Cicada larvae mainly feed on the sap from plant roots. In the larval stage, they live underground and obtain the necessary nutrients and energy by feeding on the sap from plant roots to support their long-term life and growth underground. Although this behavior may have some impact on plants, such as causing dead branches and weakened tree vigor, it is essential for the survival of cicada larvae.
Cicada larvae choose the roots of trees such as willow, poplar, and elm as their source of food. They have hollow, needle like mouth straws that can easily pierce into trees and extract their sap. Cicada larvae not only feed on the sap of plant roots, but also on the sap of some herbaceous plants to enrich their food sources.
In the larval stage, cicadas undergo several molts and spend several years underground until suitable conditions are met before breaking out of the soil and beginning their adult life. During this process, food is crucial for cicada larvae and serves as an important cornerstone to support them in completing their life cycle.
Cicada larvae primarily rely on the sap from plant roots as their food source, which not only meets their survival needs but also reflects their adaptability to the environment.