Cicadas are among the most fascinating and misunderstood insects in the natural world. Known for their loud summer choruses and dramatic mass emergences, especially in North America where periodical cicadas appear every 13 or 17 years, these insects spend the vast majority of their lives hidden underground. While their synchronized appearances attract headlines and curiosity, one of the most frequently asked questions remains surprisingly simple: what do cicadas eat?
Understanding cicada diet is important because it reveals how these insects survive underground for over a decade, how they interact with trees and plant life, and why they rarely pose serious harm to healthy ecosystems. Unlike chewing insects such as caterpillars or grasshoppers, cicadas do not eat leaves, flowers, or fruit in the traditional sense. Instead, they rely entirely on plant fluids. From the moment they hatch to their final weeks as winged adults, cicadas feed on sap and water-like fluids drawn directly from plants using specialized piercing mouthparts.
So, what do cicadas eat? The answer is surprisingly specialized. Cicadas feed on xylem and phloem fluids drawn from tree roots, woody stems, shrubs, grasses, and other plant tissues. Their diet consists of plant-based fluids such as xylem sap from tree roots, phloem sap from plant roots, sap from young twigs, sap from small branches, sap from tree trunks, sap from woody shrubs, sap from deciduous trees, sap from maples, sap from oaks, sap from willows, sap from ash trees, sap from fruit trees, sap from dogwood, sap from birch, sap from hickories, sap from other woody plants, sap from shrub roots, sap from grass roots, sap from wildflower roots, plant root fluids, plant stem fluids, hydration from plant fluids, tree xylem fluid, moisture via root sap, water contained in sap, sugars dissolved in sap, nutrients carried in xylem, minerals dissolved in sap, fluids accessed through piercing mouthparts, and fluid from woody plant tissues.
Although this list may appear repetitive at first glance, it highlights an important biological fact: cicadas are highly specialized fluid feeders. Their survival depends not on chewing vegetation but on extracting dilute, nutrient-poor sap in enormous quantities, which requires unique anatomical and physiological adaptations. This article explores the 30 plant-based fluid sources cicadas rely on, how their feeding system works, how diet varies by species, and what ecological role cicadas play in forests and landscapes.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear, science-based understanding of cicada feeding habits and why these insects, despite their dramatic appearances, are fundamentally gentle sap drinkers rather than destructive plant eaters.
What Do Cicadas Eat in the Wild?
1. Xylem Sap from Tree Roots
The primary food source for cicada nymphs, which spend the majority of their lives underground, is xylem sap drawn directly from tree roots. Xylem is the vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots upward to the rest of the tree, and unlike the sugar-rich phloem sap that many other sap-feeding insects prefer, xylem fluid is extremely dilute and contains very low concentrations of nutrients. Despite this, cicadas have evolved a highly specialized feeding strategy that allows them to consume vast quantities of this watery fluid, extracting the small amounts of amino acids, trace minerals, and organic compounds necessary for survival over periods that can last 2 to 17 years depending on the species.
Using their straw-like mouthparts, known as stylets, cicada nymphs pierce fine root tissues underground and tap into the xylem vessels, where internal plant pressure helps push fluid upward into the insect’s digestive system. Because xylem sap is composed mostly of water, cicadas must process large volumes continuously, which is why they excrete excess fluid frequently while concentrating the sparse nutrients available. This remarkable adaptation allows them to remain relatively immobile beneath the soil, attached to a stable root system, conserving energy while slowly developing through multiple molts before emerging as adults.
2. Phloem Sap from Plant Roots
Although xylem sap forms the bulk of a cicada’s diet, some species and life stages may also access phloem sap from plant roots, especially in smaller rootlets where vascular tissues are closely positioned. Phloem tissue transports sugars and organic nutrients produced through photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant, including roots, making it a more energy-rich fluid compared to xylem. While cicadas are not as specialized for phloem feeding as aphids or leafhoppers, their piercing mouthparts are capable of accessing these tissues when available, particularly during early nymphal development.
Phloem sap contains dissolved sugars, amino acids, and other metabolic compounds that provide more concentrated nutrition, potentially accelerating growth in favorable conditions. However, because phloem vessels are under different pressure dynamics and are structurally more delicate, cicadas rely primarily on xylem feeding and supplement opportunistically. This flexible feeding behavior allows them to adapt to varying plant species and root structures in forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban landscapes where host plants differ in vascular composition.
3. Sap from Young Twigs
Once cicadas emerge from the soil and molt into winged adults, their feeding location shifts from underground roots to above-ground woody tissues, particularly young twigs. Adult cicadas use their piercing mouthparts to tap into the sap flowing through tender, newly grown branches, where vascular tissues are easier to penetrate and fluid pressure supports steady intake. While adults live only a few weeks, they still require hydration and minimal nutrients to sustain flight, mating activity, and egg-laying.
