What is King蝉?
In the chirping sounds of cicadas in summer, the ancient insect, King蝉, completes its unique life cycle. As an important part of the agricultural and forestry ecosystem, the relationship between King蝉 and plants always concerns the hearts of growers. This article will delve into the life cycle of King蝉 and reveal its dual impact on plants.
Biological Characteristics of King蝉
Special Member of the Insect Class
King蝉 (Cryptotympana atrata) belongs to the Hemiptera of the Insecta class, with typical characteristics of incomplete metamorphosis. Its life cycle can be divided into three stages: overwintering egg stage (10 months), underground nymph stage (3-5 years), and adult emergence stage (2-3 weeks). The female insect's unique ovipositor can penetrate branches 5-8mm in diameter, with a single oviposition reaching 500-800 eggs.
Plant Harm Mechanism
Double Damage to Roots and Branches
The nymph stage continuously absorbs the sap of plant roots through its piercing and sucking mouthparts, leading to: ① obstruction of nutrient transport, ② reduced disease resistance, and ③ necrosis of new root tips. The mechanical damage caused by adult oviposition is more direct, with each branch forming 20-50 egg nests, causing the death rate of annual branches of economic trees such as apples and peach trees to reach 30%-45%.
Plant Types Susceptible to Damage
Poplar and Rosaceae plants are most susceptible to damage, including: 1. Poplar seedlings: when the density of underground insects reaches 50 individuals/㎡, it can cause death. 2. Peach tree fruiting branches: oviposition damage leads to a 20%-35% reduction in yield. 3. Grapevine tendrils: loss of sap causes yellowing and premature leaf fall.
Comprehensive Control Strategies
Physical Control Measures
① Wrap tree trunks with adhesive tape during the adult emergence stage. ② Prune branches with eggs in winter (characteristics of egg nests: longitudinal cracks + brown spots). ③ Use lights to trap emerging adult insects (best time: 19:00-21:00).
Biological Control Techniques
Use Metarhizium anisopliae for soil treatment, which can achieve a control effect of 70%-85% on nymphs. Protect natural enemies such as the red-footed falcon and the great tit, which can capture 200-300 adult insects in summer.
Economic Value and Ecological Balance
King蝉 nymphs contain high-quality protein (72.3%) and unsaturated fatty acids (18.6%), and the annual output value of the breeding industry has exceeded 2 billion yuan in recent years. It is recommended to adopt the "isolated breeding area + targeted collection" model, set up special breeding areas in fast-growing poplar forests, and achieve a balance between ecological and economic benefits.
By understanding the underground development cycle of King蝉 for 3-5 years, growers can take targeted control measures. It is recommended to combine phenological observations (the 10th day after the summer solstice is the peak period of adult insects) to establish a management system of "prevention-oriented, comprehensive control," ensuring both agricultural and forestry production and maintaining ecological diversity.