Dedicated to cicadas, the most amazing insects in the world.
Brood XXIII Magicicada photos from 2015 by me (Dan Mozgai).
In 2015 I took an 8 state road trip to see as much of the brood as possible.
Skip to Part 1.
Cicada holes in Mississippi
Cicada skins on Touch of Nature sign in Illinois:
Cicada exuvia at Indiana rest stop:
Teneral Magicicada:
Male Magicicada tredecim:
Male Female and Male Magicicada tredecim:
Teneral female Magiciada tredecim in Kentucky:
Magicicada exuvia in Mississippi:
Brood XXIII Magicicada photos from 2015 by me (Dan Mozgai).
In 2015 I took an 8 state road trip to see as much of the brood as possible.
Skip to Part 2.
Male Magicicada tredecim in Mississippi:
Maybe a Magicicada neotredecim in Illinois:
Cicada exuvia in Giant City in Illinois:
Cicada chimneys found by Sam Orr in Illinois:
Magicicada in Kentucky:
Hieroglyphic cicada illustration in Jackson Museum:
Teneral female Magicicada tredecim:
Cicada exuvia on Touch of Nature sign in Illinois:
Update: in addition, two Brood X stragglers were reported on 5/21 in Bloomington, Indiana (thanks Rhonda and Leah).
Original post:
Cicada researcher John Cooley has received the first cicada sighting of the year — a Brood XXIII straggler in western Tennessee!! 3 years later than expected.
Just received the first #cicada report of the season… not #BroodVII which is expected, but a 3- year late Brood XXIII cicada from western TN. The cicada season is starting! #uconneeb https://t.co/hIYPH1so8W
— Team Cicada (@Magicicada1317) May 17, 2018
So, what’s a straggler? A straggler is a periodical cicada that emerges sooner or later than it is expected to emerge. In this case, a cicada with a 13-year lifecycle emerged in 16 years — 3 years off.
Both Brood XXIII and Brood IV Magicicada periodical cicadas emerged in 2015. It was my plan to go on an epic road trip, see both broods, and report and document everything. I was able to cover a lot of ground, but thanks to cool or atrocious weather, I completely missed Brood IV, and much of Brood XXIII.
The most difficult thing about planning an epic cicada vacation is timing it right. It really depends on the luck of the draw. Cicada behavior depends on the weather, and since we cannot predict the weather months, weeks, or sometimes days in advance, it is difficult to guess exactly which weeks to plan a vacation.
These cicadas like nice weather: dry, sunny, preferably in the high 70s or 80s. If it is too cold, they won’t emerge. If it is too cool, they won’t sing, making it hard to find them when traveling along the highway, because we need to hear them to find them. If the weather is absolutely abysmal, like it was in Texas this year, I’m not even going to try to look for them; I like cicadas a lot, but they aren’t worth having my car washed into a roadside ravine.
That said, I did get to hear and see a lot of Magicicadas, so I’m not complaining.
I traveled through the following states:
Mississippi: ✔ï¸Plenty of cicadas. I heard three 13-year Magicicada species in Jackson, Mississippi, in the woods behind the Mississippi Museum of Natural History.
Louisiana: ⌠I heard no cicadas. Bad/cool weather.
Texas: ⌠I saw the storm clouds, and headed back to Arkansas.
Arkansas: ⌠I heard no cicadas. More bad/cool weather.
Tennesse: âœ”ï¸ Plenty of cicadas North of Memphis.
Kentucky: ✔ï¸Plenty of cicadas in the Land Between the Lakes area.
Illinois: ✔ï¸An amazing amount of cicadas in the Giant City State Park area, including all four 13-year Magicicada species.
Indiana: âœ”ï¸ A couple exuvia/skins at a welcome center.
Note that the ⌠does not mean that cicadas did not appear in those states this year. It just means I did not see them because of weather conditions & timing.
This is a map of my cicada sightings:
Visit my 2015 Brood XXIII gallery, to see more photos like this:
Some specimens:
Some videos:
Cicadas in Giant City Park in Illinois:
Cicadas in the Land Between the Lakes Area in Kentucky:
Brood XXIII will next emerge in 2028.
This page was last updated in 2015.
The Latest:
The most popular question in the comments: “how long will they last”. The typical answer is about 4 weeks of singing or less. They sing to meet a mate, and once they mate a few times, they run out of energy and die. Four weeks is the typical time, although this varies depending on the weather. The cicadas will complete their mission faster if there are drier, calm days in with temps in the 80s.
My gallery of photos from Brood XXIII.
The Giant City State Park area of Illinois was loaded with cicadas. This area has all four species. It isn’t easy to tell the difference between M. neotredecim and M. tredecim, but you might notice a difference in the coloration of their abdomens (tredecim is almost all orange, while neotredecim is orange and black). There is also a difference in the pitch of their calls when they are in close proximity, so you might hear an odd dissonance in their calls. M. tredecim pitches lower. I will post photos, videos and sounds later in the week.
There are plenty of cicadas in the Land Between the Lakes area of Kentucky & Tennessee. The best place so far was Kenlake State Resort Park where M. tredecassini, M. tredecula, and M. tredecim are chorusing. The tredecula and tredecim were up in the trees out of reach, but I was able to find a few tredecim (the bigger ones with very-orange abdomens) in the weeds at ground level.
Cold and rain (and road weariness) has prevented me from locating cicadas in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas — I know they’re there but if I can’t hear them, I can’t investigate. I’m headed north to Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. Sun and temps in the 80s should make for good cicada observation. If you’re wondering why cicadas have suddenly become quiet, it’s typically because of cold temps and rain. Generally, these cicadas like it to be about 77F before they’ll fly and sing. Colder than that, and they’ll chill.
I arrived in the Jackson Mississippi area on May 19th around 3 pm. M. tredecassini were chorusing along route 20 west of Roosevelt State Park, and I found an M. tredecim (below) at a gas station. There were plenty of M. tredecassini and M. tredecula chorusing and courting in the woods behind the Mississippi Museum of Natural History. Neocicada hieroglyphica (a non-periodical cicada) was also calling in the woods.
The 2015 Brood XXIII is well under way! The first photo showed up on flickr, and first sighting (Mississippi) has showed up on the Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org) map.
About Brood XXIII:
Brood XXIII, the Lower Mississippi Valley brood, will emerge in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, in the spring of 2015.
Species:
The cicada species that will emerge are Magicicada tredecim (Walsh and Riley, 1868); Magicicada neotredecim Marshall and Cooley, 2000; Magicicada tredecassini Alexander and Moore, 1962; and Magicicada tredecula Alexander and Moore, 1962. These periodical cicadas have a 13-year life cycle. The last time they emerged was 2002. According to John Cooley of Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org), Giant City State Park, Illinois is a good place to observe both M. tredecim and M. neotredecim.
13 Years ago:
Back in 2002, the emergence began in the last week of April, 2002, and ended the beginning of July. You can read what people said about them back in April, May, and June of 2002.
Here are the locations where folks reported the cicadas to Cicada Mania in 2002:
Arkansas: Bayou Deview Wildlife Management Area, Poinsett County, Devalls Bluff, Harrisburg, Holland Bottoms, Jacksonville, Jonesboro, Knox Co., Lake Hogue, Lake Poinsett State Park, Little Rock, and Wynne.
Illinois: Anna, Carbondale, Carterville, Chester, Clinton Lake, Marissa and Robinson.
Indiana: Harmonie State Park, Hymera, Leanne, Richland, Sullivan And Posey Counties.
Kentucky: Benton, Calvert City, Gilbertsville, Henry County, Murray, and Paducah.
Louisiana: Bastrop, Choudrant, Grayson and West Monroe.
Mississippi: Alva, Arlington, Booneville, Brandon, Clinton, Corinth, Desoto County, Florence, French Camp, Hernando, Holcomb, Houlka, Jackson, New Albany, Oxford, Potts Camp, Silver Creek, Tishomingo, and Water Valley.
