Cicadas

My attention for the last six weeks has been occupied by the Field Ecology Governor's School. Now it's time to resume this blog.

It's been 17 years since the cicadas last invaded this part of North America. This is the year for Brood V of the the 17-year-cicada to emerge in this part of Virginia. The range extends from here up to Lake Erie covering most of West Virginia and parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania. www.magicicada.org has all the details. I remember 1999 as having many more cicadas -- covering roads, trees, and walls. This year seemed more subdued.

The cicadas emerge after 17 years underground. These are holes made by emerging cicada larvae.

After emerging, the cicada larvae molt into the adult stage. [1999 photo]

A larva exoskeleton remains on a leaf.

Adult cicada and larvae exoskeletons. [1999 photo]

Adult cicada. [1999 photo]

Adult cicada

This short clip shows a cicada flitting about and has a short clip of sound. It doesn't do justice to the aural experience!

The adults mate, the females lay eggs in the trees, and after hatching, the larvae then make their way down the trees to live in the soil for 17 years. We won't see them again until 2033! The tender tips of tree limbs are damaged by the newly hatched larvae, but will recover without much damage to the trees.

Another look at "flagging" damage to trees by cicadas. The trees have 17 years to recover!