Young twigs are especially attractive because they contain active vascular flow during late spring and early summer, which coincides with cicada emergence in many regions. The sap drawn from these twigs provides moisture, dissolved sugars, and trace nutrients that help maintain adult energy levels, though feeding activity during this stage is relatively light compared to the prolonged underground feeding of nymphs. Importantly, while cicadas do insert their mouthparts into twigs, this feeding rarely causes significant harm to healthy trees, as fluid extraction is minimal compared to the plant’s overall vascular capacity.
4. Sap from Small Branches
In addition to young twigs, adult cicadas also feed on sap from small branches of mature trees and shrubs. These branches offer stable feeding sites where vascular tissues remain active during the growing season, allowing cicadas to perch and feed intermittently between mating calls and reproductive activities. Unlike insects that chew bark or consume foliage, cicadas create only tiny puncture wounds through which they access internal fluids, leaving behind minimal visible damage.
The sap in small branches contains water, dissolved carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals transported throughout the plant, and although it is not highly nutrient-dense, it provides sufficient hydration for the adult’s short lifespan. Because adult cicadas are not focused on growth but on reproduction, their dietary needs are relatively modest compared to their underground developmental phase. Feeding on small branches also positions them close to preferred egg-laying sites, as females later deposit eggs into slits cut into similar woody tissues.
5. Sap from Tree Trunks
Some cicada species may feed on sap obtained from larger woody tissues, including tree trunks, particularly in cases where bark is thin or slightly damaged, allowing easier access to vascular tissues beneath. Tree trunks contain both xylem and phloem pathways, and while penetrating thicker bark requires more effort, cicadas are equipped with rigid, needle-like stylets capable of navigating plant tissues to reach fluid channels. This feeding behavior is more commonly observed in certain annual cicada species rather than periodical broods.
Sap drawn from trunks serves primarily as a source of hydration and essential dissolved nutrients, supporting adult metabolic functions during their brief time above ground. Despite popular concern during mass emergences, feeding on trunks is rarely harmful to established trees because cicadas do not consume wood or structural tissue; they extract only small quantities of fluid. Healthy trees typically compensate easily for minor punctures, making cicada feeding far less damaging than that of bark-boring insects or fungal pathogens.
6. Sap from Woody Shrubs
Cicadas do not limit themselves strictly to large forest trees, as many species are equally capable of feeding on sap extracted from woody shrubs that grow in understories, hedgerows, orchards, and suburban gardens, where root systems and vascular tissues provide the same essential plant fluids required for survival. During their underground nymph stage, cicadas may attach to the roots of shrubs just as readily as they do to tree roots, particularly in habitats where smaller woody plants dominate the landscape. Because shrub roots often grow closer to the soil surface and branch extensively, they provide numerous feeding points where cicada nymphs can insert their piercing mouthparts and access xylem sap continuously for years without needing to relocate.
Above ground, adult cicadas may also feed on shrub stems and smaller woody growth, especially when shrubs are actively transporting water and nutrients during the growing season. The nutritional value of shrub sap is similar to that of tree sap, consisting primarily of water with dissolved minerals, trace amino acids, and small quantities of organic compounds, which together provide hydration and minimal sustenance for adult cicadas during their short reproductive lifespan. Despite occasional concerns from gardeners, cicada feeding on shrubs is typically superficial and does not cause lasting damage to healthy plants, as the volume of fluid extracted is minor relative to the plant’s overall circulation capacity.
7. Sap from Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are among the most common host plants for cicadas, particularly in temperate regions where periodical species emerge in late spring and early summer when leaf growth and vascular activity are at their peak. These trees, which shed their leaves annually, include species such as maples, oaks, birches, ashes, and hickories, all of which provide abundant xylem and phloem flow during the active growing season. Cicada nymphs attach to the roots of these trees underground, tapping into xylem vessels that transport water upward from the soil, thereby sustaining slow but steady growth over many years.
Adult cicadas continue to rely on deciduous trees for feeding, perching, mating, and egg-laying, using their stylets to draw fluids from twigs and small branches while remaining largely stationary between bouts of calling and flight. Because deciduous trees undergo seasonal cycles of dormancy and growth, the timing of cicada emergence is closely aligned with periods of strong sap flow, ensuring that sufficient hydration and nutrients are available. This synchronization demonstrates a finely tuned evolutionary relationship between cicadas and their host trees, allowing both organisms to coexist with minimal long-term harm.
8. Sap from Maples
Maple trees are particularly important host plants for many cicada species, especially in North America where sugar maples, red maples, and silver maples dominate hardwood forests and suburban landscapes. Maple trees are known for their abundant sap flow in spring, which humans famously harvest for syrup production, and this same vascular activity provides an ideal feeding opportunity for emerging cicadas. Underground nymphs feed on maple roots for years before surfacing, benefiting from consistent access to xylem fluids rich in dissolved minerals drawn from deep soil layers.
