Trillions of cicadas loom in the United States. What do cicadas eat above ground?

As over a trillion periodical cicadas prepare to emerge from the ground this spring, some questions also arise. Especially, "What will all these insects eat?"

Thankfully, perhaps, the loud, buzzing, red-eyed bugs are more interested in breeding than in feeding. Here's more to know.

What do cicadas eat above ground?

Adult periodical cicadas that emerge do feed on plants, contrary to popular belief. But they are particular about their food, reports USA TODAY, which adds they only drink sap from plants with woody stems and branches, the same places they lay their eggs. But they spend most of their time above ground reproducing, says the University of Illinois Extension.

What do cicadas eat?Should Illinois homeowners and gardeners be worried about the cicada emergence?

Do cicadas eat garden plants?

For the most part, no, says Kacie Athey, a specialty crops entomologist with the University of Illinois Extension. "Most plants in anyone's yard are probably not in danger from periodical cicadas," she said.

While they may swarm over your tomato vines and marigolds, they won’t harm your garden vegetables or flowers, adds USA TODAY.

"Anything growing in your garden should be safe," confirmed Athey.

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Do cicadas destroy crops?

They do not. Emergent periodical cicadas only drink sap from plants with woody stems and branches, not crops. Indeed, the UI Extension says housing developments where trees were removed or that were originally farm fields have few cicadas.