The news this morning is that trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in parts of the United States in numbers which have not been seen for at least decades and possibly centuries. This is thanks to the interesting and unusual life-cycle of the cicada. The ‘event’ is going to occur in the south-east of the US and it is said that it will be a sight to behold.
In this instance, two ‘broods’ of cicadas will be emerging at the same time to boost the numbers to trillions. For instance, one brood will emerge from the ground after 17 years. Here is some detail on this story, below which I discuss the impact if any on indoor/outdoor cats and finally the fact that cats eat insects as part of their diet.
For the domestic cat’s wildcat ancestor, insects can make up between 0.5% and about 13% of their diet. The domestic cat inherits this trait which is why they like to consume the odd insect and will probably eat some cicadas. Will this be hazardous? I cover this below.
RELATED: Insect protein, millet and fava beans: the new ingredients for cat food
What is this story about: trillions of cicadas will emerge in 2024?
In 2024, a remarkable natural phenomenon is set to occur: trillions of cicadas will emerge across parts of the United States. Here are the fascinating details:
- The Cicada Broods:
- Fact: Two distinct broods of cicadas, named XIII and XIX, are preparing to make their appearance.
- Implication: These broods have a unique synchronization—they will emerge simultaneously after having last surfaced together in 1803. This rare co-emergence hasn’t happened since the time of Thomas Jefferson in the White House! The next occurrence is not expected until the year 2245.
- The Magnitude:
- Fact: Brood XIII follows a 17-year cycle, while Brood XIX emerges every 13 years.
- Implication: For the first time in over 200 years, these two broods will coincide, resulting in an extraordinary event. Trillions of cicadas will take flight, creating a spectacle that hasn’t been witnessed in centuries. These cicadas are relatively small, growing up to 1.4 inches, but other broods can reach double that size with 8-inch wingspans.
- Geographic Impact:
- Fact: The epicenter of this event is Illinois, but around a dozen states will experience the invasion.
- Implication: Trillions of winged insects will emerge, filling the air with their characteristic buzzing. Unfortunately, this will also lead to unavoidable heaps of cicada carcasses.
- Good News for Farmers: While cicadas don’t attack plants directly, they can cause damage to fruit trees. Female periodical cicadas slit the bark on young tree branches to lay their eggs. Farmers will need to be vigilant about protecting their orchards.
- Mixed Reactions:
- Fact: Some people are freaked out by the cicada invasion, as fear of cicadas is common.
- Implication: However, others are embracing this natural phenomenon, recognizing its rarity and the wonder it brings to the environment.
So, get ready for the cicada symphony—the buzz, the wings, and the sheer numbers—as trillions of these fascinating insects emerge from their underground slumber! 🦗🌳🌼.
RELATED: Would you buy dry cat food made with insects?
Are cicadas in large numbers a hazard to outdoor cats?
Cicadas, those buzzing, winged insects that emerge in large numbers during certain seasons, can indeed catch the attention of curious outdoor cats. Let’s explore their impact on our feline friends:
- Not Toxic, but Not Ideal:
- Fact: Cicadas are not toxic to cats. If your cat happens to snack on one occasionally, there’s no need to panic.
- Implication: However, it’s best not to make cicadas a regular part of your cat’s diet. Like any unusual food, consuming too many cicadas can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- Gastrointestinal Concerns:
- Fact: Eating a few cicadas occasionally should be harmless. But if your cat frequently indulges in these crunchy critters, it might cause stomach discomfort.
- Implication: Anything outside your cat’s usual diet can upset their tummy. So, moderation is key when it comes to cicadas.
- The Zombie Fungus:
- Fact: Some cicadas host a fascinating (and slightly eerie) fungus called Massospora cicadina, also known as the zombie fungus.
- Implication: This fungus infects periodical cicadas, filling their abdomens with spores. Remarkably, it doesn’t kill the cicada; instead, it turns them into unwitting carriers, spreading the fungus to other cicadas. Don’t worry, though—it’s not dangerous to cats or humans
- Sharpness and Allergies:
- Fact: Cicadas have a tough exoskeleton, which can be sharp.
