Do Cicadas Urinate? The Surprising Truth!

Yes, cicadas do urinate, but it’s not exactly what you might think! They don’t pee like humans or other mammals. Cicadas drink a lot of plant sap, and they have a special system to get rid of the extra water and sugar. This “cicada pee” is called honeydew, and it’s mostly water with some sugars and minerals. Don’t worry, it’s usually not noticeable unless there are tons of cicadas around!

Ever wondered if those buzzing cicadas are also relieving themselves up in the trees? It’s a fair question! When these noisy insects emerge, they seem to be everywhere. You might find yourself wondering about their bodily functions. Understanding how cicadas deal with excess fluids will help you learn about these fascinating creatures.

In this guide, we’ll explore the unique way cicadas manage their waste. We’ll break down the science in an easy-to-understand way. Get ready to learn all about cicada “honeydew” and why it’s not quite the same as regular pee!

What Exactly Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing sounds, especially during the summer. They belong to the order Hemiptera, which includes other sap-sucking insects like aphids and leafhoppers. There are two main types of cicadas: periodical and annual.

• Periodical Cicadas: These cicadas emerge in large numbers every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. Their synchronized emergence is a survival strategy to overwhelm predators.
• Annual Cicadas: Also known as dog-day cicadas, these emerge every year. They’re usually green or brown and blend in with the trees.

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on plant roots. When they emerge as adults, their main goal is to mate and lay eggs. They don’t eat solid food, relying instead on plant sap for nourishment. This liquid diet is where the “urine” question becomes interesting!

Cicada Diet: All About the Sap

Cicadas have a specialized diet consisting almost entirely of xylem sap from trees and plants. Xylem is the tissue in plants that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. This sap is very watery and contains only small amounts of nutrients, mainly sugars and minerals.

Because xylem sap is so dilute, cicadas need to drink a lot of it to get enough nutrients. This means they also take in a large amount of water. To deal with this excess water, cicadas have developed a unique and efficient system for filtering and excreting fluids.

The Cicada “Urine” Situation: Honeydew Explained

So, do cicadas urinate? Yes, but it’s more accurate to say they excrete a liquid waste product called honeydew. This isn’t exactly urine in the traditional sense, like what mammals produce. Instead, it’s a processed form of the plant sap they consume.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sap Consumption: Cicadas use their straw-like mouthparts (proboscis) to tap into xylem vessels and drink the sap.
2. Filtration: Their digestive system extracts the necessary nutrients from the sap.
3. Excretion: The excess water and sugars are then excreted as honeydew.

Honeydew is mostly water, but it also contains some sugars and amino acids. It’s usually clear and odorless, so you might not even notice it. However, during a large cicada emergence, the amount of honeydew can be significant. It might feel like a light rain under trees where cicadas are feeding.

Why So Much Honeydew? The Science Behind It

Cicadas produce a lot of honeydew because of the nature of their diet. Xylem sap is very low in nutrients, so they must process large quantities to get what they need. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:

• Low Nutrient Content: Xylem sap is mostly water with a small amount of sugars and minerals.
• High Consumption: Cicadas need to drink a lot of sap to meet their nutritional needs.
• Efficient Filtration: Their bodies are designed to quickly filter out the excess water.

This efficient filtration system allows cicadas to stay hydrated and get the nutrients they need without being weighed down by excess fluid. It’s a perfect adaptation to their unique lifestyle.

Is Cicada Honeydew Harmful?

Generally, cicada honeydew is not harmful to humans, pets, or plants. It’s mostly water and a small amount of sugar. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Sticky Residue: Honeydew can leave a sticky residue on surfaces like cars, decks, and outdoor furniture.
• Attracts Other Insects: The sugary substance can attract ants, wasps, and other insects.
• Sooty Mold: In some cases, sooty mold can grow on honeydew, which can be unsightly on plants.

To minimize any potential issues, you can rinse off surfaces with water to remove the sticky residue. If you notice an increase in ants or wasps, you can take steps to control them. Sooty mold can usually be wiped off plants or treated with a fungicide if necessary.

Cicada Anatomy: How They Process Fluids

Cicadas have a specialized anatomy that allows them to efficiently process and excrete fluids. Here are some key parts of their digestive system:

• Proboscis: A straw-like mouthpart used to tap into xylem vessels and drink sap.
• Filter Chamber: A part of the digestive system that separates water and sugars from the sap.
• Malpighian Tubules: These structures help to remove waste products from the cicada’s hemolymph (insect blood).
• Hindgut: Where the remaining water and waste are processed before excretion.

The filter chamber is particularly important because it allows cicadas to quickly separate the water from the nutrients. This prevents them from having to process the entire volume of sap through their digestive system, making the process much more efficient.

Cicada Impact on Trees and Plants

While cicadas feed on trees and plants, they usually don’t cause significant damage. Healthy, mature trees can easily withstand cicada feeding. However, young or stressed trees may be more vulnerable.

Here are some potential impacts:

• Branch Tipping: Female cicadas lay their eggs in small slits they create in tree branches. This can sometimes cause the branch tips to die off, a phenomenon known as “branch tipping.”
• Reduced Growth: Heavy cicada feeding can temporarily reduce the growth rate of young trees.
• Entry Points for Disease: The slits created for egg-laying can provide entry points for diseases or pests.

