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Cicadas are found throughout the eastern Unites States but are
not considered major forest pests in Florida. There are many
species of cicadas. These insects are also called locusts. When female cicadas lay eggs, they do so by cutting a slit into tree twigs with a saw-like, egg-laying apparatus. Twigs are often splintered by the laying of the eggs and these twigs can die. Only young trees are in real danger of being severely harmed. |
 Adult cicada Photo credit: James L. Castner |
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The eggs in the tree twigs hatch and the young, immature cicadas, which are in what is called the nymph stage, fall from the twigs and burrow into the soil. The nymph feeds on tree roots for many years (2 to 17 years depending on the species), while it gradually matures. Eventually the more mature nymph emerges from the soil, crawl up along vertical objects like tree trunks, and the nymphal skin splits open to release the mature, winged adult. The adults generally do not feed on trees. They mate and the female lays eggs in tree shoots to start the cycle again. The male cicadas make a shrill, nearly continuous sound that is used as a mating call. |
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Host trees have damaged or dying twigs that have elongated slits in the bark that parallel the length of the twig. Molted skins of the nymphs may be attached to the branches and trunks of host trees or may be on found on the ground around the host tree. The loud shrill of the adult males can be heard during mating season. |
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Adult cicadas have a 1"-2" wingspan with a black body and green or orange-brown markings. They have large, black or red eyes and clear wings with orange veins. Nymphs look somewhat like their adult counterparts but are wingless and not as brightly colored. |
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Any hardwood tree can serve as a host for cicadas with oaks being the preferred host. Ornamental trees, fruit trees, and very young trees are also easily attacked. |
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 Cast skins by adults |
 Emergence holes in ground |
 Damage from slits |
 Damage from egg laying |
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| [Forest Health] |
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