Tennessee: Atoka, Benton, Cordova, Henry County, Huntingdon, Jackson, Lavinia, Leach, Lexington, McNeary County, Memphis, Paris, Savannah, and Speedwell.
Report and learn:
All the counties/parishes:
Here is a list of the Counties where Brood IV periodical cicadas have appeared in the past. The data comes from the Cicada Central Magicicada Database.
Arkansas: Bradley, Calhoun, Carroll, Chicot, Clark, Cleburne, Cleveland, Columbia, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Howard, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Poinsett, Prairie, Randolph, Saline, Sebastian, St Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Washington, White, Woodruff, Yell
Illinois: Alexander, Champaign, Clark, Crawford, DeWitt, Edwards, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Macon, McLean, Perry, Piatt, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, St Clair, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Williamson
Indiana: Bartholomew, Clay, Daviess, Franklin, Gibson, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Ripley, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Warrick
Kentucky: Ballard, Barren, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Clinton, Crittenden, Daviess, Fulton, Grant, Graves, Hardin, Hickman, Hopkins, Lee, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Metcalfe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, Webster
Louisiana: Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, East Feliciana, Jackson, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Richland, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Washington, Webster, West Carroll
Mississippi: Adams, Alcorn, Amite, Attala, Benton, Calhoun, Carroll, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, DeSoto, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jasper, Jefferson, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tishomingo, Warren, Washington, Yalobusha, Yazoo
Tennessee: Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Humphreys, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Rutherford, Shelby, Stewart, Tipton, Wayne, Weakley, Williamson
There will be two major periodical cicada emergences in 2015. We’re less that 2 months away!
Brood XXIII, the Lower Mississippi Valley brood:
This brood of 13 year Magicicada will emerge in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana. Brood XXIII features all four 13 year Magicicada species M. tredecim, M. neotredecim, M. tredecassini and M. tredecula.
When they’ll emerge depends on the weather. A cool spring will mean the emergences will start later in the spring. Regardless of the weather, the emergences will begin in the Southern-most states, sometime in late April or early to mid May.
Brood XXIII should, depending on the weather, start emerging in less than two months; some time in late April in Louisiana.
Brood IV, the Kansan Brood:
This brood of 17 year Magicicada will emerge in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Brood VI features all three 17 year Magicicada species M. septendecim, M. cassini, and M. septendecula.
Brood IV should start emerging in early May.
Brood IV and XXIII won’t emerge in the same year again until the year 2236. The only state that features both Brood XXIII & IV is Missouri, but the areas where they emerge do not overlap.
Stragglers:
The best bet for Stragglers will be Brood VIII (17 year cicadas emerging 4 years early) & XIX (13 year cicadas emerging 4 years late). There is also a chance for III (17yr/1 year late), V (17yr/1 year early), and XXII (13yr/1 year late). Visit our brood page, to see the states where these stragglers might emerge.
I bet you thought I was going to post another Tibicen photo! Here’s a Magicicada photo Ryan Anderson took during the 2002 brood XXIII emergence in Kentucky.
Now is a good a time as any to point out the difference between Magicicadas and Tibicens:
Magicicadas:
Tibicens:
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
I have never even heard of cicadas before, let alone seen them, but I think they are fascinating little creatures, although they are really disgusting and creepy looking. My parents have about 3 acres of land by the woods, and these things are just taking over everywhere…they are all over the garage, pavilion, shed, and even on the one side of our house, and our porch. There are holes all through our yard from them. The loud noises they make are unbelievable. It sounds as if there are millions in our woods…and there probably are…I don’t think I’ll be goin for a walk in the woods until there gone, for fear that they might fall on top of my head. — lisa, Indiana county, pa
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
I am not sure if I like them or not, they freak me out yet I am facinated by them. I have read all the stories from everyone and I dont agree with killing them. I think it would be impossible. they will go away on their own sooner or later. My dog eats them like popcorn and my kids are terrified. This sight will help them to not be so affraid.thanks. — Diana, Hymera, Indiana
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
We have been hearing them for the last couple of days….but today they are everywhere. These are huge!!! I hate them! — Vickie, Sewickley, PA on the border of Allegheny and Beaver County
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Woke this morning to find the fences covered with our dear friends – locusts. I guess this is the year. Mineral Ridge, Ohio5/31/02 — Dianne, Mineral Ridge, OH
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Found some cicadas and their shed layers on a van tire – I bagged them for my son to see and take to school to talk about. He wants to start a bug collection.They’re pretty cool… this is the first time I have seen them.I guess they’ve been around a few days or so? — Larry, Shelocta, PA USA 15774
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
We have the little guys out in force in areas south, SE & SW of Little Rock. Also in the Forrest City area on Crowleys Ridge.Have been out for a week or so. — Jim Northum, Little Rock, AR
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
I’ve finally uploaded some of my photos to my ongoing journal “Angelfire so feel free to check it out. Looks like it’s almost time for me to make the trip to Illinois, so don’t EVEN think the journal is finished yet! — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Well, Seems my neighbors West and South of me have started to see the critters, but I have yet to see one. I’ll let you all know when I do! — Steve, Northern Allegheny County, PA
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
We have tons of them here! We live in a little town near Youngstown, OH (between Cleveland and Pittsburgh)Just noticed all the holes in the ground and live and dead cicadas around May 27. — therese, Youngstown, Ohio
They’re here! Brood V in Eastern Ohio
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Finally, they’re starting to emerge in our back yard, but so far there are far fewer of them than there were 17 years ago. We’re seeing birds snatch up more of them than we remember from 1985; is anyone else seeing this? — Gayle, Lisbon, Columbiana County, OH
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Just my luck – the year we buy a house that sits in the woods, the cicadas emerge. I am horrified – our trees and shrubs are covered by hundreds of these ugly pests. I know there’s not much I can do to get rid of them now, so I’ll suffer inside until July. But what to do then? Does anyone have tips on disposing of their carcasses once they die? If so, or if you have other suggestions on dealing with these pests, please post them on this site. I need help! — Lara, Beaver, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
We moved to our new home in Dec. 2001. We love it in the country. We have seen lots of new bugs, and one of them is the cicada. We have seen them in the ground and then have watched the transformation to the adult cicada. Very interesting! We have them in our yard by the thousands. I worry about the damage to my plants and trees. How much will they do? Is there something I can spray to get rid of the ones on the ground or in the trees or to stop the new eggs that will falling to the ground soon? Would really like some more info on these. Thanks, Angelaangelalangley [AT] hotmail.com — Angela, Robinson, IL, USA
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Have seen several drying in the sun the past couple of weeks. While mowing the yard yesterday (about 2 acres on what we call Pleasant Oaks), happened to see hundreds of shells clinging to the underside of the oak leaves. I’m not a bug person, so don’t have a positive ID on the critters. The ones I’ve seen are black or dark brown with red eyes. — Frank Barncord, Marissa, IL