When adult cicadas appear, they often congregate in maple canopies, where they feed lightly on twig sap and use the tree’s branches as calling platforms during mating season. Although maple sap contains sugars, the fluid cicadas access through xylem remains relatively dilute compared to processed syrup, meaning cicadas must consume it continuously in order to meet hydration and metabolic needs. Despite large emergences in maple-rich regions, long-term studies show that healthy maple trees typically recover quickly from minor feeding punctures and egg-laying slits, demonstrating the resilience of these trees within cicada-dominated ecosystems.
9. Sap from Oaks
Oak trees serve as another major food source for cicadas, particularly in mixed hardwood forests where oaks form a substantial portion of the canopy and root biomass. Oaks possess extensive root systems capable of supporting large populations of underground cicada nymphs, which attach themselves to fine roots and draw xylem sap steadily throughout their multi-year developmental cycle. The minerals transported through oak xylem reflect the nutrient composition of the surrounding soil, allowing cicadas to obtain trace elements essential for growth and exoskeleton formation.
Adult cicadas frequently gather in oak trees during emergence years, both for feeding and for reproduction, as the sturdy branches provide stable sites for egg deposition. While the insertion of eggs into small oak twigs may cause minor flagging, where branch tips temporarily wilt or brown, this effect rarely threatens mature trees and can even act as a natural pruning process that stimulates new growth. The long-standing association between cicadas and oaks highlights a balanced ecological interaction in which feeding activity is sustained over evolutionary time without catastrophic harm to the host species.
10. Sap from Willows
Willow trees, which often grow near water sources such as rivers, ponds, and wetlands, also provide sap resources for cicadas in suitable habitats. Because willows maintain high water uptake rates and rapid growth, their vascular systems transport large volumes of xylem fluid, creating an accessible feeding environment for cicada nymphs attached to root networks in moist soils. The water-rich sap supports the hydration needs of underground cicadas, especially in environments where soil moisture remains consistently high.
Above ground, adult cicadas may perch on willow branches to feed lightly while participating in mating displays, though willows are more commonly associated with annual cicada species than with large periodical broods. As with other host trees, cicadas extract only small amounts of fluid relative to the tree’s total circulation, and healthy willows typically tolerate feeding without significant stress. The relationship between cicadas and willow species demonstrates how adaptable cicadas are across diverse ecosystems, from upland hardwood forests to riparian corridors and wetland edges.
11. Sap from Ash Trees
Ash trees are frequently used by cicadas as host plants, particularly in mixed hardwood forests and suburban landscapes where species such as white ash and green ash grow in abundance, providing extensive underground root systems that can sustain cicada nymphs for well over a decade. The xylem sap transported through ash roots contains water and dissolved minerals drawn from the soil, and although it is relatively low in caloric density, it provides the steady hydration required for the slow developmental process that defines the cicada life cycle. Because nymphs remain attached to roots for years, they rely on a continuous and stable sap flow, which ash trees typically provide during active growing seasons.
When adult cicadas emerge, ash trees also serve as perching and mating platforms, and adults may continue drawing fluids from small twigs while producing their characteristic buzzing calls. While heavy cicada emergences can cause temporary stress to young ash saplings through egg-laying damage, mature ash trees usually tolerate both feeding and reproduction activity without lasting harm. This relationship illustrates the long-term ecological balance between cicadas and native hardwood species.
12. Sap from Fruit Trees
Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, pear, and peach trees can also serve as feeding hosts for cicadas, particularly in orchards and residential gardens where woody roots are accessible underground. Cicada nymphs feeding on fruit tree roots extract xylem sap in the same manner they would from forest trees, drawing water and dissolved minerals rather than fruit sugars. Contrary to common belief, cicadas do not chew or consume the fruit itself; their feeding apparatus is designed solely for piercing vascular tissue and extracting internal fluids.
Adult cicadas may rest and feed lightly on fruit tree branches during emergence years, and egg-laying in young twigs can sometimes cause branch tips to brown or break, a condition often referred to as “flagging.” While this may temporarily affect ornamental or orchard trees, healthy fruit trees generally recover, especially if they are mature and well established. Proper pruning after emergence can further reduce any minor structural damage.
13. Sap from Dogwood
Dogwood trees, known for their ornamental blossoms and relatively small stature, also provide vascular sap that cicada nymphs can access through their underground root systems. Because dogwoods are common in wooded understories and landscaped areas, they may host localized cicada populations in regions experiencing annual or periodical emergences. The xylem fluid in dogwood roots, like that of other hardwoods, consists mainly of water with trace minerals and minimal organic nutrients.
Adult cicadas occasionally feed from dogwood twigs and may deposit eggs in slender branches, which can lead to minor dieback in thin growth. However, dogwoods, particularly mature specimens, are resilient and typically recover from cicada activity within one or two growing seasons. The presence of cicadas on dogwoods underscores their adaptability to a range of woody plant species beyond large canopy trees.
