They are back! Ita Cicadafest!

[Otter]

I feel like Cliff Claven with these new AI chats.


Positive Effects:

• Nutrient Boom: Cicada carcasses decompose rapidly, providing a massive influx of nutrients (particularly nitrogen) into the soil. This benefits trees and other plants in the area.
• Food Bonanza: Cicadas are a feast for many animals. Birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and even other insects gorge themselves, leading to population increases for some predators.
• Soil Aeration: As cicadas emerge from underground, their tunnels help aerate the soil and promote better water flow.

Negative Effects:

• Potential for Plant Damage: Young trees and saplings can be damaged by the sheer weight of numerous cicadas or excessive egg-laying by females. This is usually a temporary setback, particularly for older, established trees.
• Noise Pollution: The collective mating calls of millions of cicadas can be incredibly loud, exceeding 100 decibels. This can be stressful for humans and some wildlife.

Overall Impact:
Broadly speaking, the ecological impact of a cicada emergence is considered to be largely positive. While some temporary downsides exist, they're outweighed by the long-term benefits to the ecosystem. Here's why:

• Resilience: Established trees generally recover quickly from minor cicada damage.
• Predator Balance: Cicadas provide a temporary food source, but the predator populations adjust and return to normal soon after.