Magicicada (genus)
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Magicicada Davis, 1925 - (magic cicadas)
This genus of cicadas is found in eastern parts of North America and is represented by 7 species. While the life span of the adults only lasts 4-6 weeks, the larvae spent many years in the soil, feeding on the roots of various trees and bushes, including fruit and forest trees. Four of the species have a 13 year life cycle and three a 17 year cycle. This long development period of the nymphs ends with a remarkable synchronisation of the emergence of the last instar nymphs from the soil and subsequent moulting to adults.
The species can reach high densities in some locations, with more than 300 nymphs having been recorded as emerging per square metre. Compared to the adults, the nymphs inflict more overall damage, although this is rarely visible. On the other hand, the mass-appearance of the adults can result in some branches wilting and dying off. This damage by adults is mainly caused by females which create holes in the branches for depositing eggs. These "nests" are made by the ovipositor of the female and around 20 eggs are deposited in each hole. The nymphs emerging from the eggs drop to the ground, dig into the soil and create tunnels while they feed on the roots.
The mass-appearance of the magic cicadas after long but predictable periods of time has been recorded for centuries. In a given locality, the population (or brood) follows a precise time schedule. For example, Brood II is found in several north-eastern U.S. States like Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia and last emerged in 2013, with the next mass-emergence predicted for 2030. E.g. see English et al. (2006) for experiments and a discussion on the synchronised emergence.
Populations of Magicicada species may be suppressed through infections by the fungus Massospora cicadina. This fungus has developed a unique method of dispersal by infected adults scattering spores while they are still alive and move around.
Type species: Magicicada septendecim
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
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