Cicadas are fascinating insects that have a unique life cycle that can last for several years. In this article, we will explore the cicada life cycle for kids, and learn about the different stages that these insects go through.
Egg Stage
The cicada life cycle begins when the female cicada lays her eggs in the bark of a tree. She uses her ovipositor to make small slits in the bark, and then deposits her eggs inside the slits. Each female cicada can lay up to 600 eggs during her lifetime.
After the eggs are laid, they will hatch in about 6-10 weeks, depending on the species of cicada. The newly hatched cicada nymphs will drop to the ground, and burrow into the soil to begin their next stage of development.
Nymph Stage
Once the cicada nymphs have burrowed into the soil, they will begin feeding on the sap of tree roots. During this stage, they will live underground for several years, depending on the species. Some cicadas have a two-year life cycle, while others have a 17-year life cycle.
The cicada nymphs will shed their skin several times during this stage, as they grow and develop. Each time they shed their skin, they will emerge with a larger exoskeleton.
Adult Stage
After several years of living underground, the cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil as adults. They will climb up the nearest tree or plant, and molt for the final time. Once they have molted, they will have wings and be able to fly.
During the adult stage, the male cicadas will make a loud buzzing sound to attract females. They do this by using their tymbals, which are two specialized membranes located on their abdomen. The sound they make can be heard from up to a mile away.
Mating and Egg Laying
Once the male cicadas have attracted a female, they will mate. The female cicadas will then lay their eggs in the bark of a tree, and the cycle will begin again.
After the female cicadas have laid their eggs, they will die. The male cicadas may live for several more weeks, but they will eventually die as well.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the cicada life cycle for kids, you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge of these fascinating insects. Remember, cicadas are an important part of our ecosystem, and they play a vital role in pollination and nutrient cycling.