Science Weekly
In their prime: how trillions of cicadas pop up right on time
May 21, 2024
Entomologist Dr. Gene Kritsky discusses the fascinating emergence of trillions of cicadas, explaining the synchronization, prime number cycles, and predatory challenges. The podcast explores the eerie transformation process, taste for humans, fungal infections, and the impact of climate change on cicada emergence. It also delves into the mysteries of cicadas' behavior, distribution patterns, and the innovative 'Cicada Safari' app for tracking their appearance.
16:15
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Quick takeaways
- Periodical cicadas emerge after 13 and 17 years, synchronized with soil temperature and tree leaf development.
- Cicadas' massive emergences benefit wildlife populations and impact food web dynamics through predator satiation.
Deep dives
Cicada Emergence and Lifecycle
Periodical cicadas emerge after 13 and 17 years underground, with trillions of them crawling out from the soil across 17 states in the Midwestern and Eastern U.S. These cicadas go through a complex lifecycle, hatching from eggs in tree branches, dropping to the ground as nymphs to feed on tree roots, and eventually transforming into adult cicadas after climbing trees. The insects emerge at night en masse, shedding their nymph shells to become adults, which are black with red eyes and orange-tinted wings. The cycle's synchronization with soil temperature and tree leaf development marks their emergence.
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