Monday 5 May 2014

The Cicada / Magicicada septendecim

The Cicada
There are more than 1,500 species of cicada, but one of the best known is the periodical cicada that emerges from the ground every seventeen years.

Cicadas are probably best known for their buzzing and clicking noises, which can be amplified by multitudes of insects into an overpowering hum, males create a loud vibration from their abdomen.  When young cicada nymphs hatch from their eggs, they dig themselves into the ground to suck the liquids of plant roots. They spend several early life stages in these underground burrows before surfacing as adults. 

Periodical cicadas do not create destructive plagues, as some locusts do, though tens or hundreds of thousands of insects may crowd into a single acre. Large swarms can overwhelm and damage young trees by feeding and laying eggs, but older trees usually escape without serious damage.
 
The swarms look very scary and disgusting to me.
  

they are distinguished by their stout bodies, broad heads, clear-membrane wings, and large compound eyes.

The insect's amazing lifestyle has been a source of fascination since ancient times. Several cultures, such as the ancient Chinese, regarded these insects as powerful symbols of rebirth. The Chinese people also used their shells for their hair!

Size relative to a small paper clip:
Illustration: Cicada compared with paper clip

These bugs are herbivores and survive for up to 17 years! In groups they are called either clouds or plagues.

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