Cicadas, known for their distinct buzzing songs, emerge periodically in large numbers, primarily feeding on tree sap. Their presence above ground for a few weeks transforms them into an abundant food source for many animals. This provides a substantial nutrient boost, impacting local wildlife and supporting biodiversity.
Insect and Arachnid Predators
A prominent insect predator of cicadas is the cicada killer wasp. These solitary digger wasps are named for their hunting behavior, where females capture cicadas to provision their nests. A female cicada killer wasp will sting a cicada, paralyzing it with venom. She then transports the immobilized cicada back to her underground burrow. The paralyzed cicada serves as food for the wasp larvae, which consume its internal tissues.
Praying mantises are also predators of cicadas. These insects use their strong forelegs to capture and consume cicadas. Mantises can be seen in trees and shrubs, waiting for an opportunity to ambush a cicada. Spiders also prey on cicadas. Spiders may ensnare cicadas in their webs, then inject venom to paralyze them.
Bird Predators
Birds are opportunistic feeders and many species take advantage of cicada emergences, which offer a high-protein food source. During large emergence events, birds that do not typically eat insects will consume cicadas. This can lead to increased reproduction and population growth.
Many bird species feast on cicadas. These include:
- American robins
- Blue jays
- Northern cardinals
- Sparrows
- Starlings
Woodpeckers, cuckoos, and grackles also readily consume them. Raptors, like American kestrels and hawks, will also prey on cicadas.
Mammalian and Other Vertebrate Predators
Cicadas are a convenient food source for a diverse range of mammalian predators. Skunks are opportunistic feeders that will burrow into the ground to find cicada nymphs or ambush adults flying near foliage at night. Raccoons consume cicadas, particularly during summer months when the insects emerge in large numbers.
Other mammals like squirrels, opossums, and foxes also include cicadas in their diets. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats may opportunistically eat cicadas. Bats, as nocturnal flying mammals, actively hunt and feed on cicadas, often targeting the noisy “singing parties” of male cicadas.
Reptiles and amphibians capitalize on cicada emergences. Snakes, including copperheads, have been observed eating cicadas. Lizards, such as bearded dragons, also consume cicadas.
Frogs, like the gray tree frog, are opportunistic predators that use their keen eyesight and quick reflexes to catch cicadas, often swallowing them whole. When cicadas fall into water bodies, fish can also become predators. Moles are known to prey on cicada nymphs while they are still underground.