Do Apache Cicadas Cause Damage to Trees and Plants?

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their distinctive sound and unique life cycles. Among the various species of cicadas, Apache cicadas have recently garnered attention due to their noticeable presence in certain regions. Gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners often wonder whether these insects pose a threat to trees and plants. This article explores the biology of Apache cicadas, their interaction with vegetation, and the extent of any damage they may cause.

Understanding Apache Cicadas

Apache cicadas (genus Diceroprocta) are part of the larger cicada family, known for their loud mating calls and periodic emergence from underground nymph stages. Unlike some of their more famous counterparts, such as periodical cicadas that emerge in massive broods every 13 or 17 years, Apache cicadas tend to have annual or irregular life cycles.

Lifecycle Overview

Apache cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on root sap. This subterranean phase can last several years, depending on species and environmental conditions. When mature, they emerge from the soil, molt into adults, and live above ground for several weeks to mate and lay eggs.

The adult females use their ovipositors (egg-laying organs) to insert eggs into small twigs or branches of trees and shrubs. After hatching, the nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil, starting the cycle anew.

How Do Apache Cicadas Interact with Trees and Plants?

To understand whether Apache cicadas cause damage to trees and plants, it is essential to examine both their adult and nymph stages.

Impact of Nymphs on Roots

Nymphs feed on sap from roots while underground. Generally, this feeding occurs at a low level and does not significantly harm healthy trees or plants. Root sap is abundant, and most established plants can tolerate this level of feeding without adverse effects.

However, in cases where there are large concentrations of cicada nymphs or when trees are already stressed due to drought or disease, there can be some additional strain on root systems. Despite this potential stress, documented instances of serious root damage by Apache cicada nymphs are rare.

Impact of Adults on Branches and Twigs

The most commonly noted interaction between adult Apache cicadas and plants involves egg laying. Females cut slits into small branches or twigs with their ovipositors to deposit eggs. This behavior creates small wounds called “flagging,” where branches wilt or die back beyond the egg sites.

Small branches are more vulnerable because they have less physiological reserve to heal wounds or supply nutrients once damaged. This twig dieback can appear as thin branches suddenly drooping or browning at the tips.

In young or small trees with many such egg-laying scars, noticeable branch damage can occur. Conversely, mature trees with thicker branches usually withstand this damage with minimal long-term effects.

Are Apache Cicadas Harmful to Trees?

While some damage from egg-laying occurs, it is typically superficial rather than fatal to trees.

Short-Term Effects

• Twig Dieback: Egg-laying causes flagging—wilting or dying tips of twigs—which can be unsightly but rarely affects the overall health of the tree.
• Stress Amplification: In drought conditions or if the tree is already weakened by pests or disease, cicada egg-laying can compound stress but is unlikely to be a sole cause of decline.

Long-Term Effects

• Minimal Risk: Most healthy trees recover fully after annual cicada emergences.
• No Structural Weakening: The branch dieback caused by oviposition does not generally weaken the structural integrity of mature trees.
• Regrowth: Trees often respond by producing new shoots in subsequent growing seasons, mitigating any twig loss.

Impact on Agricultural Crops and Gardens

Gardeners sometimes worry about cicadas harming fruit trees or vegetable crops. While adults may lay eggs in orchard trees such as apples, cherries, and peaches, serious damage is uncommon if adequate care is taken.

Fruit Trees

Young orchard trees are more susceptible because they have smaller branches prone to flagging. In commercial settings where young trees are valuable investments:

• Protective netting during peak emergence periods can reduce egg-laying.
• Pruning out dead twigs following emergence minimizes potential fungal infections secondary to branch dieback.

Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable plants typically do not serve as hosts for egg laying since cicadas prefer woody stems over herbaceous plants. Therefore, vegetable gardens rarely experience direct damage from Apache cicadas.

Natural Control and Mitigation Strategies

Given that Apache cicadas do not usually cause severe harm to mature plants but can cause cosmetic damage especially in young trees, here are some strategies for managing their impact:

Monitoring Emergence Periods

Knowing when local populations emerge allows gardeners and growers to prepare in advance:

• Cicada emergence usually correlates with specific seasonal cues such as temperature increases.
• Local agricultural extension offices often provide forecasts for major emergences.

Physical Barriers

For valuable young trees:

• Use fine mesh netting covering entire tree canopy during peak adult activity.
• Ensure netting is secured tightly at the base to prevent entry.

Pruning Practices

After adult cicadas have completed egg-laying:

• Prune out flagged twigs promptly.
• Remove pruned material away from garden areas to reduce potential secondary pest attraction.

Maintaining Tree Health

Strong, healthy trees better withstand minor damage:

• Regular watering during dry periods
• Mulching to conserve soil moisture
• Balanced fertilization avoiding excessive nitrogen which attracts pests

When Should You Be Concerned?

While most situations involving Apache cicadas do not warrant alarm, consider taking action if you observe:

• Extensive twig dieback on young or recently planted trees
• Decline in overall tree vigor following a period of heavy cicada activity
• Presence of other compounding stressors like drought or disease leading to tree weakening

In such cases:

• Consult with a certified arborist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations
• Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices combining cultural controls with selective interventions if necessary

Summary: Do Apache Cicadas Cause Damage?

Apache cicadas interact with trees and plants primarily through egg laying in twigs and root feeding by nymphs underground. The main visible effect—the flagging of small branches—is usually a cosmetic issue rather than a serious threat to tree health.

Healthy mature trees tolerate this activity well and recover naturally without intervention. Young trees can experience more noticeable twig damage but typically survive with proper care including pruning and protective measures if needed.

Gardeners should focus on maintaining overall plant health and monitoring cicada emergence timings rather than fearing catastrophic damage from these intriguing insects. With awareness and minimal management efforts during peak periods, coexistence with Apache cicadas is entirely feasible without compromising plant vitality.

References:

• University Extension Services publications on Cicada biology
• Arborist guides on managing insect-related twig dieback
• Entomology research journals detailing Diceroprocta species life cycles