- Implication: If your cat consumes a large number of cicadas, the sharp parts could potentially cause gastrointestinal perforations. Additionally, although rare, some cats might have an allergic reaction to cicadas.
In summary, while cicadas won’t turn your cat into a zombie, it’s wise to discourage excessive cicada snacking. Keep an eye on your curious feline, and remember that moderation—whether it’s cicadas or any other unusual treat—is the key to their well-being. Meow-tastic! 🐱🍽️🦗.
RELATED: Cat food made from insects
What is the lifecycle of the cicada?
Cicadas, those ancient and intriguing insects, undergo a fascinating life cycle. Let’s delve into the three stages that shape their existence:
- Egg Stage:
- Eggs: Female cicadas lay up to 400 eggs, scattering them across various locations, often in branches and twigs.
- Hatching: After about six to eight weeks, the eggs hatch.
- Underground Journey: Newly hatched cicadas immediately burrow underground, seeking plant roots to suck liquid from.
- Developmental Period:
- The duration varies among species. Some cicadas remain underground for only two years, while others (such as periodical cicadas) endure 13 or 17 years.
- Annual cicadas, with a lifespan of two to five years, spend less time underground than their periodical counterparts.
- Not Dormant: Contrary to initial beliefs, cicadas are not dormant during this phase. They actively build tunnels and feed while underground.
- Nymph Stage:
- Emergence: When ready to return above ground, cicadas enter the nymph stage.
- Broods: Periodical cicadas emerge as a brood, synchronizing their emergence.
- Timing: Cicadas wait for optimal weather and soil conditions before reemerging.
- Thawing Ground: As the ground thaws, cicadas resurface if they’re prepared.
- Adult Stage:
- Short-Lived: Adult cicadas live for only about a month.
- Purpose: Their primary goal is to mate and lay eggs.
- Male “Singers”: Male cicadas create their distinctive buzz by vibrating a membrane on their bodies.
- Females Lay Eggs: After mating, females slit tree branches to deposit eggs.
- Cicada Symphony: Warm summer days resonate with the chorus of male cicadas singing from treetops, attracting females.
So, next time you hear the rhythmic hum of cicadas, remember their remarkable journey—from eggs to nymphs to the brief but melodious adult phase! 🦗🌿🎶.
Do domestic cats eat insects as part of their diet?
Cats, whether domesticated or wild, have an innate fascination with insects. Let’s explore their relationship with these tiny creatures:
- Wild Instincts:
- Fact: In the wild, insects form a not-insignificant part of a cat’s diet, alongside small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Implication: Feral cats around the world derive about 1.2% of their diet from bugs and insects.
- Killer Instincts:
- Fact: Cats are predators. Their solitary hunting nature drives them to pursue small prey.
- Implication: While domesticated cats may not hunt bugs for nutritional value, the sight of insects triggers their predatory behavior. Even well-fed cats can’t resist their ancient instincts when bugs come into play.
- Safe and Not-So-Safe Bugs:
- Fact: Most common bugs and insects are harmless for cats. Playing with moths, butterflies, crickets, and flies is perfectly safe.
- Implication: However, some bugs can pose problems if ingested:
- Poisonous spiders (like black widows and brown recluses) can cause severe symptoms.
- Stinging insects (bees, wasps, fire ants) may lead to discomfort or allergic reactions.
- Nutritional Value:
- Fact: Although domesticated cats fed commercial diets may not hunt bugs for nutrition, insects still provide protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- Implication: An insect’s nutritional value per pound resembles that of other commonly hunted prey, such as rats.
So, next time your cat pounces on a moth or chases a fly, remember—it’s a blend of ancient instincts and playful curiosity! 🐾🦗🌿.
Sources: many! including: Britannia, Natural History, National Geographic, Earthsky. Independent newspaper, Farmer’s Almanac and more.
