calls may give the impression of chaos, they serve a clear and purposeful role in attracting mates and reproducing.

Cicadas are not only crucial players in the natural world due to their role in the food chain but also vital contributors to soil health and ecosystem biodiversity. Their life cycle, while full of mystery, demonstrates the intricate and interconnected systems that sustain our natural world.

To further illustrate their fascinating life cycle, here's a simple diagram in mermaid syntax that shows their stages of development:

Stage	Description
A. Egg	The initial stage.
B. Nymph	The juvenile form, emerging from the egg.
C. Underground Phase	The nymph remains underground, feeding.
D. Emergence	The nymph emerges from the ground.
E. Adult Cicada	The adult form after emerging.
F. Mating	Adult cicadas mate to reproduce.
G. Egg Deposition	Female cicadas lay eggs to start the cycle.

This table shows the life cycle stages of a cicada in the proper sequence.

In summary, cicadas are extraordinary creatures whose songs echo through the forest but do not signal their destruction. Instead, their calls are part of a greater story of growth, reproduction, and ecological contribution. By understanding the truth behind their biology, we can appreciate their role in nature even more.