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Cover of The Periodical Cicada, "the 17-year Locust"

The Periodical Cicada, "the 17-year Locust"

Written by United States. Department of Agriculture

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Periodical cicada

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About this book

"The Periodical Cicada, 'the 17-year Locust'" is a scientific publication produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, likely written in the mid-20th century. This pamphlet provides an in-depth exploration of periodical cicadas, particularly focusing on their unique life cycle that alternates between 17 and 13 years, along with their cultural significance and misconceptions surrounding them. The booklet details the fascinating lifecycle of the periodical cicada, beginning with their underground existence as nymphs that last over a decade before emerging en masse to mate and lay eggs. It emphasizes the dramatic transformation from nymph to adult and the cicadas' characteristic mating calls that fill the spring air. Furthermore, it addresses common myths about cicadas, clarifying their ecological role and the minimal damage they cause to plants. With practical information on managing cicada-induced damage to young trees and the natural predators of cicadas, this publication serves as a valuable resource for understanding these intriguing insects.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Periodical Cicada, "the 17-year Locust", written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • informative
  • scientific
  • educational

This USDA publication, "The Periodical Cicada, 'the 17-year Locust'," serves as an authoritative guide to understanding periodical cicadas. It meticulously details their extraordinary 17- and 13-year life cycles, from their prolonged subterranean nymph stage to their dramatic mass emergence, mating, and egg-laying. Beyond scientific explanation, the pamphlet actively debunks common myths, clarifies the cicadas' ecological role, and offers practical advice on mitigating potential, albeit minimal, damage to young trees. As a mid-20th-century government-produced resource, it exemplifies a commitment to public education regarding natural phenomena and agricultural concerns.

“The periodical cicada, often mistakenly called 'the 17-year locust,' is a true cicada, harmless to humans and mature plants.”

Key themes

Cycles of Nature
The most prominent theme, explored through the cicada's unique 17- and 13-year life cycles. The publication highlights the extraordinary duration and synchronized regularity of these cycles, emphasizing nature's vast temporal scales and inherent patterns. It underscores the concept of predictable, long-term biological rhythms that shape ecosystems.
Human Understanding vs. Misconception
This theme addresses the gap between scientific fact and popular belief, specifically focusing on the common misidentification of cicadas as 'locusts' and the associated fears. The publication actively works to correct these misconceptions, promoting an informed, evidence-based understanding of the insect's true nature and impact.
Ecological Balance and Interconnectedness
Despite their overwhelming numbers during emergence, the publication demonstrates how cicadas fit into a larger ecological framework. It explains their role as a food source for numerous predators and clarifies that their impact on the ecosystem, particularly on mature plants, is minimal and temporary, highlighting nature's capacity for self-regulation.

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