Cicadas are remarkable insects that often capture public attention during their periodic mass emergences. Their large size and overwhelming numbers can lead to questions about their potential to bite or sting. This article clarifies common misunderstandings about cicadas and their interactions with humans. Understanding their characteristics can alleviate concerns.
Understanding Cicada Mouthparts
Cicadas do not possess mandibles or other mouthparts for biting. Instead, they have specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts, a proboscis, which resembles a straw. This proboscis is adapted for their diet, allowing them to pierce the bark of trees and suck up xylem fluid, essentially watery plant sap. Both adult cicadas and their underground nymphs use this structure for feeding on plants and roots.
The proboscis is a delicate feeding tube, not a defensive weapon. It is structured to extract nutrients from plant tissues and cannot effectively bite or tear human skin. Their feeding behavior is exclusively focused on plants, making them unable to bite humans for defense or sustenance.
Cicadas and Human Interaction
Despite their inability to bite, a cicada might land on a person and attempt to “probe” them. This occurs accidentally, as the cicada may mistake a human for a plant or tree, especially if the person is standing still. The sensation of this probing is described as a light poke or prick, rather than a painful bite.
This accidental probing does not break the skin and is not an aggressive act. Cicadas are not interested in humans as a food source, and their proboscis is too fine to cause significant injury or draw blood. If a cicada lands on you, gently brush it off.
The Harmless Nature of Cicadas
Cicadas are harmless to humans and pets. They are not venomous and do not carry diseases to people. While their emergence can be loud, this noise is part of their mating ritual and poses no threat.
These insects play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. Their tunneling as nymphs helps aerate the soil and improve water filtration. Their bodies decompose after their brief adult stage, returning valuable nutrients to the soil, which benefits plant growth. Cicadas are a natural food source for birds and other predators, contributing to the food chain.