10 Crazy But True Facts About Cicadas

Cicadas are among the most intriguing insects in the animal kingdom, and they offer a fantastic learning opportunity for homeschooling families. I’m excited (maybe?) that I live in an area where they will be emerging soon! Here are ten crazy but true facts about cicadas that you can share with your children to spark their curiosity about nature and science.

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

1. Cicadas Can Live Underground for Up to 17 Years

Most of a cicada’s life is spent underground as a nymph. Depending on the species, they can live buried for 2 to 17 years, feeding on sap from tree roots. This period is spent growing and preparing for their brief adult life above ground.

2. They Emerge in Massive Numbers

When it is time to emerge, cicadas do so synchronously and in huge numbers, often thousands per acre. This phenomenon is a survival strategy known as predator satiation: there are so many cicadas at once that predators can’t possibly eat them all, ensuring enough survive to reproduce.

3. Cicadas Have Five Eyes

Cicadas are equipped with two large compound eyes and three smaller ocelli, or simple eyes, located on the top of their heads. The compound eyes provide a broad field of vision, while the ocelli are thought to detect light and darkness.

4. They’re Among the Loudest Insects

Male cicadas are famous for their loud calls, which can reach up to 100 decibels — about as loud as a motorcycle. They produce these sounds using a membrane called a tymbal. Each species has its own unique song to attract females.

5. Cicadas Can Cool Themselves Down

On very hot days, cicadas can sweat, just like humans. This process helps them regulate their body temperature and avoid overheating during the hottest parts of the summer.

6. There Are Over 3,000 Species of Cicadas

Cicadas are found all over the world, and there are currently over 3,000 known species. They vary significantly in size, color, and lifespan.

7. Some Species Are Edible

In many cultures, cicadas are considered a delicacy. They are high in protein and low in fat, making them a nutritious option. The best time to harvest them for eating is just after they have molted when they are soft and most tender.

8. Cicadas Have a Strange Defense Mechanism

When threatened, some species of cicadas can produce a noxious, foul-smelling fluid to deter predators. This is particularly useful during their vulnerable molting stage.

9. Their Emergence Can Affect Entire Ecosystems

The mass emergence of cicadas significantly impacts local ecosystems. Their activity helps aerate the soil, and their bodies provide a nutrient-rich food source for a variety of wildlife, promoting a burst of growth and reproduction in subsequent years.

10. Cicadas Are Not Locusts

Despite commonly being called locusts, cicadas are not related to true locusts, which are a type of grasshopper. This mix-up likely occurred because of their mass emergences, similar to locust swarms.

**Are the cicadas emerging in your area this summer? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Cicadas Freebie

Here’s a great new Cicadas ebook to download for free from Schoolhouse Teachers! Be sure to check out all the wonderful courses they have available there.

Conclusion

Sharing these fascinating facts about cicadas can make your homeschooling journey exciting and memorable. Not only does it teach children about biology and entomology, but it also encourages them to appreciate the smaller, often overlooked parts of our natural world. So next time you hear the buzzing of cicadas, remember there’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be explored!

Mother’s Day Giveaway

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