Cicada Life Cycle and Impact

Cicadas are 17 years old and have been active underground, feeding on tree roots. They emerge in large numbers when the soil temperature reaches 64°F, overwhelming predators. As adults, they focus on mating and laying eggs, contributing positively to the environment by aerating the soil and fertilizing trees. Cicadas are harmless to humans and offer a unique opportunity to observe nature closely. This natural phenomenon occurs across 15 states and the District of Columbia.

How old are the cicadas that emerge every 17 years?

• 10 years old

• 17 years old

• 5 years old

• 20 years old

What is a common misconception about cicadas?

• They are harmful to crops

• They have been sleeping for 17 years

• They migrate annually

• They are a type of locust

What triggers the mass emergence of cicadas from the ground?

• Rainfall

• Soil temperature reaching 64 degrees Fahrenheit

• Daylight increase

• Decrease in predators

What is the primary purpose of adult cicadas?

• To build nests

• To mate and lay eggs

• To migrate to new areas

• To feed on leaves

How do cicadas benefit the soil when they emerge?

• They aerate the soil with their exit holes

• They increase soil acidity

• They block sunlight

• They consume harmful insects

What happens to cicadas after they die?

• They decompose in water bodies

• They fertilize the trees they emerged from

• They turn into butterflies

• They are eaten by predators

Are cicadas harmful to humans?

• Yes, they sting

• Yes, they bite

• No, they are harmless

• Yes, they spread diseases

What educational opportunity do cicadas provide?

• Observing bird behavior

• Understanding weather patterns

• Studying plant growth

• Learning about entomology and nature

In how many states can people experience the cicada phenomenon?

• 20 states

• 15 states plus the District of Columbia

• 10 states

• 5 states