The synchronized mass emergence of periodical cicadas after spending 13 or 17 years developing underground as nymphs feeding on tree root sap, surfacing in enormous numbers within a span of just a few weeks to molt, sing, mate and lay eggs before dying. The extraordinarily long, prime-numbered life cycles are thought to be an evolutionary strategy that helps overwhelm predators through sheer numbers while making it harder for any predator population to synchronize its own reproduction to the emergence.
Facts
PeriodicityPeriodical cicadas of the genus Magicicada emerge on 13-year or 17-year cycles. 1 ScaleEmerging nymphs can reach densities of more than 1.5 million individuals per acre, about 370 per square meter. 1 First DescribedFormally named Cicada septendecim by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, based on earlier observations of the mass emergence. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAdults have red compound eyes, a black dorsal thorax, and translucent wings with orange veins. 1 Sources
1. Magicicada - Wikipedia
lead section / introduction
the 13- and 17-year cicadas
Predator satiation survival strategy section
The nymphs emerge in very large numbers at nearly the same time, sometimes more than 1.5 million individuals per acre (370 individuals per m2).
History section
in 1758 Carl Linnaeus named the insect Cicada septendecim.
Description section
The winged imago (adult) periodical cicada has two red compound eyes, three small ocelli, and a black dorsal thorax. The wings are translucent with orange veins.
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