Everything You Need To Know About Alabama Cicadas: A Seasonal Marvel

Alabama cicadas are one of nature's most intriguing phenomena, captivating the hearts and minds of residents and entomologists alike. These buzzing insects, known for their synchronized emergence and distinct mating calls, bring both fascination and curiosity to the southeastern United States. Every few years, these cicadas take center stage, transforming Alabama's summer landscapes with their vibrant presence and unmistakable chorus.

The life cycle of Alabama cicadas is nothing short of extraordinary, blending lengthy underground phases with brief but impactful surface appearances. While some cicadas appear annually, others, such as the periodical species, emerge in cycles of 13 or 17 years, making their arrival both rare and highly anticipated. This unique biological rhythm has fascinated researchers for decades and continues to draw attention from across the globe.

But there’s more to these insects than meets the eye—or ear. Alabama cicadas play a crucial role in the ecosystem, supporting local wildlife and contributing to soil health. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a student, or someone who simply wonders about the buzz in your backyard, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to the world of Alabama cicadas. From their life cycle and ecological importance to their mesmerizing sounds and cultural significance, we’ll cover it all in detail.

Table of Contents

• What Are Alabama Cicadas?
• How Do Alabama Cicadas Live?
• Where Can You Find Alabama Cicadas?
• Why Are Alabama Cicadas So Loud?
• Types of Alabama Cicadas
• Alabama Cicadas and Their Life Cycle
• What Do Alabama Cicadas Eat?
• Ecological Impact of Alabama Cicadas
• Are Alabama Cicadas Harmful?
• How to Enjoy Alabama Cicada Season?
• Fun Facts About Alabama Cicadas
• How to Identify Alabama Cicadas?
• How Long Do Alabama Cicadas Live?
• Do Alabama Cicadas Affect Crops?
• Cultural Significance of Alabama Cicadas
• FAQs

What Are Alabama Cicadas?

Alabama cicadas are a group of insects belonging to the Cicadidae family. These fascinating creatures are best known for their distinct buzzing sounds, which are actually mating calls produced by males. Cicadas are divided into two main categories: annual cicadas that appear every year and periodical cicadas that emerge in specific cycles, such as every 13 or 17 years. In Alabama, both types can be found, adding to the state’s rich biodiversity.

These insects are particularly famous for their synchronized emergence in large numbers. This strategy, known as predator satiation, overwhelms local predators, ensuring that a significant portion of the population survives to reproduce. Alabama cicadas are harmless to humans and pets, despite their intimidating appearance and loud calls.

Physical Characteristics of Alabama Cicadas

Alabama cicadas are medium to large-sized insects, with bodies that range from black to greenish in color. Their most recognizable features include:

• Transparent wings with prominent veins
• Large, noticeable compound eyes
• A robust body that tapers at the end

Their size and coloring often make them stand out, even when perched on trees or in foliage.

How Do Alabama Cicadas Live?

The life cycle of Alabama cicadas is one of nature’s most fascinating processes. Their lifecycle consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from tree roots. Depending on the species, this phase can last anywhere from 1 to 17 years.

What Happens When They Emerge?

When the time is right, nymphs emerge from the ground, climb onto nearby surfaces, and molt their exoskeleton to become adults. This process usually occurs during late spring or early summer when the soil temperature reaches around 64°F. The adults then live for only a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs to restart the cycle.

Where Can You Find Alabama Cicadas?

Alabama is home to a variety of habitats that support cicadas, including forests, urban parks, and rural landscapes. These insects are most commonly found in areas with an abundance of trees, as they rely on the sap of roots for nourishment during their nymph stage. Some popular locations to spot Alabama cicadas include:

• Talladega National Forest
• Monte Sano State Park
• Local neighborhoods with old-growth trees

While cicadas are more visible during their emergence periods, their underground presence is continuous, making them a year-round, albeit hidden, part of Alabama’s ecosystem.

Why Are Alabama Cicadas So Loud?

The loud buzzing sound associated with Alabama cicadas is actually a mating call produced by males. They use specialized structures called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomen, to create these sounds. The vibrations resonate through their hollow bodies, amplifying the noise significantly.