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
i saw all these cicadas and they f***ing rule!!! tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss they went! YO! — Bob, England, London
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Call me weird but I really like the cicadas. We experienced the cicadas three years ago and I thought the loud sound was hilarious. I would call my mom up (she lives in Westmoreland County) and put the phone outside so she could here them.What is even better is that we are moving up to Greensburg this month so I won’t have wait another 14 years to hear their music.I was lucky though in that they never pelted me like they did other people!!! — Audrey, Morgantown, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Call me weird but I really like the cicadas. We experienced the cicadas two years ago and I thought the loud sound was hilarious. I would call my mom up (she lives in Westmoreland County) and put the phone outside so she could here them.What is even better is that we are moving up to Greensburg this month so I won’t have wait another 15 years to hear their music.I was lucky though in that they never pelted me like they did other people!!! — Audrey, Morgantown, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
I have received reports from observers in Sullivan and Posey counnties in SW Indiana that their emergence has begun. I would appreciate information from readers in Indiana and Ohio on when and where they observe cicadas. I have put Indiana and Ohio emergence maps online at www.msj.edu/cicada for those wondering if they should be on the look out. Thanks. — Gene Kritsky, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
The cicadas emerged here about a week ago. I was expecting the intermittent june bug chirp but am fascinated with their pervasive hum. The first morning I heard it I thought someone was using an electric saw on an infintely long board. I’m torn between the eeriness of the sound, the fascination with it and the fear of the individual insect which is extraordinarily sci-fi-ish. I will say I am avoiding my flower garden as they have taken up residence in the shade garden and I have a natural averision to any insect that large. (I read all those 50’s comics about giant bugs). I feel like I need to do something about them but don’t know what. I also think about whether I’ll still be living when their larvae next emerge. I finally decided to deal with them in a zen like way, just experiencing this phenomena and not worrying about what they are really up to out there. Oddly, I’m old enough to have experienced them at least twice before but can’t recall anything this extraordinary. — C. Keeley, Paducah, Kentucky
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
In 1985 I got bit, pinched, whatever you call it, by a Cicada. Gouged a 2-inch long piece of flesh from inside of my arm. Drew blood. They’re here, and I’m NOT happy. — Julie, Rochester, PA
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
We just got our brood this weekend. I live in the country and have them everywhere! I’m thrilled to see them and love hearing them. I’m in the minority here. Everyone else seems to hate them and wants them gone. I loved them when I was a kid and still do. I just wish they’d come out sooner than 17 years!!!! — Jan, Armstrong Co., PA
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
we are covered up here! the ground looks like swiss cheese and the air is filled with the sounds of them! at least a few of them sleep late in the mornings so it’s not too bad until 9 or so….. — Edward, Arlington, Tennessee
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Just took a walk, the trees and ground are covered, holes in the ground. Have not seen this many in years. Will be glad when they are gone. — jane, Cobden, Il, Union County
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Oh the joy that filled my heart when we heard the beautiful song of the magicicada! We live in the country and are blessed with woods all around us. There must be thousands of them. My parents live in MS about 50 miles south of Memphis in a town called Sardis. They have as many as we do here. If you’re looking for them, come to our neck of the woods. 🙂 — Traci Stevens, Lexington, TN
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Found some cicadas in SE Missouri Sat/Sun but the numbers were far from overwhelming. Midday Saturday at Hawn State Park heard several individual Decim who sounded like they had just hatched. Late afternoon driving east on a county road in Perry County, suddenly about a mile east of I-55 my ears were hit by waves of Cassini even with the car windows down. Camped at a state forest along the Mississippi; saw one skeleton. The Mississippi was flooded and had been even higher. Lots of toads (especially Fowlers) who sound a lot like Decim. Hiked the higher-altitude area of the forest Sunday morning and saw a couple more skeletons and heard a few individual Decim. By far the best place I found was Trail of Tears State Park along the Mississippi north of Cape Girardeau. This was the only place I saw any up close. A couple dozen on plants along the hiking trail, decent numbers of skeletons, and good numbers of Decim singing around 10 AM. The rest of the trip was nearly fruitless as I headed farther south; much of the Bootheel was underwater and the region has few trees. I had high hopes for Big Oak Tree State Park, but it was mostly underwater. Heard a few cicada distress calls in the trees. If the majority of MO cicadas haven’t hatched yet, the delay is beneficial because the river needs to recede more. Am going to try several forested parks near the river south of St. Louis next week, but would be pleasantly surprised to hear/see any, having not encountered any in the STL region in 1989. — Eric, Missouri
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
We live about half an hour from Arkansas. There are a lot of them. Started seeing them the second week of May. Then the noise started, hard to listen to every day, very aggrivating. I thought the paper mill was doing someting than someone said it was those bugs. Be glad when they are gone. — Elaine, Bastrop, La.
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
A friend of a friend mentioned the Cicadas were common at Pickthorne Lake- Northwest Lonoke Co, near Jacksonville. We hiked in the woods adjacent to the lake and could hear chorus of cicadas, but found only 3 live adults within reach,and a couple dozen cast skins. Anyone know where I can collect 100-200 adults for museums here and elsewhere?Let me know at bbbbugs [AT] earthlink.comThanks,Brian Baldwin 501-821-2934 — Brian, Little Rock, AR
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
While leading a tour into Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument this past Thursday, The cicadas were singing on the hillsides. I caught a male and identified it as Cacama valvata. I turned this one loose, but later caught another on Saturady Afternoon. — Wes Phillips, Fritch, Texas
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
can anyone tell me how long i must endure this auditory interruption…they are sooooo loud here it is uncomfortable to be outside…sorta like an x-files…thank you…mail me at relaxornot [AT] yahoo.com — laslo tolff, oxford, ms
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
they have been singing for about a week..this is a first for us on our 15 acres and hope we are here when they return.. — john & sandy, Alexander, AR
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Millions of Cicadas have emerged in Corinth, Ms. There are holes all over the ground where they emerged. The trees are full of them. They sing very loudly. Seems as if they never stop singing. I have found shells all over and have seen many of the live ones. If I sit under the trees droplets like rain fall on me. They have been in the area for about two weeks. This is May 25, 2002 — Sue, Corinth, Ms
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Maria wasn’t kidding… the cicadas came out en masse today. I’ve got 3/4 acre and every tree has them, as well as the fence. There was a gorgeous albino cicada on the fence. Well, okay, not gorgeous, but pretty for a cicada. Enjoying the quiet today… it’ll be a madhouse by Monday. — Mary Lynn, Greensburg, PA
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Okay, okay, this has been going on for several weeks. I can hear them on my deck and inside my house with the windows closed! Does anyone know when this will stop??? I love nature but this can be rather maddening after a month. What can I expect???Thanks!email–crdodd [AT] bellsouth.com — Glada Dodd, Murray, Ky.
