How Cicadas Evolved to Emerge Every 17 Years

Periodical cicadas are some of the most remarkable insects because of their unusually long life cycles and synchronised emergence of adults. But how does this strategy benefit cicadas? And what selective pressures led to the evolution of periodicity?

RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTARIES/BOOKS:

Please like, comment and subscribe if you enjoy the video!

All images and videos used herein are 1) in the public domain, 2) used under a Creative Commons license, 3) used with a license, or 4) used under the parameters of Fair Use law.

References:
Ito H, et al. Evolution of periodicity in periodical cicadas. Sci Rep 2015;5:14094.
Toivonen J & Fromhage L. Modelling the evolution of periodicity in the periodical cicadas. Evol Ecol Res 2018;19:107–125.
Toivonen J & Fromhage L. Hybridization selects for prime‐numbered life cycles in Magicicada: An individual‐based simulation model of a structured periodical cicada population. Ecol Evol 2020;10:5259–5269.
Koenig WD and Liebhold AM. Avian predation pressure as a potential driver of periodical cicada cycle length. Am Nat 2013;181:145–149.

Credits:

#periodicalcicada #cicada #periodicity #cicadabrood

[margareth]

Ummm...lived in Maryland all my 56 years. This is my third time experiencing Brood X. MD gets trillions of them. They’re amazingly loud! Quite a thrill to experience this nature show!

[sevenstarsofthedipper]

My son was born when they emerged in 1990. They came back when he turned 17. Now, they are back as he turns 34 and his son turns 6.

[btknight]

3:57 that graphic blew my mind. Subscribed and looking forward to more

[CrispyClouds]

Seeing brood X on trail hikes right now. Fascinating creatures, learned a lot from this. Thanks!

[maryhairy]

There are many cicadas in Africa. As kids we always referred to them as Christmas beetles as December was the hottest period of the year, until I learned otherwise. Although I knew about their long underground period, there they were shrieking there song out over December. Now I’m not sure if these species takes turns to come out as I can’t remember a single year we didn’t have them singing.

[alfredocontreras]

I'm in chicago...and they just came out...I'm glad I saw this beautiful insect...

[dreyhawk]

Here in SC in 2024 both 13 & 17 year broods are out at the same time. First time in 221 years.

[DOOMJESUS]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CREATURES. I HAVE OBSERVED AND PHOTOGRAPHED THEM ON MANY OCCASIONS. BUT I'VE ONLY EVER SEEN THE GREEN VARIETY.

[Unraveled]

I find them scary, actually, like taken out from a scifi or monster movie. Imagine creatures that have evolved the same mechanism and we know nothing about.

[misterjim]

I'm through being amazed by how little we know about our own planet, yet we claim to be shepherds of the same. Such impertinence.

[qamzatmedvedov]

this is probably me being sleep deprived but Frankenscience sounds like another Youtube I watch completely unrelated to nature documentaries named CoffeeHouseCrime which was definitely confusing for the first minute until I remembered what channel I was on, could also just be me being from the US but very interesting. Also another very well put together video Frankenscience I love binge watching your videos after work I’m glad I recently discovered this channel

[TheEves]

Very interesting video, as usual. Best wishes, Marissa, Scotland.

[CarolThomas-tn]

First time i saw them was 1990...and was scared. Then in 2007 i saw them at graue mill and was, amazed. Now amazed as well. Have picked them up and thoughtvhow beautiful!

[Filmtvinterview]

Another really professional video!! Great work

[RagbagMcShag]

Really love your videos but the song at the end was a little distracting mate

[stuffs]

Fell asleep outside once, woke up covered in cicadia shells.

[neonspinx]

I dont get it. Why even come up to the surface to begin with? Why didnt cicadas simply evolve to stay underground their whole lives like thousands of other insects?

[MargaretOsborne-or]

I agree with U. ❤ They look really scary.

[Rogerio]

Hi,
Although somewhat alien "creepy", this video is very beautiful. Congratulations! However, a little (perhaps silly) doubt puzzles me: In periodical cicadas there is only a SINGLE group which matures during 13 to 17 years (thus in a lifespan of 70 years we may see them just about 4 times) or there are SEVERAL groups and each one matures after 13 to 17 years, which means that every year we may see a full mature group of "periodical" cicadas flying? I will aprreciate very much your reply. Thank you.

[Mibs-Mibby]

So you’re saying that the cicadas that are out right now are older than today’s middle schoolers???