Periodical cicadas may be doomed to extinction
Every 13 or 17 years, swarms of cicadas emerge from the ground, their black bodies, orange-tinged wings and ruby-red eyes enveloping trees and forests. It is a biological marvel unique in the insect world, and when it happens, it is impossible not to notice.
The article from Phys.org reports that periodical cicadas, which emerge every 13 or 17 years, may face extinction due to the loss of old-growth forests that serve as their sole food source while underground. The study, conducted by biologists at the University of Iowa, found that these insects are unable to adapt quickly enough to new habitats, with their slow movement limiting their ability to recolonize restored forests.
Despite their fascinating biology, the cicadas' survival is closely tied to human land use, as deforestation and the regrowth of forests directly impact their viability. The researchers emphasize that cicadas are found only in North America and are distinct from annual cicadas, with seven periodical species that have existed for nearly 4 million years.
Their overwhelming numbers during emergence are a survival strategy, but the loss of old-growth forests poses a significant threat to their long-term existence.
Brief written by urgent.news from Phys.org's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