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
They have appeared in Greesburg, PA. They are everywhere. The noise hasn’t started yet, but it will start soon. — Maria, Greensburg, PA
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
We have tons of cicadas emerging from nymphal stage here – they are all over the lawn, and thousands up flying and singing! — Katie Weatherford, Calvert City, KY
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
I first heard the ‘flying saucer’ sound last friday, may 17. It’s been going on since then varying in loudness. We live on a flight path to the airport, and after one particularly noisy jet went over, the cicadas all shut up! and didn’t start over in full force until the next day. I heard someone out in the woods shooting a barrage of shots, but it didn’t even slow down their singing. — lesley, memphis, tennessee
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
We live on 8 acres. The Cicadas are thick here, I bet we have 5,000 or more in our trees now. They came out last night & climbed the trees ( which we have lots of) This morning they were hatching out of their shells. It was cool watching them. My dogs keep eating them, hope it doesn’t make them sick!! By tomorrow they will be out of site as they go to the TOPS of the trees. That is why you usually don’t see them but HEARD them. They live about 5 wks. — Debi, Richland, IN
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
The cicadas seem to be near full force along U.S. 70 between Hazen and Brinkley. That includes DeValls Bluff, Biscoe, and Brasfield. The tredecassini are beginning their synchronized chorus and some trees are so covered that the cicadas almost appear to be part of the bark. Several teneral (newly-emerged) adults are still present, though, so the chorus will only grow louder in the days to come… — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
They really started emerging in full force last night. Can’t seem to get my dogs to go out now, they’re terrified! — Tony, Freedom, PA
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
The chorusing is down to a fairly low level now and should be gone in a few days. Earlier I reported that 92% of the local population represented M. tredecim. By gathering the dying cicadas from nature trails in Clinton and Jackson I estimate 5.9 % of the population represented M. tredecula and 2.1 % represented M. tredecassini. Emergence hole density for several sites in the Clinton area was 58 per square meter. Emergence began on the evening of April 27 and continued through the evening of May 11 but 47 % of the population emerged on the evening of May 1 and May 2. I gave a presentation on the emergence at Clinton Community Nature Center on the afternoon of May 11 to a mixed audience of children, young adults and senior citizens and was surprised how few could remember experiencing such an event before. Most of the people present were living in the Clinton area for the 1989 emergence and several could have experienced the 1976 and 1963 cycles. Strangely, most people seem to forget about these events and have to go through rediscovery. That seems to be reflected in the traffic on this message board, as well. Oh well, it has been fun and maybe, if we’re lucky, we can see it again in 2015. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi,USA
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
I live in Austin, TX and haven’t heard acicada yet….I think they should be out”chirping” by now. Does anyone know if they have a domant cycle??? — jimbob, austin TX
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Sorry Alexa, they’re in your backyard. — Kelly, New Brighton PA USA specifically
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Well, after a short trip outside with my Golden Retriever it’s confirmed that the cicadas have arrived in Western PA! — Kelly, Pittsburgh, PA USA region
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
I have never seen one of these bugs before, because I come from a very Urban area in the North. I am scared of big buzzing bugs that fly. In fact, I freak out with almost every bug. I do not dig the thought of a mini invasion. How long does this last? I am seriously thinking of taking time off from work, so I dont have to have bugs land on me (just the thought gives me the shivers). Help!! I need answers. EMail them to me please: yankred [AT] aol.com. — Andrea, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Well it seems we have a bumper crop of bugs….Its been cool…but its seems to not have hampered the cicadas. They are singing right along none the worse for wear….If anyone would like some cicadas for their yard..I would be happy to send them to you…. — Jean Sherrill, Huntingdon tn carroll co
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
I hate those damn bugs! I can’t believe they are coming back. Does anyone know how long they will be here this time? I am about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Any info can be forwared to bre97 [AT] hotmail.com. Thanks! — Bre, Wheeling, WV
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
we have been hitting record temp lows here in pittsburgh – – – i hope the cicadas brought their scarfs 🙁 i read that extreme weather changes can prevent them from coming out…. lucky southerners!!! 🙂 — sinn, pittsburgh, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
They arrived last Wednesday, May 15. They are everywhere! They even got into my office. Does anyone know how they might have gotten in & how to prevent that in future years? Thanks! — Jen Melton, Benton, KY, USA
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
As noted in my ongoing cicada journal (Angelfire) three of my cassini cicadas have been alive since I collected them on May 10. This — 12 days — will be the longest I’ve ever kept captive cicadas alive. Four of my tredecim cicadas are only one or two days behind. I give them new branch tips to suck on every day (an interesting pruning method if I do say so myself), and they still sing in the daylight or when my bedroom light is on. What’s funny is they get more vocally active when I listen to my CDs. Must have something to do with the sound frequency of the song chords or something. Right now their favorite seems to be Linkin Park by far, although they have “sung along” with Skillet, Metallica, SonicFlood, and Staind as well. =) — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
We’re inthe field studying periodical cicadas, and your messages to this board are extremely helpful. We check it often. With regards to the gentleman from MS, with the lawn sprinkler problem, I must object to his plan to eradicate nymphs: First of all, periodical cicadas do not have chewing mouthparts, so it is impossible for them to chew wiring or piping, or anything else. Cicadas have sucking mouthparts and feed on plant juices. It is unlikely, even if a nymph tried to do so, that it could penetrate the materials used in underground wiring or piping. With regards to finding a nymph near a wiring fault, since there are cicada nymphs everywhere underground, if you dug up anything– wiring or anything else– you would undoubtedly find nymphs in close proximity to it. That does not mean that the nymphs could or did cause any of your problems.Second, the amounts of toxic chemicals required to remove the cicadas are so great that they may result in other, unintended damage. — John Cooley, On the road
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
I have been expecting to hear some information on emergence of brood VIII in western PA and eastern Ohio.So far there are no reports of any large numbers being seen, probably due to the unseasonably cold weather for nearly the entire month of May.If anyone has information on the status of brood VIII please post or forward to Danak320 [AT] aol.com. Thanks, Dan — Dan Kendle, North Canton (Stark Co.) Ohio
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Wow! They are back and louder than ever! I thought they made an appearance every 7 years, but I just read that it’s every 17 years! lindasmith79 [AT] yahoo.com — Linda , Alva, Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
I wouldn’t recommend that kite trick with the periodicals — for the cicada’s sake I wouldn’t have you do it with any species!! — but the Magicicada aren’t as strong of flyers as the annual Tibicen cicadas. Odds are with a periodical you’ll just wear the poor thing out after a few rather clumsy attempts it makes to fly around. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
OK, so maybe not quite freezing, but it’s still way too cold for mid May. I’m sure the cicadas don’t like it either. Hopefully the majority of them will wait until the weather finally breaks to emerge and start chorusing, so they can do it undisturbed. They are showing up at Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg, AR with all 3 species present. I may go back out there today even though it’s not very warm. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Faye, I grew up in Carrollton and spent many a summer day hunting cicadas. I would listen for the wi-wi-wi sound and trace it to the tree (mostly young, small trees). If I could reach the branch it was on, I would pull it down very slowly and with my other hand, very quickly grab the cicida. Most of the ones I caught were the green and black ones (Dogday Harvestfly). I don’t think that Texas has the periodal cicadas.I live in New Albany, Mississippi now and there are these periodical cicidas everywhere. Even on the ground. My 3 inside cats wait at the door when I go outside in hope that I will bring them some “treats”. I’ve caught at least 50-60 of them. They are smaller than the green ones and the Grand Western cicadas.Has anyone tried to fly one? Kids love it. You tie a piece of thread around the eye section and then throw the cicada in the air. Kinda like a kite. — Amy, New Albany, MS
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Faye, I grew up in Carrollton and spent many a summer day hunting cicadas. I would listen for the wi-wi-wi sound and trace it to the tree (mostly young, small trees). If I could reach the branch it was on, I would pull it down very slowly and with my other hand, very quickly grab the cicida. Most of the ones I caught were the green and black ones (Dogday Harvestfly). I don’t think that Texas has the periodal cicadas.I live in New Albany, Mississippi now and there are these periodical cicidas everywhere. Even on the ground. My 3 inside cats wait at the door when I go outside in hope that I will bring them some “treats”. I’ve caught at least 50-60 of them. They are smaller than the green ones and the Grand Western cicadas.Has anyone tried to fly one? Kids love it. You tie a piece of thread around the eye section and then throw the cicada in the air. Kinda like a kite. — Amy, New Albany, MS
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
It is Sunday night, May 19. My son has 24 hours to come up with a cicada for his insect display in his science class. I live near dfw airport. Does anyone know how we can get our hands on a nice dead cicada? email to mikefaye [AT] airmail.com. Thanks. — faye smith, coppell, tx, usa
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
thousands of the little buggers are emerging! my 2 labs are enjoying the seemingly tasty snacks! can’t wait for the incessant howling. now where are my earplugs? !!!!!!!!! — jt blandford, lake of egypt williamson county il
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
About a week ago I noticed all these huge looking ‘flies’ all over our back porch. And then saw them all around our neighborhood. Some have called them Locusts and others Katydids.My husband had me look up ‘Cicada’ and I found this site really informative.And I will pass on the info. I found to my friends.Thanks! — Jennifer, Lavinia,TN, USA
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
I found your site after listening to an interesting story on NPR’s Weekend Edition (Saturday) related to eating emerging cicadas. While it did not stimulate my intestinal appetite, I made my way to this site which is facinating. Thought you might like to know. — Joe Gross, Land O’ Lakes, FL
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
I have found 2 (two) 13 year cicadas so far- one male on the 13th of May, and a female on the 17th of May.No calls heard yet.Brian Baldwin — Brian Baldwin, Little Rock, AR
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
here in hernando ms we have tons of them here they are EVERY WHERE and on everything .but let me tell yea you really can get some big FISH useing these BEEN there done that . — tammy lowes, hernando ,ms
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
I live about 1/4 of a mile from the Holland Bottoms W.M.A., and we have really started seeing numerous cicada’s around here. They are thick outside, and very noisy as well. And Nick, they really are gross! :o) — Ann, Jacksonville, AR, USA, Lonoke County
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Ok! Folks here’s the whole truth on these “do little damage” buggers. During the emergince of the XXIII brood my 2 year old $6000 sprinkler system began having problems. Our lawn care professional blamed the problem on the Cicadas?? I was, let us say “unconvinced” until they dug up portions of the wiring in my system that were obviously damaged by chewing. I was still dubious on the subject until they found a dead Cicada nymph still attached to a wire. The nymph was aparently zapped by the current flowing thru the wire while he was snacking on the insulation. I say “Guilty as Charged”! (HA! charged… get it?) The lawn care guys have described to me a plague of sprinkler system damage in our area all related to chewed up wiring. The total cost of repair, if all of the wiring in my system has to be replaced, will be about $1800. Can you imagine the overall cost to everyone having the same problem? I was like most people three weeks ago, Cicadas didn’t bother me one little bit, in fact I kinda liked the sounds they make, but now I am looking for a way to kill as many of them as I can. The Cicada information sites on the web recomend nothing in the way of nymph control. But I intend to attack them as they hatch from the tree branches with a barrage of insecticides unknown to my home in the 27 years I have lived here. I’m MAD, I’m BAD, and I have a “can do” pest control service preparing to do battle. DIE! you costly little pests. — Pat P., Rankin County MS
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Found about 6 so far in my back yard.Its starting! — Bill Calhoon, Pittsburgh PA
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
We have the cicadas everywhere!!! — Carol Greene, Atoka, Tn.
