Wild Neighbors: Cicada

{In this ongoing series, “Wild Neighbors”, we take a closer look at the wild animals that share our neighborhoods and natural spaces here in Sangamon County. From the skies to the waters, and everything in between, these creatures play vital roles in the ecosystems around us.}

The Cicada is one of the most iconic sounds of summer in Sangamon County. Known for their loud, droning calls, these insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on plant roots before emerging as adults. Their calling, a shrill buzz that can be heard from miles away, is the males’ way of attracting females for mating. Cicadas are especially abundant during warm months, and their songs fill the air as they perch high in the trees, vibrating their bodies to produce their unmistakable sound.

Though they are most often associated with hot summer days, the life cycle of a Cicada is long and fascinating. After spending years underground, the adults emerge in mass numbers to mate, laying their eggs in tree branches. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil to begin the cycle all over again. In Sangamon County, Cicadas are typically seen in late summer, and their emergence can be quite a spectacle. While they are harmless to humans, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming, and their loud calls can sometimes be deafening.

Despite their overwhelming presence during certain times of the year, Cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem. Their decaying bodies provide a food source for many animals, including birds, small mammals, and other insects. Their emergence also benefits trees and plants, as the holes they create while laying eggs aerate the soil.