The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.
The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.
From Stephen B. Bambara, Extension Entomologist
Species of periodical cicadas (Brood IX) are emerging in northwestern regions of North Carolina, and it should be a fairly spectacular emergence in some locations. This seems to be one or two weeks earlier than expected. Periodical cicadas are sometimes incorrectly called locusts (true locusts are Old World grasshoppers). Periodical cicadas are all 1 to 1.5 inches long including the wings. The eyes, legs and margins of the wings are orange. Periodical cicadas sing and fly in spring whereas other species of cicadas usually sing and fly during the summer. After spending years in the soil, cicada nymphs dig their way to the surface (and sometimes even construct mud chimneys up to 3 inches tall). Usually, in late May or early June, the nymphs crawl to the trunk of a tree or some other object and cling there. Soon the insect molts into the winged adult stage, leaving behind the cast skin. Adult males begin to sing with a shrill buzzing noise to attract females. After mating, females use their saw-like ovipositors to open slits in the bark of hardwood twigs and insert eggs in two rows. Damage by cicadas is caused by the tiny slits made during egg laying. Heavily-damaged twigs may die back. This is normally not a significant problem with large trees. After 6 or 7 weeks, the eggs hatch and tiny, ant-like first stage nymphs drop to the soil to burrow in for the next two or more years (periodical cicadas develop for 13 to 17 years). While in the soil, the nymphs feed on the roots of many kinds of trees but do not cause noticeable damage. Farming and urbanization of suitable habitats has reduced the populations of many cicadas, and it is thought that some broods of periodical cicadas may be extinct.
In woodlands, around homes and in most landscapes it is neither practical nor desirable to try to eliminate cicadas. However, landscapers, nurserymen and apple growers may want to protect valuable woody shrubs and small trees. Covering with a lightweight fabric can protect ornamental trees and shrubs that are small enough. For more information on these and other species of cicadas, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 17 or visit the University of Michigan periodical cicada web site.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on May 13, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