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
I have pics. E mailusammy [AT] bellsouth.com.These Cicadas are absolutely all over my yard,fence,shrubs,ground,the dog house(poor dog).In the fish pond………Lawn furniture.Walls of the house. Getting a little gross for me. — Lisa, Henry county TN
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
HI:I have been invaded. They are everywhere. Even worse than last night. I thought that wasnt possible. Barely making noise they are tonight. The Yorkshire pups are eating them.The cats also.All over my porch. Evrywhere you step, Cicada!!!!!!Henry county is just south of Calloway co.KY.Lisa — Lisa, Henry co.TN West TN
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Cicadas emerged all over the area here in Gilbertsville,Ky (Marshall County) on Saturday evening,May 11th, 2002.They haven’t started their song yet, so I guess that will start soon…they arenot welcome inside my house, which hashappened a couple of times, but guess that is one of God’s creations, and we must deal with it. My friends dog lovesthem and goes crazy crunching them whenoutside. — Dorothy Blackwell, Gilbertsvile,Ky (MarshallCounty)
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Cicadas emerged all over the area here in Gilbertsville,Ky (Marshall County) on Saturday evening,May 11th, 2002.They haven’t started their song yet, so — Dorothy Blackwell, Gilbertsvile,Ky (MarshallCounty)
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Tonight, May 16 there are thousands of cicada nymphs emerging in my yard alone! Over the past few days I’ve seen them emerging a few at a time but tonight the grass is literally crawling with them! It’s an awesome sight! Of course when they start singing I may sing a different tune myself. — Mark Smiddy, Benton, Kentucky USA
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Decim and cassini cicadas are showing up in eastern Arkansas. Along Hwy. 38 and 306 east of Cotton Plant (Cache Bayou to Colt) and along parts of Hwy. 286 and Hwy. 1 near Wynne are showing activity. Some singing and chirping is audible, but not the deafening whining of cassini or roaring of decim that I would expect within the next couple of weeks. Nothing in Jonesboro though. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
We just set out some new apple trees this year – If I had known they lay their eggs in young trees, I might have waited til next year to set out new trees. They are interesting even though they are odd looking and make a deafening noise while courting. — Melissa, Brandon, MS (Reservoir)
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Yesterday morning while doing some yard work in my yard I noticed this really loud annoying noise. I read below that some guy thought it was a piece of machinery. I have to agree w/ him. I at first thought it was some sort of alarm that would not shut up. All day long I kept asking my 4 yr. old daughter, “Do you hear that noise?” Finally a friend of mine came over yesterday afternoon and I asked her about it. And I got my answer. Now I find the noise fascinating. Also, yesterday my daughter called me over to look at this “weird” bug. She said, “It keeps running into the fence.” When I got there and saw that huge thing w/ bulging orange/red eyes I backed us away b/c I had no idea what it was. Then this morning my neighbor told me she saw the same thing in her yard and I found out then it was the Cicada. I had no idea about any of this until yesterday. And it is pretty amazing. But how long will they be around? — Michelle, Oxford, MS
Date: Wednesday, May/15/2002
Bugs are so loud it’s amazing! — C. Hailey, West Monroe, Louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
There are thousands all over my yard and trees, but I haven’t heard the noise that is usually asscosiated with there emergence. My wife would rather they just go away. Is there a time limit for their being here? — Oakley Swart, Murray, Ky Calloway County
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
This is about the most fascinating thing I’ve ever experienced (or heard!). We have a small nature pond in our backyard that is full of goldfish. They are absolutely fighting over the cicadas when they happen to drop in the water. I have a question. When all these wonderful bugs start dying, will it be raining cicadas? — Judy Stegall, Jackson, MS
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Well, it’s official. I’ve had at least 25 calls on 13 Year Periodicals in the past three days, and have had several samples brought in – all positively IDed. They’re extremely prolific in the eastern part of McCracken County, but not so heavily in the western sector, where the majority of the trees are – may take a few extra days to warm up these forested areas. Look for information on them and samples at the Spring Sampler May 18th at Dolly McNutt Plaza, Paducah. I’ll have the insects and information downtown for everyone to see. Contact me at kkeeney [AT] uky.edu — Kathy Keeney, Paducah, KY
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
For about a week now we’ve been hearing the roar of the cicadas and have holes all over our property. Today the roar is so loud it is deafening. The deal about the W on the wings is an Indian tale and was told to us the other night by someone who is part Indian. He said his great great grandmother told him that a W on the wings means 7 years of war and a P on the wings means peace. — Marsha, Tishomingo, MS
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
some one said that the “w” on the wing means war . i have never heared if it i would like to know if it is so i have asked everyone if they knew but they said that they dont know but would like to find out. — meme, new albany ms
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
The Grove at the University of Mississippi is loud with the hum of brood XXIII — Pat, Oxford, MS
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
THEY MUST BE HERE BY THE MILLIONS! HOW LONG WILL THIS NOISE LAST? DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE CICADA EVENT FROM 13 YEARS AGO? I SURELY DON’T! — DW, Choudrant, LA
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
We have lived here 7 years, and the past two nights have been VERY interesting. The cicadas have crawled out of the ground and attached themselves to our house, shrubs, garage door, everything. It’s been fascinating watching them crawl out and fumble around. We learned all we needed to know from your website. Thanks for sharing this amazing 13 year event. — Ann, Nesbit. MS
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Should we be threatened. I have been planting young trees. Will they kill them. I had no idea what all the noise was last week. As I was planting my magnolia tree, I glanced up and a Cicada was staring at me. It was very creepy. I hate bugs.. Especially these big things. It is fascinating how they only come every 13 yrs. How long will this last? — JENNIFER, HOULKA, MS
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Today at Holland Bottoms W.M.A. I found about 150 adults in the low vegetation along the path. No singing though. There were several hundred holes in the path and along the edge of the water and around 200 skins clinging to trees and other plants. I took some pictures of the gathering adults, which I plan to post in my journal in a couple of weeks. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Moving here from Phila. 8 years ago I have never seen the red bulging eyes of the cicada until yesterday, how cool! How fascinating that these creatures come around every 13-17 years. — Loretta Stronski, DeSoto County, Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
I’d been hearing the noise for several days now, and I thought I was crazy. My grandmother told me it was cicadas. Then she took me to her back yard. It was spooky! You couldn’t take two steps without stepping on them! Papaw had picked about 60 off the house. Little holes in the ground everywhere. Now that I’ve come to this website and learned more about the little rascals, it’s not so spooky. — Heather Miles, West Monroe, LA (Ouachita Parish)
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Commencement at Ole Miss was well attended by students and their families.Also attending were The Grove`s family of cicadas. At points throughout the festivities there were the all too familiar cicada dance being performed by those humans who were surprised by cicadas on their legs,heads,ect. It brought welcome comic relief to a long,warm occaision — Ken , Booneville,MS
they are here!!
