This error originated when early European settlers encountered large instances of periodical cicadas in the Northeast. As they had not previously seen cicada outbreaks, they likened them to the locusts described in the Bible. Life History and Habits Cicada nymphs develop underground, feeding on root sap of various trees and shrubs. The nymphs are generally pale brown, rather hunch-backed, and have stout forelegs they use to dig through soil. The life history of species found in Colorado is poorly understood.
Development likely takes between two to five years to complete.
They emerge during synchronized periods, often in spectacular numbers, every 17th or 13th year, respectively. Periodical cicadas are largely restricted to areas east of the Mississippi River and do not occur in Colorado. When full-grown, nymphs emerge from the soil. They crawl up a nearby plant or wall, and the nymphal skin splits along the back. The adults pull themselves from the old skin and hang from the plant for several hours, pumping blood to extend the wings.