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Cicadas Use Darkness to Navigate Toward Trees

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brood XIII periodical cicadas use darkness cues to navigate toward tree trunks after emerging from underground.
A study in American Naturalist shows wingless nymphs detect dark shapes against lighter backgrounds.
The nymphs then move directly to trees.
When their vision is blocked, the nymphs wander aimlessly.
Experts say skototaxis may be more common than thought, with honeybees and mason bees showing similar movements toward darker areas when stranded on water.

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Story summary

Brood XIII periodical cicadas use darkness cues to navigate toward tree trunks after emerging from underground.
A study in American Naturalist shows wingless nymphs detect dark shapes against lighter backgrounds.
The nymphs then move directly to trees.
When their vision is blocked, the nymphs wander aimlessly.
Experts say skototaxis may be more common than thought, with honeybees and mason bees showing similar movements toward darker areas when stranded on water.