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
My 11 yr old son informed me on Mother’s Day that our front porch was covered in some type of “bug”. Being from the country I knew exactly what had transpired overnight. The cicada are everywhere. I watched a few emerge from their shell. Amazing! Beautiful colors. — Kim, Cordova TN
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
For the last 3 or so days I had been hearing a loud permeating sound that I had thought was some kind of machine. (I live in the city but near a wooded area) Finally I decided that I was going to find whoever was running that darned machine and let him know that I was going to file a complaint for “disturbing the peace”. So, I jumped in my car and rode towards what I imagined was the source of the sound. After a few minutes of this I was no closer to finding anything, so I gave it up. The next day I was visiting a friend and was then informed of the true source of the sound. Everything then made perfect sense, as I had noticed some of the molts left on trees and has also seen a lot of small holes in the ground that had not been there before. I felt a bit dumb, but at least I know what it is now. — Tim, Jackson, MS
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Last night we arrived to find our drive way with many of the bugs. To our horror this morning the ground, trees, and shrubs were covered with Cicadas. Tonight because their are so many you can hear them rustling in the bushes and on the trees, and the noise when they hit the ground. When you look in the trees you can already see some of the white balls, I guees this will be their larva. I noticed not as many birds out today. We have been in our home for eight years and this is the first time we have seen this. — Marda, Jackson TN Madison County
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
My front porch is covered with shells and dying cicadas. They are all over the grass and plants in the yard. There are thousands of little holes in the ground and even in the gravel driveway. I am concerned because a large majority of the bugs appear to be dying immediately after emerging from their shell. Does anyone know what could possibly be causing this? — Donna Wood, Jackson, TN
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I have never seen so many Cicadas in all my life! They have been here for several days now and their eerie hum fills the woods behind my house. Their little “shells” are clinging to everything in the yard. — Pam Martin, Silver Creek, MS
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I am visiting my parents. When I drove up I heard a buzzing humming noise. The trees are full of the skeletons and I found a living one also. I plan to send these to my kids school so they can see. — cerise barrett, Holcomb, Ms. Carroll county
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Sunday May 12, 2002, Emergence at it’s peak in Booneville. — Max Phillips, Booneville, MS
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
A few days ago I started noticing little holes all over my yard. This morning I went out & noticed at least a dozen “shells” on the back of my house. I looked up into the trees & there were hundreds.(I live in an area with many large old trees.) Then I looked around some more & discovered the insects were everywhere! They are in all my trees, bushes, & other plants. I hope they don’t eat too much!!!!!! My yard is NWF certified as a widlife habitat. I guess I have one more critter to add to my list — Marcia, Memphis, TN
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
We live in McNary County and Cicadas are covered from here to Pickwick Dam about 30 miles, but on the other side of the line to Hardaman County they are only a very few why is this? We live on Hwy 57 which comes from Memphis to Pickwick and they are jumping counties this is so wired. At our home there are so many our hummingbirds even left. — Becca, McNeary County, TN.
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Children came running into the house this morning very excited about a whole lot of white and black bugs everywhere. After my investigation,the cicadas are here. — jermaine butler, Memphis TN.
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
“A” Cicada, meaning one? They are covering my house! What should I do? — Kim Sharp, Savannah, TN
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I’ve seen Cicadas around here all my life, but tonight I got a surprise. I started seeing these beetle-looking bugs crawling around in my utility room. This room has a door to the backyard, and it was open. Soon I noticed several more of them in there, crawling around, but unlike a beetle, they seemed to be having a lot of trouble! I asked my husband what they were but he didn’t know, and then I remembered seeing the discarded ‘shell’ of a Cicada, (which everyone calls locusts around here). So I asked my husband if they might be locusts coming out of their shells. He said no, but I kept on inspecting them, and I could see the wings through the shell, so I was pretty sure that’s what they were. Anyhow, the population in my utility room was growing, and frankly, that many huge bugs in one place totally gave me the creeps! I went around to the back yard, and my WHOLE ENTIRE back yard is covered with them! They’re hanging from my hostas like x-mas decorations! I’d seen thousands of holes in the ground, but since we’ve had a lot of rain here, I thought they were where birds had dug up worms. NOT! Anyway, most of them in the utility room have emerged now. They’re ‘drying off’ I guess. They are still that whitish color. I haven’t seen any in the neighbors’ yards, so I guess we got the whole family tree in our backyard. I’ve seen them all my life, used to see how many shells I could find as a kid, but I have never seen one while it was emerging before.I know you all have probably seen this a bunch of times, so it might not be a very interesting story to you! Sorry it’s so long as well. Enjoy your Cicadas this summer!Jenn in KY — Jenn, West KY
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
We have so many their dried shells are sticking almost every where and they are making their noise in the wood’s now, A solid roar. I wonder what purpose they serve some say they come every 7 years to Prune rhe Forest Dell. — D. Helton, U.S.A .Iuka ,MS.38852
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
The cicadas feed by inserting their mouthparts into small branches and extracting the fluids from them. To stay alive for two or three weeks, as they can in the wild, they really need living vegetation, i.e. rooted into the ground. But if you want to keep some captive, and who wouldn’t, the next best thing is to keep them provided with fresh branch tips. Replace them at least once a day, if not twice. I found putting the cuttings in water seems to help. But again this is not a perfect substitute for the real thing. Have fun=) — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
My yard is covered with cicadas and thelittle holes that they emerged from are everywhere. They sound like one wouldexpect flying saucers from outer spaceto sound like. This is the largest “batch” of them in many years. — Vernon, Savannah, TN
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
They are all over my door step. I found one that was a few seconds from completly emerging so I was able to watch this cool creature. I collected a couple of them to take to school and I will let them go afterward. I came to this site to find out what to feed them. They make great music too. — Sidney Clayton, Potts Camp, MS
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I found light emergence beginning in western Lonoke County at Holland Bottoms Wildlife Management Area near Jacksonville, AR Friday, May 10. Only a small area, about 25 square yards, is showing activity at the moment. I found about 30 emergence holes, 20-30 skins, and 6 adults — 4 cassini, 1 decula, and 1 tredecim. Some of the holes had nymphs staring out at me. The population there will be very dense, though; I saw it in 1989. I’ll be journalizing all of my cicada adventures over the next few weeks. Anyone interested in following along can find it at “Angelfire“. I’ll be updating regularly. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I would not recommend using Cicadas as bait. In the Missouri Ozarks we had periodicals in 1985 and 1998. In 1985 they were fish magnets; usually a Cicada that fell in the water wouldn’t last long before being consumed by a fish. With the sunfish distracted feasting on Cicadas, I caught more big bottom feeders on worms. Saw a kid catch some sunfish on Cicadas.In 1998 I used a couple nymphs as bait and caught Bluegill, and had no success using adults. I tried using a black buzzbait with red eyes, thinking it would simulate the natural cicadas, and had no success whatsoever! The fish could obviously distinguish from the real thing. Witnessed many fish gobble cicadas who had fallen into the water. The noisy males beating their wings in circles got the most attention from fish.It is possible to catch Bass and big Bluegill on them, but there are several problems. They’re fragile and don’t stay on the hook well. A hooked Cicada doesn’t struggle as much as a natural one that fell in the water, so fish are less likely to notice it. I would only use them as an emergency after running out of bait.Am planning to fish on my trip to see/hear XXIII, but won’t try using any as bait.Annual cicadas are probably too big and too difficult to catch to be a feasible bait. — Eric , Missouri
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I woke up this mornin and when I skid back the covers there was one of them cicada locustes grabbed on to my peter ! — Maury Hicks, Benton, TN, Polk co
