Cicada Nymph Mortality

Cicada Nymph Mortality

Despite the difficulties that a cicada nymph may experience during it's juvenile developement below ground, there are still some predatory issues that a nymph faces just looking for a place to molt. The thumbnail to the right demonstrates this. As you can see, the Tibicen canicularis pictured was set upon by a colony of black ants. This was due to the Cicada being stressed during it's the process of molting and was unsuccessful in it's completion. The ants, in nature's glorious design, took the stressed Cicada as an opportunity for an easy meal.

The Hazards of Life Above-ground.

Though I have not seen instances of this, it has been reported that Cicada nymphs can fall prey to various other ground-predators like spiders and snakes. Here's hoping I can witness this some time.

In addition, on one visit to my favorite hunting area, I noticed a T. canicularis nymph on a pine tree that was missing it's head. There was a wasp attached to it biting pieces of it's head off and flying off with them. I noticed this for an hour. It is unclear if the wasp attacked the Cicada mid-molt or noticed the Cicada was stuck and also took advantage like the ants. Unfortunately, at the time I observed this, I forgot all about my camera in order to take pictures.

It should also be noted that I have seen instances of decimated nymphs (approximately 20 - 30) under an ash tree. These nymphs look like they were regurgitated as if they didn't agree with the predator that ate them. It was a horrendous site click the thumbnail to the left to witness the carnage.