14. Sap from Birch
Birch trees, including paper birch and river birch, are another hardwood group utilized by cicadas for sap feeding. Birch species are known for active sap flow in spring, which humans sometimes tap for syrup production in certain regions. This vascular activity supports underground cicada nymphs that tap into root xylem vessels to extract moisture and minerals over many years. Because birches often grow in cooler or moist habitats, their root systems can provide consistent hydration to developing cicadas.
Above ground, adult cicadas may perch on birch branches to feed and reproduce, though the impact on mature trees is generally minimal. Like other deciduous hosts, birches can experience slight twig damage from egg-laying, but healthy trees typically recover without long-term decline. The interaction between cicadas and birch trees demonstrates the insect’s broad tolerance for different hardwood species across varied climates.
15. Sap from Hickories
Hickory trees, which are closely related to walnuts and produce nutrient-rich nuts, also serve as host plants for cicadas, particularly in eastern North American forests where hickories form part of the dominant canopy. Cicada nymphs attach to hickory roots and feed on xylem sap, benefiting from the stable water transport system that supports these large, deep-rooted trees. Although hickory sap contains only modest nutrient levels, it is sufficient to sustain the slow metabolism of subterranean nymphs.
Adult cicadas often congregate in hickory trees during emergence, using the sturdy branches for mating displays and egg deposition. While heavy brood years may lead to noticeable twig flagging on young hickories, established trees typically withstand the stress without serious harm. This consistent association further emphasizes cicadas’ reliance on long-lived hardwood species.
16. Sap from Other Woody Plants
Beyond well-known tree species, cicadas are capable of feeding on a wide range of woody plants, including ornamental trees, hedgerow species, and native shrubs that possess vascular systems capable of transporting water from roots to stems. Their feeding strategy does not require a specific tree species so long as the plant produces sufficient xylem flow. This flexibility allows cicadas to inhabit diverse ecosystems ranging from rural forests to suburban developments.
Because cicadas specialize in fluid extraction rather than tissue consumption, the health of the host plant is typically preserved, provided the plant is mature and vigorous. Their broad host range contributes to their ability to survive across continents and climates where woody vegetation dominates.
17. Sap from Shrub Roots
Shrub roots located in forest understories and grassland margins can also sustain cicada nymphs, especially in habitats where large trees are sparse but woody shrubs remain common. Nymphs attach to fine roots underground, extracting xylem sap continuously over multiple years. These smaller root systems may support lower densities of cicadas compared to large tree roots, yet they remain viable feeding sites.
This adaptability to shrub roots ensures that cicadas are not confined solely to dense forests, allowing them to survive in mixed habitats where woody vegetation varies in size and structure. As with larger hosts, feeding damage to shrub roots is generally minimal and does not threaten plant survival.
18. Sap from Grass Roots
Some cicada species, particularly annual cicadas, are capable of feeding on grass roots in addition to woody plant roots, especially in open fields or meadow ecosystems where grasses dominate. While grasses have less extensive woody structure, their root systems still transport water upward, providing xylem sap accessible to nymphs.
Grass-root feeding is more commonly associated with certain species adapted to open habitats rather than dense forests. Because grasses regenerate quickly and possess fibrous root networks, cicada feeding rarely causes visible long-term effects, demonstrating yet again the low-impact nature of their dietary strategy.
19. Sap from Wildflower Roots
Wildflower roots, particularly in prairie or meadow ecosystems, can also provide vascular fluids to cicada nymphs, especially in regions where woody plants are intermixed with herbaceous vegetation. While less commonly documented than tree-root feeding, the principle remains the same: cicadas pierce root tissues and extract xylem sap.
This ability allows certain cicada populations to occupy diverse ecological niches beyond forests, extending into grasslands and open landscapes. The nutritional value remains modest, yet sufficient for slow developmental growth underground.
20. Plant Root Fluids
At the most fundamental level, cicadas rely on plant root fluids transported through xylem vessels, regardless of the specific plant species involved. These fluids consist primarily of water, dissolved minerals, and trace organic compounds absorbed from the soil, forming the foundation of the cicada diet during the nymph stage. Because xylem sap is extremely dilute, cicadas must process large volumes to obtain necessary nutrients, excreting excess liquid as waste.
This highly specialized feeding strategy explains both the long developmental period underground and the relatively low metabolic rate of cicada nymphs. By tapping into root fluids rather than consuming solid plant material, cicadas maintain a stable yet low-energy diet that allows them to survive for years beneath the soil surface before emerging into their brief but spectacular adult phase.
21. Plant Stem Fluids
While cicada nymphs feed almost exclusively on root xylem beneath the soil, adult cicadas shift their feeding sites to above-ground plant structures, particularly stems and small woody branches, where vascular fluids continue to circulate throughout the growing season, allowing the insects to access moisture and trace nutrients necessary to sustain their short but energy-intensive adult phase. Using their needle-like mouthparts, adult cicadas pierce the outer bark and penetrate into vascular tissues, drawing up plant stem fluids that consist largely of water enriched with dissolved minerals transported upward from the roots.