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Does anyone know if Cicada’s are a good bait for fishing? Seems like other bugs that only hatch out in the springtime are good bait (ie Mayflies). — john, Lexington, TN
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Have there been any sightings in Ohio or Penn.yet?Thanx — Colin Green, Toronto Ontario Canada
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
13-year Cicadas are emerging in small numbers at Lorance Creek Natural Area in southern Pulaski County, Arkansas. — Michael D. Warriner, Little Rock, Arkansas
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
The husk count this morning (May 10) has dropped to 27 (all M. tredecim). The choruses continue to be strong and egg laying is conspicuous on young black cherry and oak in my yard. I did another survey of emergence holes in my yard and found an average of 58 per square meter. — Bill P.Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Oh I have Cicada!!just planted 50 Lilac starter plants and the next thing I know ,Cicada are all over them! my house and yard has them everywhere….how long do these things stay around? what a mess! sherryost [AT] hotmail.com — Sherry, Paris, TN
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
The husk count through this morning (May 9) from my porch for the 12 day emergence period starting 28 April now stands at 2184 with 92.6% representing M. tredecim. Several mating pairs were observed yesterday afternoon including one pair of “doomed cicadas” with deformed wings. I am also beginning to find dead or lethargic males on the ground. Emergence in Clinton continued through May 21 during for the 1989 group and chorusing continued through the first week of June at various sites in Hinds County. It seems unlikely that this action will persist that long in 2002. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
For Some Reason My Teachers Think This Site Isnt Cretible And They No Longer Will Let Me Come On A “Regular” Basis But I Will Keep In Touch ! I Love You Guys ! See Ya Around And Thankz For Everything !!!!! — Warren Edwards, French Camp, Mississippi
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Hi from CT. My son and I dug up some large redish brown bug cases today when we were putting in a flower bed. Could these be cicadas? We put them in a jar and covered them with dirt in hopes of seeing whatever they are hatch. I hope they’re cicadas, but I’m thinking they probably are some other insect. — Jody, Ansonia, CT
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I have been finding hundreds of medium size cicada arriving out to the ground for the past 4 nights. I’m talking hundreds EACH of these nights. It’s almost like a plague here and I’m wondering if any one else has experienced this kind of activity. It’s something I’ve never seen before and I’ve lived here all my life. — Sondra, central Louisiana
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
This afternoon I counted 277 new emergence holes in my front yard!I put matches in the ones I counted before! Man, talk about prolific! The husk count is tremendous! — karen butler, Meadville,MS,Homochitto National Forest
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Brood XXII emerged in parts of southwestern Mississippi last year (2001), but that’s the only other brood I know of that inhabits the area. Sorry to say, most likely it will be 2014 or 2015 before you see any more after these. — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I Am Begging To Here Faint Chatter From The Woods But Nothing Loud, Me And Scott Are Studying This Phenominea Together. But Let Me Ask This…. This Brood Will Be Back In 13/17 Years Will Another Brood Emerge Next Year (from 13/17 years ago) I Hope So ! I Want To Keep Seeing Them ! Well…Keep Up THe Good Work Everyone ! Ill Check Back Here To See What You All Say ! Thankz For The Answers To My Other Questions…BYE ! — Warren E., French Camp Ms.
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I’m playing catchup on the husk counts for the past few days. Through the morning of May 6, a total of 1824 husks were found on my porch. 92% of these represent one species, M. tredecim, and the two smaller species together make up the other 8%. As of this morning (May 8) the number emerging continues to decline at this site in Clinton, but chorusing continues to be strong. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
meanwhile back here in the forest brood XXIII is going strong! The shells are everwhere and I even had the oppertunity to watch one emerge! The trees here look as though they are alive with all the movement and the chorus behind my house is deafening! This is truly a great experience! Shame on you Mr. Waters fron Jackson! We’ve had a flea infestation in our area and believe me…………. the cicadas are much more pleasant company! Leave them alone, they’ll be gone soon enough or maybe you’d rather have love bugs!!!!!! — Karen butler, Meadville,MS,Homochitto National Forest
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Large Cicada brood (XXIII?) have been emerging since March 3, 2002 in North Central Louisiana. Location is about 40 miles south of Monroe, La. — Duane Cruse, Grayson, Louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Cicadas everywhere!!!! When you go outside you can’t step without stepping on one. They are so loud it sounds like some kind of big machine is running on the next block. — Susan Price, Brandon, MS USA
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
This has got to be a record population of Cicadas. Has weather conditions played any part in this or is it truly a 13 year cycle? — Deb, Water Valley, Mississippi
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
how many eggs do cicadas lay — jimmy, mcpherson k.s. u.s.
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
how many eggs do they lay — jimmy, mcpherson.K.S.
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
why are these little things here in the first place what purpose do they serve?[another question]do they have some wierd Greek mytholigical meaning or story to them? — scott leeper, french camp,mississippi
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
anybody know the info about thetype of cicada living in southern france. My wife is french and we go there often to visit her family. These cicadas are always there, every year. Just wondering about their lifecycle. In france they are called”Cigale” lot of local art and souvenirsrelating to les cigales.thanksHH — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I couldn’t figure out what they were. No wings yet, just funny looking bugs under my two sitting stumps in the front yard. I guess they just dug their way up. — Michael, Leach, TN
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
The cicadas in Florida and Alabama were most likely Brood XIX, which I generally observed to be less impressive altogether than this brood, XXIII. Also north FL and south AL are on the very fringe of the Brood XIX’s range, whereas Brandon, MS is smack in the middle of Brood XXIII’s range, which may or may not be the reason for the difference.As for Warren over in French Camp, this will last about 3 to 4 weeks and it only happens once every 13 years. Enjoy it while you can. I know I will if they ever show up in Arkansas… — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
You guys in Mississippi are having all the fun! You guys STINK!! — not really 😉 — I’m still anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Homopterous oddities here in NE Arkansas. And, um, about that cicada-killing guy down there… I bet we could all take him if we work together. 😉 Anyway, you guys have fun down there while it lasts! — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We are located in Western Pennsylvania, very close to the West Virginia state line. Yesterday, (5/5/02)we found the first sign of the 17 year Cicadas. We were transplanting some periennials, and there they were just about to emerge from the soil. I’m sure we will be hearing their songs very soon! — KF, hOOKSTOWN, PA
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Got home this evening and heard twice the volume than yesterday. looking up in a bradford pear tree, it lookedlike the bark was alive. got my binoculars out to get a close look andthey are just covering the tree. One about every square inch. HH — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS -Cicada Central
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Warren: Try following the links on this site to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology page on Periodical Cicadas. I think most of your questions can be answered there. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Dont Kill Another Cicada YOU SICK FREAK ! YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS KNIVES TO KILL THEM?! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE ?! They Are Our Friends…I Love To Study These Creatures. Its So Fasnating I Wish They Would Keep Comming For Months…YEAR ROUND ! Here At The Academy Its Quite Intresting. Myself And 3 Others Are Doing A Extensive Study On Them. I Wish Someone Would Respond To My Previous Messages Though…Anyways STOP THE KILLING WERIDO ! — LONG LIVE THE CICADAS — Warren E., French Camp Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We have hundreds of them here in central Miss. The noise is deafening. Can’t wait to get home from work to listen tonight. — Audie, Crystal Springs Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I Have Killed Hundreds Of These Buggers And They Just Keep Comming I Have My Kids Slice Them Semetricaly With Scapules From my Office. I Diecide To Get 20 Spray Cans Of Raid And Some Flea Bombs And Put THem Around Trees ! The Death Toll Is Huge…Maybe This Will Put A Dent In Their Population ! — Bobby Waters, Jackson Ms.
