Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:06:36 +0000

Discover the Shocking Truth Behind How Long Cicadas Truly Live! Cicadas are one of nature’s most fascinating insects, known for their striking emergence after years underground and their unmistakable buzzing calls. But beyond their distinctive sound and dramatic life cycle lies a shocking truth about how long these remarkable creatures truly live—length far exceeding common expectations. ### The Longevity Mystery: More Than You Think Most people assume cicadas live only a few weeks—just long enough to sing, mate, and lay eggs. However, the truth is that cicadas spend the vast majority of their lives in the larval stage, buried beneath the soil for 13 or 17 years—depending on the species. This extended subterranean phase is a survival strategy that minimizes exposure to predators and environmental threats.