Because adult cicadas live only a few weeks, their nutritional demands are far lower than those of underground nymphs developing for years, and the stem fluids they ingest primarily serve hydration and basic metabolic maintenance rather than long-term growth. Their feeding does not typically cause serious injury to mature plants, although young saplings may experience minor stress if heavily populated during large emergence events, which are often temporary and reversible.
22. Hydration from Plant Fluids
Cicadas depend on plant fluids primarily as a source of hydration, since xylem sap is composed mostly of water drawn from the soil and transported upward through plant tissues, making it one of the most dilute but consistently available fluid resources in terrestrial ecosystems. Unlike insects that feed on nectar or fruit sugars, cicadas do not seek concentrated carbohydrates; instead, they process vast quantities of watery sap to maintain internal water balance and extract small amounts of essential nutrients dissolved within.
This constant intake of dilute sap explains why cicadas excrete excess liquid in visible droplets, a behavior sometimes mistaken for rainfall beneath trees during heavy emergences, yet it is simply the natural byproduct of filtering nutrients from extremely water-rich plant fluids. Their physiology is uniquely adapted to handle this high-volume intake without dehydration or nutrient deficiency.
23. Tree Xylem Fluid
Xylem fluid is the primary dietary foundation for cicadas at both the nymph and adult stages, serving as the vascular highway that transports water and minerals from roots to leaves, and providing a stable, year-round source of nourishment for insects capable of accessing it through specialized piercing mouthparts. Because xylem contains low concentrations of organic compounds compared to phloem sap, cicadas must compensate by consuming large amounts, relying on efficient filtration mechanisms within their digestive systems.
The evolutionary specialization toward xylem feeding distinguishes cicadas from many other sap-feeding insects, such as aphids, which target phloem sugars; by utilizing xylem instead, cicadas reduce direct competition with other herbivorous insects and exploit a relatively untapped nutritional niche within plant vascular systems.
24. Moisture via Root Sap
For subterranean nymphs, moisture obtained via root sap is critical for long-term survival, particularly because they inhabit soil layers that may fluctuate in temperature and humidity throughout seasonal cycles, yet remain sufficiently stable to allow consistent root contact and feeding access. By anchoring their mouthparts into fine roots, nymphs secure a continuous supply of water and dissolved minerals that sustain their slow development through multiple instars over several years.
This reliance on root sap moisture means cicadas are closely tied to healthy plant communities; drought conditions that reduce sap flow can impact nymph survival rates, illustrating the interconnected relationship between plant health, soil moisture, and cicada population dynamics.
25. Water Contained in Sap
The water content of plant sap is not merely incidental but constitutes the bulk of cicada intake, forming the primary component of their diet and enabling the physiological processes required for molting, growth, and adult activity. Because xylem sap may consist of more than 95 percent water, cicadas must process extraordinary volumes to extract trace nutrients, leading to frequent excretion and the characteristic dripping often observed beneath infested trees.
This adaptation demonstrates their remarkable efficiency in filtering usable minerals and organic compounds from a resource that would appear nutritionally insufficient for most insects, underscoring the evolutionary refinement of their digestive and excretory systems.
26. Sugars Dissolved in Sap
Although xylem sap contains relatively low sugar concentrations compared to nectar or fruit juice, it still carries small amounts of dissolved carbohydrates that contribute modest energy to cicadas, especially adults that require fuel for flight, mating calls, and reproduction. These trace sugars, while limited, are sufficient when combined with constant intake to meet the insect’s short-term energetic needs during the above-ground phase.
Unlike nectar-feeding insects, cicadas do not actively seek concentrated sugar sources, and their feeding apparatus is not designed for exposed sweet liquids; instead, they rely entirely on internally transported plant sugars dissolved within vascular fluids.
27. Nutrients Carried in Xylem
Xylem sap also contains dissolved inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen compounds, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for cellular function, exoskeleton development, and metabolic regulation within cicadas. Even though these nutrients are present in dilute form, the continuous feeding strategy employed by cicadas allows them to accumulate sufficient quantities over time to sustain growth across multiple developmental stages.
This long-term accumulation of trace nutrients explains how cicada nymphs can survive underground for more than a decade without consuming solid food, relying entirely on mineral-rich fluids transported through plant roots.
28. Minerals Dissolved in Sap
Minerals dissolved in plant sap originate from soil uptake by roots and play a critical role in maintaining physiological stability within cicadas, particularly during molting events when the insect sheds its exoskeleton and requires adequate nutrient reserves to construct a new one. Calcium and magnesium, for instance, contribute to structural development, while other micronutrients support enzymatic functions.
The steady, mineral-based diet underscores the subtle but effective nutritional strategy cicadas employ, relying not on caloric density but on long-term, low-intensity intake aligned with their slow growth rate.
