Fact Check: Cicada nymphs can survive underwater.

Fact-Check: "Cicada nymphs can survive underwater."

What We Know

Cicada nymphs are known for spending the majority of their lives underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots. They can remain in this state for 13 to 17 years, depending on the species, before emerging as adults. According to a study on cicada egg hatching, newly hatched cicada nymphs can indeed survive brief periods of submersion. The research indicated that brief underwater submergence of twigs with cicada egg nests resulted in high hatching rates, suggesting that nymphs can tolerate some level of moisture. However, it was also noted that newly hatched nymphs exhibited low tolerance to desiccation and had a significantly higher survival rate when released onto wet ground compared to dry ground.

Additionally, Georgetown University's Martha Weiss explains that cicada nymphs live a couple of feet underground, where they feed and remain relatively stationary. This underground lifestyle implies that while they are not aquatic creatures, they may have adaptations that allow them to survive in moist conditions, including brief submersion.

Analysis

The claim that cicada nymphs can survive underwater is partially true. The evidence from the study indicates that cicada nymphs can tolerate short periods of submersion, which is a critical aspect of their survival strategy during their early life stages. However, the context of "surviving underwater" is nuanced. The study primarily discusses the hatching process and survival in relation to humidity rather than prolonged underwater survival.

While the research supports the idea that nymphs can withstand brief exposure to water, it does not suggest that they thrive or live in aquatic environments. The survival rates of nymphs are significantly affected by moisture levels, with higher humidity being beneficial for their establishment in the soil. This indicates that while they can endure some moisture, their primary habitat is not underwater, and they are not adapted for life in aquatic environments.

The sources utilized in this analysis are credible, with the study published in a peer-reviewed journal and the insights from a university professor specializing in entomology. However, it is essential to note that the interpretation of "surviving underwater" may lead to misconceptions about the ecological niche and behavior of cicada nymphs.

Conclusion

The claim that "cicada nymphs can survive underwater" is partially true. While evidence suggests that they can tolerate brief periods of submersion, this does not imply that they can live underwater or thrive in such conditions. Their survival is more closely linked to humidity and moisture levels in their underground habitat rather than aquatic environments.