Do All Cicadas Make Noise?

No, only male cicadas produce sounds. Female cicadas remain silent and listen for the calls to select a mate. The loudness and complexity of the call can vary by species, but in Alabama, some cicadas are known to reach sound levels of over 100 decibels!

Types of Alabama Cicadas

Alabama is home to several species of cicadas, including both annual and periodical varieties. Some notable species include:

• Magicicada septendecim: A periodical cicada with a 17-year cycle
• Magicicada tredecim: A periodical cicada with a 13-year cycle
• Tibicen canicularis: An annual cicada often referred to as the "dog-day cicada"

Each species has unique characteristics, from their life cycles to their distinct calls, making them a fascinating subject of study for entomologists.

Alabama Cicadas and Their Life Cycle

The life cycle of Alabama cicadas is a marvel of nature. It begins with the female laying eggs in tree branches. Once hatched, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they spend years feeding on tree root sap. When they finally emerge, they molt into adults and begin the process anew.

Why Do They Wait So Long to Emerge?

The lengthy underground phase is thought to protect nymphs from predators. Additionally, the synchronized emergence in large numbers ensures that predators cannot consume them all, allowing the species to thrive.

What Do Alabama Cicadas Eat?

Cicadas primarily feed on xylem sap from trees and plants. While underground as nymphs, they extract this nutrient-rich liquid from tree roots. As adults, cicadas may consume small amounts of sap from tree branches, but their primary focus during this stage is reproduction.

Ecological Impact of Alabama Cicadas

Alabama cicadas play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their emergence provides a temporary food source for birds, mammals, and other predators, supporting the local food chain. Additionally, their burrowing activity helps aerate the soil, while their decaying bodies enrich it with nutrients.

Are Alabama Cicadas Harmful?

No, Alabama cicadas are not harmful to humans, pets, or most plants. While their egg-laying process can damage young tree branches, mature trees typically recover without issue.

How to Enjoy Alabama Cicada Season?

Alabama cicada season is a unique opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Visit local parks and forests to observe cicadas in action
• Record their calls to appreciate their unique sounds
• Teach children about their life cycle and ecological importance

Fun Facts About Alabama Cicadas

Here are some interesting tidbits about Alabama cicadas:

• Some cicadas can "freeze" predators with their loud calls.
• Cicadas have been referenced in literature and art for centuries.
• Despite their short adult lifespan, they leave a lasting impact on their environment.

How to Identify Alabama Cicadas?

Identifying Alabama cicadas involves observing their size, color, and sound. Look for their transparent wings, robust bodies, and distinct calls during the summer months.

How Long Do Alabama Cicadas Live?

While their underground nymph stage can last up to 17 years, adult cicadas typically live for only 3–6 weeks. During this brief period, their sole focus is reproduction.

Do Alabama Cicadas Affect Crops?

Alabama cicadas generally do not harm crops. However, their egg-laying activity can occasionally damage young trees or shrubs. Farmers and gardeners can protect vulnerable plants using netting or other barriers during cicada season.

Cultural Significance of Alabama Cicadas

Cicadas have inspired myths, songs, and stories in cultures worldwide. In Alabama, they are a symbol of summer and a reminder of nature’s intricate rhythms.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between annual and periodical cicadas?

Annual cicadas appear every year, while periodical cicadas emerge in synchronized cycles of 13 or 17 years.

2. Are Alabama cicadas dangerous to pets?

No, cicadas are not toxic to pets. However, consuming large quantities may cause digestive upset.

3. How can I protect my young trees from cicadas?

Use netting to cover young trees and prevent cicadas from laying eggs in the branches.

4. Why do cicadas only emerge during specific years?

Their synchronized emergence is a survival strategy to overwhelm predators and ensure species survival.

5. Can I keep a cicada as a pet?

It is not recommended, as cicadas have a very short adult lifespan and specific ecological roles.

6. Are cicadas edible?

Yes, cicadas are edible and are consumed in some cultures as a protein-rich snack.