29. Fluids Accessed Through Piercing Mouthparts
Cicadas are equipped with highly specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts known as stylets, which function like microscopic needles capable of penetrating plant tissues and reaching vascular bundles without shredding or chewing plant matter, thereby minimizing structural damage while granting direct access to internal fluids. These stylets are housed within a beak-like rostrum that folds beneath the body when not in use.
This anatomical adaptation allows cicadas to bypass external plant defenses and extract fluid directly from xylem vessels, reinforcing their classification as obligate sap feeders and distinguishing them from chewing herbivores.
30. Fluid from Woody Plant Tissues
Ultimately, cicadas depend on fluid drawn from woody plant tissues, whether roots, trunks, branches, or stems, forming a singularly specialized diet centered entirely on vascular plant sap. From their earliest underground instars to their final adult days perched high in trees, cicadas never transition to solid plant matter or alternative food sources, maintaining one of the most narrowly defined diets among terrestrial insects.
This fluid-based feeding strategy supports their extraordinary life cycle, enabling years of subterranean development followed by synchronized emergence events that captivate observers and reshape ecosystems temporarily, all sustained by the quiet and continuous flow of sap within woody plants.
How Diet Varies by Cicada Species or Subspecies
Not all cicadas feed on the exact same types of plants, as dietary preferences and feeding adaptations can vary depending on species, geographic distribution, and local vegetation availability, which has led to subtle ecological specialization among populations. For example, periodical cicadas that emerge in synchronized broods in North America often target deciduous trees like maples, oaks, and hickories, whereas annual cicadas are more likely to feed on a wider range of woody shrubs, smaller trees, and herbaceous plants. These differences are largely driven by the underground nymph stage, during which the insects remain connected to specific root systems, resulting in site fidelity that influences the adult feeding sites above ground.
Furthermore, species differences in mouthpart morphology, body size, and digestive efficiency can affect how effectively a cicada can access xylem fluid from thicker or more fibrous plant tissues, meaning some species are restricted to younger twigs and thin branches while others can tap larger stems or even mature tree trunks. These adaptations have evolved over millions of years to balance energy intake, water requirements, and predator avoidance, allowing various species to occupy unique ecological niches without directly competing for identical fluid resources.
Seasonal Diet Changes
Cicadas experience pronounced seasonal shifts in their diet due to both developmental stage and the availability of plant fluids. Nymphs, which spend most of their lives underground, rely consistently on root xylem and phloem sap throughout the year, although flow rates may decline during drought or frozen conditions. Adult cicadas, emerging primarily in late spring to summer, feed on above-ground stems, branches, and leaves, coinciding with peak plant vascular activity. During dry late summer periods, adults may increase feeding frequency to maintain hydration as sap becomes less abundant, while in unusually wet seasons, fluid intake may decrease because higher ambient moisture reduces the need for extensive sap consumption.
These seasonal patterns ensure that cicadas synchronize emergence with periods of optimal plant hydration and nutrient content, which is critical for reproductive success, as adults typically live only two to six weeks, during which they must mate, lay eggs, and sustain energy for flight, song, and predator evasion.
What Do Cicadas Eat in Captivity or Around Humans?
Cicadas are rarely kept in captivity due to their highly specialized diet, which is almost impossible to replicate artificially; however, some entomologists have successfully maintained nymphs for limited periods by providing potted trees or cut stems with intact xylem flow. Adults generally do not adapt well to artificial foods, and attempting to feed them sugar water or fruit juices does not meet their physiological requirements and often leads to premature death. Therefore, human intervention is usually restricted to observation and conservation rather than feeding, and handling should minimize stress to avoid harming these delicate insects.
Feeding Behavior & Hunting/Foraging Techniques
Cicadas are sedentary feeders rather than hunters, relying entirely on the passive uptake of plant fluids via piercing-sucking mouthparts. Nymphs anchor themselves to fine roots using specialized stylets and remain connected for years, slowly extracting xylem and phloem fluids that sustain development. Adults exhibit similar feeding behavior above ground, locating suitable stems and twigs for penetration and extracting sap continuously to maintain hydration. Their feeding is subtle and largely undetectable to casual observers, although mass emergences can produce visible excretion of excess water and sugars.
Their unique feeding apparatus allows them to bypass plant defenses without causing major structural damage, which minimizes predation risks by keeping them less conspicuous while still acquiring all necessary nutrients and water. This combination of behavioral and anatomical specialization highlights the remarkable evolutionary adaptation of cicadas to their fluid-based niche.
Ecological Role of Cicadas’ Diet
Cicadas play a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems through their sap-feeding habits. By tapping plant vascular systems, they stimulate minor localized stress responses in trees, which can influence plant growth patterns and nutrient distribution. Nymphs aerate soil while feeding on roots, enhancing water infiltration and nutrient cycling. Adults, in turn, provide abundant food resources for birds, small mammals, reptiles, and other insects, thereby sustaining predator populations during mass emergences. Their diet also indirectly contributes to forest and garden health, as they help regulate plant vigor and promote detritus recycling when nymphs die and decompose underground.
