What is the Life Cycle of a Cicada

Mating

• The cicada uses a distinct chirping sound to attract a mate. The pregnant female then lays her eggs in the bark of a tree.

Birth

• Newborn cicadas hatch and fall to the ground, and then burrow up to nine feet in the dirt.

Growth

• Cicadas remain underground for an average of two to five years, with some types, such as the North American Magicicada, burrowing for as long as 17 years.

Molting

• When the cicadas finally make their way to the surface, they attach themselves to trees and other plants, and shed their skin to reveal wings.

Death

• The newly winged cicadas breed or become food for other animals. Cicadas generally molt five times in a life cycle before dying.