TED-Ed: Cicadas: The dormant army beneath your feet - Rose Eveleth

Cicadas are insects that spend most of their lives underground, emerging every 13 or 17 years to molt, mate, and die. They are known for their loud mating calls, which can reach up to 100 decibels. Cicadas face various predators and parasites, including the Massospora fungus. Their synchronized emergence overwhelms predators, ensuring some survive to reproduce. The reason for their 13 and 17-year cycles remains uncertain, though it may relate to prime numbers. After mating, cicadas die, and their offspring continue the cycle underground.

What are the three main activities that cicadas do when they emerge from the ground?

Describe the role of the fungus Massospora in the life of cicadas.

How do cicadas' emergence cycles benefit their survival against predators?

What is the significance of the numbers 13 and 17 in the life cycle of cicadas?

What happens to cicadas after they mate and lay eggs?