Fun Facts About Cicadas’ Eating Habits
- Cicadas can consume xylem fluid in volumes up to thousands of times their body weight over their lifetime, making them one of the most efficient sap-feeding insects.
- During emergence events, the excretion of excess fluid from adults often creates “sap rain” under trees, which can attract other insects and small animals.
- Despite being sap feeders, cicadas rarely harm mature trees because their stylets penetrate only minimally and avoid large-scale vascular disruption.
- Some cicadas synchronize feeding times with early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss during hot midday conditions.
- Long nymphal periods underground allow cicadas to exploit low-nutrient xylem sap over years, demonstrating extreme patience in their feeding strategy.
Conclusion
Cicadas are remarkable insects whose diet is entirely based on plant fluids, particularly xylem and phloem sap accessed via highly specialized piercing mouthparts. Their feeding strategy is consistent across life stages but varies slightly according to species, season, and developmental needs, enabling them to extract essential water, minerals, and trace nutrients from plants while remaining relatively unobtrusive to predators. By sustaining themselves on dilute sap over years as nymphs and weeks as adults, cicadas demonstrate an extraordinary evolutionary adaptation that supports both their life cycle and the broader ecosystems in which they reside.
Understanding cicadas’ diet sheds light not only on their biology but also on their ecological impact, from soil aeration and nutrient cycling to providing a temporary but crucial food source for many predators. Conservation of native plant communities is therefore essential for maintaining healthy cicada populations and ensuring the persistence of the unique ecological roles they fulfill in forests, gardens, and grasslands.
Cicadas FAQ: 50+ Questions and Answers
1. What do cicadas primarily eat?
Cicadas primarily feed on xylem sap from trees, shrubs, and plant roots, extracting water, minerals, and nutrients through their specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts.
2. Do cicadas eat leaves?
Adult cicadas rarely consume leaves; they focus on sap from twigs, stems, branches, and roots rather than chewing foliage, which is unlike many other insects.
3. Can cicadas drink water?
Yes, cicadas indirectly obtain water by feeding on plant sap, which contains sufficient hydration to support both nymph and adult stages without direct drinking.
4. How long do cicadas feed as nymphs?
Nymphs feed underground for several years, sometimes up to 13–17 years depending on species, continuously extracting sap from tree and shrub roots to grow and develop.
5. Do adult cicadas eat the same as nymphs?
Adults feed on plant fluids too, but above ground, they extract sap from twigs, small branches, and stems, while nymphs feed exclusively on underground roots.
6. Are cicadas herbivores?
Yes, cicadas are herbivores, feeding entirely on plant fluids and never preying on other animals for nutrition.
7. Do cicadas prefer specific trees?
Many species prefer deciduous trees like maples, oaks, hickories, and fruit trees, although preferences vary by species and local availability.
8. What nutrients do cicadas get from sap?
Sap provides water, minerals, sugars, and trace nutrients like amino acids and potassium, which sustain growth and adult reproduction.
9. How do cicadas feed?
Cicadas use piercing-sucking mouthparts called stylets to penetrate plant tissues and extract xylem or phloem fluids efficiently without damaging the plant extensively.
10. Do cicadas harm plants?
Generally, cicadas do minimal damage; they extract small amounts of sap and rarely kill healthy trees, although massive egg-laying can sometimes stress young plants.
11. Can cicadas survive without plant sap?
No, cicadas are fully dependent on plant fluids for survival; without access to roots, stems, or branches, they cannot obtain necessary hydration and nutrients.
12. Do all cicadas feed on the same plants?
No, different species specialize in different plants based on root depth, stem thickness, and sap availability, which reduces competition among species.
13. How do nymphs find roots?
After hatching, nymphs burrow underground and locate plant roots using sensory adaptations that detect moisture and chemical cues in the soil.
14. Do cicadas eat grass?
Some nymphs feed on the xylem fluids of grass roots, particularly species that inhabit meadows or lawns, although this is less common than tree root feeding.
15. Can cicadas survive in captivity?
Cicadas are difficult to maintain in captivity because replicating their exact root-sap diet and underground environment is challenging for extended periods.
16. Do cicadas eat fruit?
Adult cicadas rarely consume fruit; their diet is almost exclusively plant fluids rather than solid plant matter or sugary fruits.
17. Are there differences in diet by region?
Yes, cicada species in North America may feed on oaks and maples, while species in Asia or Australia feed on native trees and shrubs adapted to their region.
18. How often do adult cicadas feed?
Adults feed intermittently throughout their short lives, mainly to maintain hydration and energy for mating and flight.
19. Do cicadas eat during the day or night?
Cicadas feed primarily during daylight, although activity may vary with temperature, humidity, and predator presence.
20. Can cicadas survive droughts?
Drought conditions reduce sap availability, which can stress nymphs underground and adult cicadas above ground, sometimes lowering survival rates.
