How Long Do Cicadas Live Above Ground?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 24, 2020

Cicadas typically live above ground for about four weeks after they have first emerged. Cicadas start to emerge above ground during the spring and early summer.

If a cicada survives the emerging process and does not get eaten by predators, it typically lives above ground for about four weeks. Birds and wasps are the most common predators that kill cicadas. Cicadas only come above ground to molt or search for a mate. Many cicada species have a lifespan of between 13 and 17 years; however, the vast majority of their lifespan is usually spent underground, where they live as nymphs.