Cicadas, particularly during their mass emergence events, become a temporary feast for a wide variety of animals. Essentially, anything that preys on insects will likely consume cicadas, benefiting immensely from their sudden and overwhelming abundance.
Primary Predators of Cicadas
When periodical cicadas emerge in massive numbers, they represent a significant food source. This provides a crucial energy boost for many species, helping them build fat reserves, feed their young, and sustain themselves. The primary groups of animals that readily consume cicadas include:
- Mammals: A diverse group of mammals, from small rodents to larger carnivores, eagerly consume cicadas.
- Birds: Many bird species, both ground-foragers and aerial hunters, capitalize on the easy prey.
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and salamanders will feast on cicadas, especially those that fall within their reach.
- Reptiles: Snakes and lizards are opportunistic predators that will readily consume cicadas as they emerge.
- Fish: Cicadas that fall into bodies of water become a food source for various freshwater fish species.
Detailed Look at Cicada Consumers
The nutritional value of cicadas, being rich in protein and fat, makes them an irresistible meal for many creatures. Their sheer numbers during emergence events overwhelm predators, allowing a significant portion of the cicada population to reproduce, but also providing a temporary food surplus for local ecosystems.
Here's a breakdown of common cicada eaters:
Mammals
Many mammals consider cicadas a readily available and nutritious snack. This includes:
- Raccoons: Known for their opportunistic feeding habits, raccoons will gorge on cicadas.
- Squirrels: Even typically herbivorous squirrels will add cicadas to their diet.
- Shrews and Moles: These small, insectivorous mammals will find plenty to eat.
- Bats: Aerial hunters, bats will swoop down to catch emerging cicadas.
- Foxes and Coyotes: Larger predators will also consume cicadas as an easy protein source.
- Domestic Pets: Dogs and cats often develop a taste for cicadas, though moderation is advised.
Birds
Birds are perhaps the most visible and enthusiastic consumers of cicadas. Their abundance provides a vital food source, especially for parents feeding their chicks.
- Crows and Jays: Intelligent and adaptable, these birds are efficient cicada hunters.
- Robins and Starlings: Common backyard birds will feast on cicadas found on the ground or low vegetation.
- Owls and Hawks: Even raptors will supplement their diet with these plentiful insects.
- Turkeys and Chickens: Ground-foraging fowl will consume vast numbers of cicadas.
Amphibians
Amphibians with their sticky tongues are perfectly equipped to catch cicadas that land within their reach.
- Frogs: Various frog species will eat cicadas that alight on leaves or fall to the ground.
- Toads: Slow-moving toads are highly effective at capturing cicadas that come close.
- Salamanders: Some salamander species may also consume smaller cicadas.
Reptiles
Many reptiles, particularly those that are insectivorous or omnivorous, will opportunistically feed on cicadas.
- Snakes: Non-venomous snakes like garter snakes and black rat snakes will consume cicadas.
- Lizards: Skinks, fence lizards, and other insect-eating lizards will find cicadas a welcome meal.
- Turtles: Some omnivorous turtle species might also consume cicadas if they fall into water.
Fish
While not their primary habitat, cicadas often fall into lakes, ponds, and rivers, making them accessible to fish.
- Bass: Largemouth and smallmouth bass are known to readily strike at cicadas on the water's surface.
- Trout: In cooler waters, trout will also feed on submerged or floating cicadas.
- Catfish: Various catfish species will opportunistically consume cicadas.
Beyond Vertebrates: Other Cicada Predators
It's not just larger animals that consume cicadas. Other insects, fungi, and even some plants can be considered predators or pathogens:
- Insects: Certain predatory insects, like cicada killer wasps, specifically target cicadas. Ants, praying mantises, and some beetle species will also prey on them.
- Fungi: The parasitic fungus Massospora cicadina can infect cicadas, eventually consuming them from the inside out.
The emergence of cicadas creates a temporary but significant shift in the food web, providing a vital resource that helps sustain countless species across various ecosystems.