21. Do cicadas eat flowers?
Cicadas rarely feed on flowers; their diet is sap-based, and flowers mainly serve as egg-laying or resting sites rather than food sources.
22. How do cicadas digest sap?
Cicadas have a specialized digestive system adapted to dilute xylem fluids, allowing them to extract sugars and minerals while excreting excess water efficiently.
23. Do cicadas eat other insects?
No, cicadas are strictly herbivorous and do not consume insects or other animals at any life stage.
24. How much sap can a cicada consume?
A single adult can consume several milliliters of sap per day, which may be thousands of times its body weight over its lifetime if counting nymph years underground.
25. Can cicadas survive in urban areas?
Cicadas can survive in urban areas if suitable trees and shrubs are present, though heavy concrete or lawn irrigation may limit their underground habitat.
26. Do cicadas eat roots exclusively as nymphs?
Yes, nymphs rely exclusively on plant roots for hydration and nutrition, feeding on xylem and phloem sap for years before emerging as adults.
27. Do cicadas damage crops?
Generally, cicadas do minimal harm to mature crops; only newly planted or sensitive seedlings may experience stress from mass egg-laying or root feeding.
28. What role does sap feeding play in reproduction?
Sap provides adults with hydration and nutrients needed to sustain energy for singing, flying, and egg-laying during their brief reproductive period.
29. Do cicadas prefer soft or hard wood?
Cicadas often target younger, softer twigs and branches where sap is easier to extract, although some species can feed from harder, mature wood if necessary.
30. How do cicadas handle excess water?
Excess water from xylem sap is excreted efficiently, often creating visible droplets below feeding sites, which is harmless to both the insect and plant.
31. Do cicadas eat during emergence events?
Yes, adult cicadas feed on accessible sap immediately after emergence to sustain energy for mating and flight activity.
32. Can cicadas drink from ponds or streams?
No, cicadas do not drink water directly; they rely entirely on plant sap for hydration.
33. Do cicadas compete for food?
Species-specific preferences and spatial separation reduce competition, although high-density emergences may create temporary overlap in feeding sites.
34. Are all sap sources equal?
No, xylem sap is low in nutrients but rich in water, whereas phloem sap contains more sugars and minerals, providing a balanced diet across species.
35. Do cicadas feed on shrubs?
Yes, many cicadas feed on sap from woody shrubs, particularly if trees are sparse or unavailable in their habitat.
36. Can cicadas survive winter?
Nymphs overwinter underground attached to roots, feeding slowly, while adults die after their short summer lifespan.
37. Do cicadas prefer certain soil types?
Nymphs prefer well-drained soils that support healthy root systems, which allows consistent access to sap and proper development underground.
38. How do cicadas sense sap?
Nymphs detect moisture and chemical signals in soil to locate roots, while adults select branches and twigs visually and chemically for optimal sap flow.
39. Do cicadas eat flowers, seeds, or pollen?
No, their diet is restricted to fluids within stems, branches, and roots, and they do not feed on solid plant tissues like flowers or seeds.
40. How long can a cicada survive without food?
Adults can survive only a few days to a week without access to sap, whereas nymphs are more resilient but still require continuous root feeding.
41. Do cicadas feed individually or in groups?
Feeding is mostly individual, although mass emergences can result in dense feeding aggregations on the same tree.
42. Can cicadas feed on herbaceous plants?
Some species, especially annual cicadas, feed on smaller herbaceous plants, extracting sap from stems or roots.
43. Do cicadas use feeding sites for mating?
Yes, adult cicadas often sing and mate near the same twigs and branches where they feed, maximizing energy efficiency.
44. How do nymphs feed underground?
Nymphs insert their stylets into fine roots and remain attached for extended periods, slowly drawing water and nutrients over months or years.
45. Do cicadas prefer sun or shade?
Feeding preference is determined by host plant location rather than sunlight, although adults may choose shaded branches to reduce desiccation.
46. Are all cicada species sap-feeders?
Yes, all cicada species are obligate sap-feeders, regardless of geographical location or lifecycle length.
47. Do cicadas feed on human plants?
Yes, they may feed on ornamental trees, shrubs, or garden plants, but typically only sap is extracted without killing the plant.
48. How does feeding relate to their lifespan?
Feeding provides essential hydration and energy, enabling nymphs to survive underground for years and adults to sustain brief but intense reproductive activity.
49. Do cicadas feed on invasive plants?
Cicadas may feed opportunistically on invasive woody plants if native hosts are limited, demonstrating dietary flexibility within sap-feeding constraints.
50. Can cicadas transmit plant diseases through feeding?
While cicadas pierce plant tissues, they rarely transmit pathogens because they feed primarily on xylem, which is less conducive to pathogen transfer than phloem-feeding insects.
51. How important is sap quality?
Sap quality affects growth, hydration, and reproductive success, with higher sugar and mineral content providing better nourishment for adult cicadas.