Almost all of life time Cicadas spend underground as nymphs. They borrow into the ground at depths of about 1 feet and up to 9 feet. The young Cicadas feed on roots of trees and grass. They usually suck juices and eat yonger roots. Because they live underground and need to dig through it they developed strong front legs.

When Cicadas are developed you can still see that front-legs are over developed in comparison with other legs. See picture on the top. When time comes for Cicadas to go from their underground tunnels to the surface they construct an exit tunnel and emerge for their skin shadding.

Before Cicada become an adult and sheds its skin, it tries to find a plant where it attaches itself with its clows. Many times their shell will remain attached to a plant long after Cicadas hatched.