Return of the Cicadas

Periodical Cicadas  Periodical Cicadas appear only once in seventeen years in any one area. Cicadas do not emerge everywhere at the same time.

17-Year Locusts  Cicada appear in eastern North America.  There are seven species, three with 17- year cycles.  Many people know periodical cicadas by the name "17-year locusts", but they are not true locusts or grasshoppers.

Love is in the air!  Male cicadas make a sound that is produced by a pair of drumskin-like organs on the base of the abdomen.  These vibrate at a high speed making a buzzing sound when the male cicada calls for a mate.  Once a male starts singing, the others join in.

Family Time  When mating is complete, the female slits an opening in a small branch or twig and lays a small cluster of eggs.  When the eggs hatch, the ant-like babies drop to the ground and burrow into cracks in the soil.

Life Underground  The cicada nymphs stay underground for 17 years, drinking tree sap and growing.  In the spring, they crawl to the surface and construct a home.

Emerging Adult  The cicada nymph’s skin splits and the adult cicada slowly pushes out.

Back On Top  The male cicadas start making their mating noise with their tymbal and the life cycle begins again.

It’s A Short Life  The adult cicada has a short life span, only a few weeks, compared to the long term nymph stage. So long!

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