Periodical cicada

Systematic position: Magicicada septemdecim belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. It is a highly specialized species of periodical cicada known for its synchronized emergence patterns that occur every 17 years.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle of this insect is uniquely long, spanning 17 years. Nymphs remain underground for nearly the entire period, feeding on xylem sap from plant roots. Upon maturation, massive numbers of adults emerge simultaneously to mate, lay eggs, and complete their lifecycle within a few short weeks.

Susceptible crops: The pest targets a wide range of woody plants. In commercial agriculture, the most significant damage occurs in fruit orchards, including apple, pear, peach, and cherry trees, as well as in nurseries and vineyards where young woody shoots are preferred.

Nature of damage and economic impact: The primary harm is caused by female cicadas during egg-laying. By inserting their ovipositors into twigs, they create deep slits that cause the tissue to dry out and eventually break. This damage can severely stunt growth, kill young saplings, and expose trees to secondary fungal infections.

Protection measures: Management focuses on physical exclusion methods, such as wrapping the crowns of young trees with fine-mesh netting during the emergence period. It is strongly advised to avoid planting new orchards in years when a major brood emergence is anticipated. While insecticide use can reduce adult populations, its efficacy is often limited by the sheer volume of emerging individuals.