As the Australian summer unfolds, the air is filled with the familiar, if sometimes overwhelming, chorus of cicadas. This natural symphony, which can reach a staggering 100 decibels, is a quintessential part of the season, evoking memories of childhood adventures in the great outdoors. However, a recent revelation about these noisy insects has left many Aussies stunned and a little grossed out.

The truth is, when you're walking through an area teeming with cicadas, what you might think are refreshing droplets of rain are actually something quite different. It's cicada urine. That's right, the 'rain' falling from the trees during a cicada emergence is not water from the sky but a shower of insect pee.


Professor David Emery, an insect and parasite expert from the University of Sydney, explained to Yahoo News that cicadas need to consume a significant amount of sap to fuel their energetic singing and mating activities. This sap is rich in water, which the cicadas then excrete. 'So the 'cicada rain' is the excreted water, and it's harmless to humans,' Emery reassured. But he humorously noted that it's not substantial enough for a proper wash.


The phenomenon has been captured in videos shared on social media platforms like TikTok, where people have expressed their astonishment at the force with which cicadas can expel their waste. Celebrity vet Dr Katrina Warren described the stream as having 'jet force,' with cicadas able to urinate at about three meters per second, which is three times faster than the average man.


Australians across the country have been sharing their shock and disbelief upon learning this fact. Many recount experiences of feeling 'rained on' during clear days, now realizing that they were likely sprinkled with cicada urine. 'I am questioning every bushwalk I've ever been on where I got wet,' one person commented, while another joked about feeling like they were being spat on while riding a motorcycle under trees during cicada season.

This year's cicada emergence has been particularly notable, with masses of greengrocer cicadas expected due to their seven-year life cycle. The sheer number of these insects has been astounding, especially in regions like the NSW Blue Mountains. The phenomenon isn't unique to Australia; the United States also witnessed an extraordinary emergence of cicadas this year, with trillions appearing after the periodic cycles of three species coincided.

While the cycles of cicadas in the United States have been well-documented, the triggers for their emergence in Australia are less understood. However, experts believe that good winter rains and an early spring may have contributed to this year's event.


Despite the surprise and some discomfort at the thought of being doused in cicada urine, this occurrence is a testament to Australia's unique and fascinating environment. It's a reminder of the complex and often bizarre natural world that surrounds us.

So, next time you hear the deafening drone of cicadas and feel a sprinkle on your skin, remember that it's just a part of the great Australian summer. And if you've got a story about your own encounter with 'cicada rain' or any other peculiar Aussie wildlife experiences, we'd love to hear about it in the comments below. Embrace the weird and wonderful, and stay curious about the natural wonders that make Australia so special.
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