Are Black Prince Cicadas Harmful to Your Plants?

Cicadas are fascinating insects that intrigue gardeners, entomologists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Among the many species, the Black Prince cicada stands out due to its striking appearance and unique lifecycle. However, if you are a gardener or a plant enthusiast, you might wonder whether these insects pose any threat to your plants. This article explores the nature of Black Prince cicadas, their behavior, and whether they are harmful to your plants.

Understanding Black Prince Cicadas

The Black Prince cicada (scientifically known as Neotibicen latifasciatus) is a type of large cicada native to North America. It is recognized by its glossy black wings and dark body, which earns it the “Black Prince” nickname. Like other cicadas, they have a distinctive loud call produced by males during breeding season.

Lifecycle of the Black Prince Cicada

Cicadas have an unusual and fascinating lifecycle. The Black Prince cicada spends most of its life underground in the nymph stage, feeding on sap from roots. This subterranean phase can last several years (typically 2-5 years for annual cicadas like the Black Prince), after which nymphs emerge from the soil to molt into adults. Adult cicadas live for only a few weeks to breed and lay eggs before dying.

When Are They Most Active?

Adult Black Prince cicadas are usually active during late summer to early fall. During this period, you will hear their loud calls in wooded areas and neighborhoods with mature trees.

Do Black Prince Cicadas Damage Plants?

One of the top concerns among gardeners is whether cicadas damage plants through feeding or other behaviors. Let’s examine how Black Prince cicadas interact with plants.

Feeding Habits

• Nymphs: Underground cicada nymphs feed on the xylem sap from tree roots. They insert their mouthparts into roots and extract fluids necessary for growth.
• Adults: Adult cicadas also feed on plant fluids but primarily target stems and branches using their sharp mouthparts.

Unlike many insect pests, cicadas do not chew on leaves or consume significant foliage. Their feeding is more subtle but still worth examining for potential harm.

Impact on Plant Health

Nymph Feeding Effects

Because nymphs feed on roots over several years, some worry about root damage. However, studies indicate that root feeding by cicada nymphs is generally not destructive enough to cause significant harm to established trees or shrubs. The volume of sap extracted is small relative to the size of mature tree root systems.

In fact, very young or newly planted trees might be more vulnerable since their root systems are limited and less robust. Gardeners with recently planted saplings should monitor them closely during peak emergence years.

Adult Egg Laying Behavior

Adult female cicadas lay eggs by cutting slits into small branches or twigs using their ovipositors. This egg-laying behavior can cause physical damage:

• Twig Dieback: The egg-laying slits may result in “flagging,” where affected twigs dry out and die.
• Branch Breakage: Heavy infestations may weaken branches because of multiple egg-laying sites.

For large healthy trees, this twig dieback is usually minor and temporary—trees typically recover quickly without long-term effects.

However, smaller trees or shrubs might suffer more noticeable damage if many twigs are affected. Young fruit trees or ornamental shrubs can sometimes experience reduced vigor.

Are They Defoliators or Disease Vectors?

Unlike some insect species, Black Prince cicadas do not defoliate plants—they do not eat leaves extensively.

Additionally, there is no evidence that Black Prince cicadas transmit plant diseases or viruses as vectors. Their feeding mode does not involve piercing leaf tissue where pathogens typically enter.

How to Protect Your Plants from Cicada Damage

If you are concerned about protecting your garden from potential cicada damage during emergence years, here are some practical strategies:

1. Physical Barriers

Cover young or vulnerable trees with fine mesh netting or cloth before adult emergence begins (usually late summer). This prevents female cicadas from reaching branches to lay eggs.

Ensure covers are secure but allow air circulation and sunlight penetration.

2. Pruning Affected Branches

After egg-laying activity has occurred (once adults die off), prune any twigs with visible scars or flagging to encourage new growth and reduce stress on the plant.

Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to avoid disease transmission through wounds.

3. Support Tree Health

Healthy trees tolerate minor cicada damage better than stressed ones:

• Water deeply during dry spells.
• Fertilize appropriately based on soil tests.
• Mulch around base to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

4. Avoid Panic Pest Control Measures

Cicadas are not typically harmful enough to require pesticides. Using insecticides against cicadas can harm beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural predators.

Moreover, pesticide applications after adults emerge are often ineffective at preventing egg-laying damage.

Ecological Benefits of Black Prince Cicadas

While gardeners may worry about damage, it’s important to recognize the ecological roles that Black Prince cicadas play:

• Food Source: Cicadas provide an abundant food source for birds, small mammals, reptiles, and other predators.
• Soil Aeration: Nymph emergence creates holes in soil that help aerate it.
• Nutrient Cycling: Dead adult bodies decompose rapidly, returning nutrients to soil.
• Pollination Assistance: While not direct pollinators, their movement among vegetation can contribute indirectly to ecosystem dynamics.

Therefore, despite minor plant damage in some cases, they contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Conclusion: Are Black Prince Cicadas Harmful?

In summary:

• Black Prince cicada nymphs feed on roots but rarely cause serious harm to mature plants.
• Adult females’ egg-laying behavior can cause twig dieback but usually does not threaten overall tree health.
• Young or newly planted trees may be more susceptible to damage.
• Cicadas do not defoliate foliage or transmit plant diseases.
• Physical barriers and good horticultural practices help minimize any impact.
• Avoid unnecessary pesticide use that could harm beneficial insects.
• Cicadas play valuable ecological roles that support healthy gardens and natural areas.

For most home gardeners with established plants, Black Prince cicadas pose minimal risk. Monitoring your plants during peak emergence periods and employing preventive care for vulnerable specimens ensures your garden remains healthy while appreciating these remarkable insects’ place in nature.