To protect young or vulnerable trees, you can cover them with netting during a cicada emergence. This will prevent the cicadas from feeding and laying eggs on the trees. Make sure to remove the netting once the cicada activity has subsided.

Dealing with Cicada Emergence: Practical Tips

Cicada emergences can be overwhelming, but there are several things you can do to manage the situation:

• Protect Young Trees: Cover young trees with netting to prevent cicada damage.
• Clean Up Debris: Rake up dead cicadas and shed skins to keep your yard tidy.
• Rinse Surfaces: Use a hose to rinse off sticky honeydew from cars, decks, and outdoor furniture.
• Control Ants and Wasps: If you notice an increase in ants or wasps, take steps to control them.
• Be Patient: Remember that cicada emergences are temporary. They will eventually disappear on their own.

Embrace the experience! Cicada emergences are a natural phenomenon. They offer a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close.

Cicadas in Culture and Folklore

Cicadas have been a part of human culture and folklore for centuries. They appear in art, literature, and mythology around the world. In many cultures, cicadas symbolize rebirth, renewal, and immortality.

Here are a few examples:

• Ancient Greece: Cicadas were associated with music and poetry. The ancient Greeks believed that cicadas were once humans who were so enchanted by music that they forgot to eat and eventually died.
• China: Cicadas symbolize rebirth and immortality. Jade cicadas were often placed in the mouths of the deceased to ensure a peaceful afterlife.
• Japan: Cicadas are a symbol of summer and are often featured in haiku poetry. Their songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and fleeting beauty.

Whether you find them fascinating or annoying, cicadas are an integral part of the natural world. Their unique life cycle and cultural significance make them a captivating subject of study.

The Future of Cicada Research

Scientists are still learning new things about cicadas. Current research focuses on understanding their complex life cycles, their impact on ecosystems, and their evolutionary history. Some of the key areas of research include:

• Genetics: Studying the genes of different cicada species to understand their relationships and evolutionary history.
• Ecology: Investigating how cicadas interact with their environment and other organisms.
• Behavior: Researching the mating behavior and communication methods of cicadas.

By continuing to study cicadas, we can gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating insects and their role in the natural world. This knowledge can also help us to better manage their impact on agriculture and ecosystems.

Cicada Fun Facts!

Here are some fun facts about cicadas that you might not know:

• Cicadas are among the loudest insects in the world. Some species can produce sounds of up to 120 decibels.
• Cicada nymphs can live underground for many years, feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground before emerging as adults.
• Adult cicadas do not bite or sting. They are harmless to humans and pets.
• Cicadas shed their exoskeletons as they grow. You may find these empty shells on trees and plants during a cicada emergence.
• Some species of cicadas can fly at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

Do Cicadas Urinate? Comparison Table

Feature	Cicada Honeydew	Mammalian Urine
Composition	Mostly water, sugars, and amino acids	Water, urea, salts, and other waste products
Purpose	Excrete excess water from sap consumption	Excrete metabolic waste products
Source	Plant sap	Metabolic processes in the body
Harmful?	Generally not harmful, may leave sticky residue	Can be harmful if not properly managed

Pros and Cons of Cicada Emergence

Cicada emergences have both positive and negative aspects:

Pros:

• Natural Aeration: Cicada tunneling helps aerate the soil.
• Nutrient Cycling: Decomposing cicada bodies add nutrients to the soil.
• Food Source: Cicadas provide a food source for birds, mammals, and other predators.

Cons:

• Branch Tipping: Egg-laying can cause branch tips to die off.
• Sticky Residue: Honeydew can leave a sticky residue on surfaces.
• Noise: Cicada songs can be very loud and annoying.

Step-by-Step Guide: Protecting Young Trees from Cicadas

If you have young trees that you want to protect from cicadas, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need netting with small mesh size (about 1/4 inch), stakes or poles, and zip ties or twine.
2. Prepare the Netting: Cut the netting to a size that will completely cover the tree, including the trunk and branches.
3. Install Stakes: Drive stakes or poles into the ground around the tree, making sure they are tall enough to support the netting.
4. Cover the Tree: Drape the netting over the tree, making sure it completely encloses all the branches and foliage.
5. Secure the Netting: Use zip ties or twine to secure the netting to the stakes, making sure there are no gaps where cicadas can enter.
6. Monitor the Netting: Check the netting regularly to make sure it is still secure and that no cicadas have gotten inside.
7. Remove After Emergence: Once the cicada emergence is over, remove the netting carefully to avoid damaging the tree.

Tools and Materials for Cicada Protection

Here’s a list of tools and materials you might need to protect your trees from cicadas:

• Netting: Fine mesh netting to cover trees.
• Stakes or Poles: To support the netting.
• Zip Ties or Twine: To secure the netting.
• Scissors: To cut the netting.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.

FAQ About Cicadas and Their Habits

Conclusion

So, while cicadas do “urinate,” it’s more like they’re efficiently processing plant sap and getting rid of the excess water. This honeydew is a natural part of their life cycle and usually isn’t anything to worry about. By understanding these fascinating insects and their unique biology, you can appreciate their role in the ecosystem. Whether you’re protecting young trees or just curious about nature, knowing about cicadas and their habits can make you a more informed and observant homeowner. Embrace the buzz, learn a little, and enjoy the natural world around you!