Adult cicadas only live for 2 to 4 weeks. The nymphs (the young cicadas) live for 3 years underground and maybe up to 5 years. The nymphs attach them selves to roots and feed on sap from the plants. Adults also feed by drinking plant sap.
The shells we see everywhere are from when the nymphs come out from underground and change into adult cicadas. Its a bit like a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis.
If you are ever digging in the garden and find one of these you have found a cicada nymph.
We got our information from Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, here is the link if you want to read more.
Question - Can you tell me the Maori name for cicadas?
Well done to Ben and Hannah - cicadas have different names in Maori. The cicadas we have been looking at are called chorus cicadas or kihikihi-wawā.
I stayed near a place called Kihikihi in the holidays. Can you find it on a map?
Is the Maori name kikihia? I set my cicada free but I'm still learning all about them! Thanks Mr Haste
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ReplyDeleteIs it Kihikihi Wawa.Hannah
ReplyDeleteWell done Ben and Hannah. Great work finding out things for yourself!
ReplyDeleteTo day we saw a cicada coming out of its shell. Charlie
ReplyDeleteCicadas are super cool insects. Charlie
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