Periodic cicadas, specifically the species known as “17-year locusts” or “Magicicada septendecim,” have a life cycle that is particularly long and unusual. The reason they appear every 17 years is a result of their complex life cycle, which involves two different host plants and multiple stages.

Periodic cicadas, belonging to the genus Magicicada, emerge from underground every 13 or 17 years (depending on the species) due to a unique survival strategy called predator satiation. This long life cycle is one of the longest among insects and is believed to have evolved as a mechanism to avoid predation.

The life cycle of Magicicada septendecim begins with eggs being laid by adult cicadas in the soil. These eggs hatch into nymphs, which are the immature form of the cicadas. The nymphs burrow into the soil and feed on the sap of tree roots for approximately 17 years. After this long period of development, the nymphs emerge from the soil as adults, mate, and lay new eggs, starting the cycle over again.

The 17-year life cycle is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the availability of host plants. The specific length of the cycle is thought to be an adaptation that helps the cicadas avoid predators and environmental pressures. The long period of development underground reduces the risk of predation, as there are fewer opportunities for predators to find and consume the nymphs.

Additionally, the synchronized emergence of large numbers of adults every 17 years can be a strategy for maximizing the chances of successful reproduction. By emerging en masse, the cicadas can overwhelm potential predators and parasitoids, increasing the survival rate of their offspring.

It’s important to note that not all cicadas have such long life cycles. There are other species of Magicicada that have 13-year life cycles, and other types of cicadas that have much shorter life cycles, some as short as two years. The 17-year cycle of Magicicada septendecim is just one of the many fascinating adaptations that cicadas have developed to ensure their survival.

This unusual life history strategy is considered an evolutionary marvel and highlights the fascinating ways in which species adapt to their environments to maximize their chances of survival and reproduction.