Do Cicadas Devour Gardens?

Have you ever wondered if those noisy, periodic invaders of our summer skies, cicadas, pose a threat to your lush gardens? The short answer is no, cicadas do not eat gardens. However, understanding their life cycle and diet can help dispel myths and ensure these fascinating creatures coexist peacefully with your plants.

Cicadas are fascinating insects that spend most of their lives underground, feeding on sap from tree roots. They only emerge above ground to mate and lay eggs, a process that happens every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. This periodic emergence has led to some misconceptions about their diet and habits.

Cicada Life Cycle and Diet

Cicadas have a unique life cycle that spans several years. They spend most of this time as nymphs underground, feeding on sap from tree roots. This sap provides them with all the nutrients they need to survive and grow.

Once they emerge from the ground as adults, their primary goal is to reproduce. They do not feed during this brief above-ground phase of their life, lasting only a few weeks. Instead, they rely on the energy stored from their years of feeding underground.

Feeding Habits of Cicada Nymphs

Cicada nymphs are sap-sucking insects. They use their specialized mouthparts, called stylets, to pierce plant roots and feed on the sap. This sap provides them with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

While cicada nymphs do feed on a variety of plant species, they are not known to cause significant damage to plants. Their feeding habits are more akin to those of small, underground herbivores, similar to earthworms or grubs.

Adult Cicadas: No Garden Threat

Adult cicadas do not feed at all. Their primary goal after emerging from the ground is to mate and lay eggs. They do not have functional mouthparts and cannot feed on plants or any other food source.

While their loud buzzing can be annoying, adult cicadas pose no threat to gardens. They do not eat plants, and their brief above-ground presence does not cause any significant damage to vegetation.

Cicadas and Gardens: Coexistence

Given their feeding habits and life cycle, cicadas are generally harmless to gardens. However, there are a few things gardeners can do to ensure a harmonious coexistence with these periodic visitors.

Firstly, understanding their life cycle can help manage expectations. Knowing that they will emerge every 13 or 17 years can help gardeners plan and prepare. Secondly, providing a diverse range of plants can support a healthy ecosystem, benefiting both cicadas and other beneficial insects.

In conclusion, while cicadas may seem like a garden invasion, they pose no threat to your plants. Their unique life cycle and diet make them fascinating creatures to observe and appreciate. By understanding and respecting their natural behavior, we can coexist peacefully with these periodic summer visitors.