They are all in the news this year as an estimated one trillion of the insects will emerge in the next few weeks. Brood X is one of several periodical cicadas that show up every 17 years in just a few states in the eastern United States. Before you can really enjoy them though, it’s best to know a few interesting facts about cicadas.

Where do they come from? From underground of course! Read fact #5. They look scary! Do they bite? Only a little, no, just kidding they don’t bite. Read fact #1. What is the most interesting fact about cicadas? Read fact #4 to find out!

I put together just 7 of the must-know interesting facts about Cicadas, but don’t stop there. Go on a curiosity quest and find out more!

1. First Interesting Fact About Cicadas, They Do Not Bite or Sting

Important facts first! No, they do not bite or sting. They are harmless to humans. Knowing this fact is key to discovering even more about them. So go ahead and pick one up. Get close and curious!

All these photos were taken in my backyard, read my other post on discovering what is in your own backyard!

2. There Are Over 3,000 Different Kinds of Cicadas

There are many different kinds of cicadas in the world. They are found on every continent except for Antarctica. The ones that seem to get the most attention though are from the Magicicada genus which contain the common periodical cicadas found in North America.

The much-hyped Brood X of 2021 is commonly known as the Pharaoh Cicada, known for it’s red-orange eyes and distinct courting call that sounds like “whheaay…oooh” whheaay…oooh”. Go ahead and try it. It’s fun!

3. Cicada Sounds Can Reach 100-120 Decibels

So how loud are they? Some have been reported to be over 100 decibels, possibly reaching 120 decibels. To put it into perspective, in comparison, a lawnmower may be 80-85 decibels. A motorcycle can be over 95 decibels. An approaching train or football game full of cheering fans can reach 100 decibels. Standing beside or near sirens can exceed 120 decibels.

So if you get an entire chorus of these little guys going and you might need some earplugs!

4. The Most Interesting Fact About Cicadas is They Are Some of the Longest Living Insects

This might be the most interesting fact about cicadas in my opinion! In the bug world living for a few months is an amazing feat. Most bugs are happy to survive a few weeks. So, to have an insect live for 17 years is mind blowing! And they are not in a dormant or hibernation state during this time. They are active and growing.

Think of it this way. They outlive most dogs and cats.

They hatch from their eggs six-10 weeks after they are laid. The new nymphs drop to the ground and then live under ground for up to 17 years (there are also 13-year broods). During this 17-year growth period they molt up to five times by shedding their old skin and emerging a little larger.

Finally, after 17 years and when the ground gets to precisely 64 degrees they emerge from the earth.

They climb up, shed their skin one final time and now with wings they fly off to find a mate.  They also use those wings to make the ear-splitting sounds mentioned above.

5. They Spend the Majority of Their Lives Eating Tree Sap from Roots

During their underground nymph stage, they live off the root systems of trees being nurtured by the tree itself for years. They really enjoy xylem, a tissue in the tree that transports moisture and nutrients from the soil to the rest of the tree.

Keeping old growth forests safe and healthy are important as cicadas who lose their host tree are likely to die before having a chance to emerge.

6. They Are Often Confused as Being Locust

True locust swarms are actually of the grasshopper family and will eat almost any vegetation they come across. Cicadas however spend most of their life under ground and when they do emerge and become adults they are mostly interested in finding a mate before they eventually die a few weeks after reaching adulthood. During that time, they are mostly harmless to vegetation and actually provide a great source of food to many other species.

7. Yes…They Are Edible

We all know this has been nagging at the back of your mind (or maybe the pit of your stomach) as you have been reading this post. Of all the interesting facts about cicadas, what I really need to know is…can I eat them?

Yes! Not only are they edible for birds, raccoons, lizards, and snakes, they can be enjoyed by humans.

I personally have not tried one yet…but I might give Brood X a chance…maybe. I have heard they taste like shrimp, but since I don’t know that for a fact, I will let you tell me. Leave a comment if you have tried them out. Maybe you can convince me to give one a try, or, maybe I will be satisfied and satiated with just knowing a few facts about them!