Outdoor seating in urban areas plays a surprisingly significant role in the life cycle of cicadas. These noisy insects, often associated with rural forests, have adapted to city life, but human-made structures like benches and café tables can both help and hinder their survival.

Cicadas rely on trees for mating, egg-laying, and nourishment. In cities, outdoor seating is frequently placed near trees, creating microhabitats that attract cicadas. The shade provided by seating areas helps maintain cooler soil temperatures, which is crucial for nymphs developing underground. However, excessive foot traffic around seating can compact soil, making it harder for nymphs to emerge.

Additionally, outdoor seating often leads to increased human presence, which may disrupt mating calls. Cicadas use loud vibrations to attract partners, but constant noise pollution from conversations and urban activity can interfere with their communication. Some studies suggest cicadas in seating-dense areas adjust their call timing to quieter periods, like early mornings.

The materials used in outdoor seating also matter. Metal benches absorb heat, creating warmer surfaces that may deter egg-laying, while wooden structures provide better insulation. Interestingly, cicadas sometimes mistake the vibrations from people moving chairs for potential mates, wasting energy on false signals.

Ultimately, well-planned urban seating that preserves green spaces can support cicada populations, while overcrowded concrete-heavy designs may push these insects out of city ecosystems entirely.