Saw emerging cicada
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
On May 2, I saw a cicada in the grass near the base of my pine tree. I guess it had just emerged and was drying it’s wings. Strange looking creature. Red eyes, green iridecent body – lacy wings. Facinating! Before I saw it I thought one of my neighbors had been running a motor for several days. Then I realized it’s the cicadas. They’re loud little buggers! — Angela, Jackson, Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Just in time! We’ve been learning about insects and now our playground is covered with Cicadas! The children love to get them on sticks to look at closely. They can see the legs and other body parts great! Hands on learning! — Spann Elementary Kindergarten, Jackson, MS
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I See Them Everywhere But I Never GOt An Answer To My Previous Message….How Long Will This Last And Does This Happen Every Year Here?….PLease Someone….There Swarming Our Campus And One Kid Had Over 300 “HEADS” In A Clossed Testude…. (really werid)…. I Find Them Most Fasinating Things Around… I Catch The Nymphs And Put Them On My Wall In The Dorm And They Molt…etc…etc …. Anyways Im HAving Fun I Want TO Know How Long They Will Keep This Up….. (P.S. My Friend Says There Good In Cholate Pudding) — Warren E., French Camp Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We are in Brandon and have been watching the emergence of the Cicadas for over a week now.It’s an amazing event! They are everywhere and in every stage of emergence. There are holes everywhere. We didn’t know what the holes were at first, then we figured it out. There has also been this whirring sound for about 4 or 5 days but not right in the yard. We are guessing it is the cicadas. Hope all the parents out there get a chance to educate their kids about this wonderful bit of nature. After all, it doesn’t come around too often. Happy Cicada viewing! — Lauren, Brandon, Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We first saw the husks of the bugs on Weds. last week (May 2nd) and weren’t sure what they were. My dog was eating them and so were the red ants. The next day I spotted one crawling up one of our Oak trees, and the wings weren’t yet apparent – so it looked really strange with its bristly legs and bright red eyes. The next day (Friday) I saw scores of them in the trees, in my flower boxes in the windows, and walking all over my daugher’s swing set. They are now making their courtship sounds loudly in the evening and morning. I remember seeing them as a kid growing up in Florida, and then again as a teen in Mobile. They seem alot louder and larger in number here in Mississippi. — Lisa, Brandon, Mississippi
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
One of my students brought a specimen of Magicicada tredecim from West Monroe, Louisiana that he captured May 5, 2002. Brood XXIII was certainly expected in that area but I haven’t seen any postings to that effect. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
It’s Monday May 6th here just 1/2 hour north of Pittsburgh – looking forward to the emergence but haven’t spotted a single cicada yet. Nights are still pretty cool here. I believe that we are most likely out of the freeze threat. Have had plenty of rain here in Western Pa. and this week looks like rain for the majority of days. I have noticed many other flying insects – seems like more than usual – especially honey bees and bumble bees, wasps and hornets. Most likely attributable to very mild winters for the past few years here. Late last summer I noticed several spottings of “palmetto bugs” – look like giant japanese beetles engaged in a circular “dance” about 2 – 5 feet off the ground… Perhaps some kind of courting behavior?Oh well, I’ll post again in a week or so – sooner if I spot any cicadas…JoeP.S. Bob – send me a pic of the ants you spotted – toungetwist [AT] hotmail.com — Joe, Ambridge, Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Although reduced in numbers, the emergence of Magicicada continues in Clinton. On the morning of May 5 there were 135 M. tredecim husks and 7 of the M. tredecula/M. tredecassini type on my back porch. I also did an emergence hole count and found an average of 41 per square meter. Last night the emergence seemed to be higher again but I have not completed the count. All three species can be heard singing throughout the Clinton area. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
The XXIII hatch here in Jackson continues. I’ve got a 60+ year old Oak in the front and the hatch around that oak is very dense. The number of shells at the base of the trees near the oak looks like the aftermath of a multiple person eat of boiled crawfish. Also, one the trunk of one pine have a very small ant with bulbous red butt (that I have never seen before) that is attacking those cicadas that are struggling to exit. Really surprising how high into a tree and how far out on the limbs that these buggers will climb. Post here if you would like me to send a digital pic of the ants I noted above. — Bob, Jackson, MS
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
My little Miniature Pinscher (Greta)is feasting on the little boogers.She has found them in the azalea bushesand gobbles em up. I watched her eata dozen this morning. Cicada on the half shell. hmmm hmmm good.The noise today is deafening. A deep almost siren sounding distant dronewith the sharp chirping of closer ones.Awesome. I would love to know moreabout their lifecycle.email at hh [AT] tsafety.com — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
Read this message that came in through the email:I would like to know why do green cicadas “piss”? There is this one tree i SUkau where there are may be 100’s of green cicadas on it and they seem to be pissing from the tree.PleaseadviseAnyone have a clue? — Dan, Cicada Town
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
What a sound! Outdoors you can hardly have a conversation! First noticed them 3 days ago, it gets louder everyday. — jay, West of Brookhaven MS
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
may 4th… I live in the Homochittto Forest in Franklin County,Ms.We are southwest of Mr.Stark from Clinton. Brood XXIII has really come out in great numbers here! As I sit here I can hear their chorusing like surround sound! It sounds like one of those alien flying soucers from the old 50’s and 60’s sci-fi movies.I think they are too cool,especially the big red eyes! To all that have fears of them…….relax!!!! I’ve been close to these wonderful creatures for years and never once got bitten,abducted or molested by one! — karen butler, meadville,ms>>>>homochitto forest
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
This morning (May 4) the number of emerging Magicicada is drastically lower than for the past two days. Only 88 M. tredecim husks and 5 M. tredecula/M. tredecassini were found on my porch. A colleague at Ole Miss reports the emergence is underway in Oxford as of Wednesday, May 1. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
THIS S IS SERIOUS!!! I HAVE BEEN INVADED BY CICADAS FOR 5 DAYS. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE, IN MY TREES, ON MY CARS, UNDER MY CAR-PORT, IN MY YARD. I HATE THESE INSECTS. THEY DO NOT COME 1, 20, MAYBE 50. THEY COME 200, 300, 400. I AM SCARED OF THEM BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER SEEN THEM AND I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY CAN HARM ME. THESE INSECTS ARE NEW TO ME AND MY NEIGHBORHOOD. WE ARE CALLING EVERYWHERE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP, BUT THE PROFESSIONALS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THESE INSECTS. I WISH THEY LEAVE!!!!!!! — Tamra M., JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Nucklear [AT] email.com ! I Want Information On This ! How Long Will They Keep Comming Out? Im Studying Them With All My Might Here At French Camp Academy In Mississippi ! I Want To Contribute To The Site And Help Anyway ! Thankz ! — Warren E., French Camp Acedemy Mississippi
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
During the 1989 emergence of Brood XXIII I counted almost 9000 exuvia from my backyard during the entire emergence. Now that I’m 13 years older I’m only checking the back porch; this morning (May 3) the count was 462 M. tredecim and 44 M. tredecula/tredecassini. This gives a total of 1210 husks recovered from the porch over the first 6 days of the emergence. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Our yard looks like it has been aerated. Holes everywhere. At night, cicadas cover our yard and in the mornings there are thousands of shells around our trees. Shells are even stuck all over our house (brick) and window screens. I’ve never seen anything like it! But pretty neat though. — Terrie, Florence, Ms
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
Yesterday afternoon (May 1) a few songs songs could be heard in the woods near my home in Clinton. Today at noon a much more pronounced low hum was audible. The chorus is underway. Emergence last night got the attention of people all over the Jackson metropolitan area and my own back porch looked like a cicada war zone. When it all settled out there were 485 M. tredecim husks and 54 of the M. tredecula/M. tredecassini small type husks. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
We have cicadas in Florence, MS. My question do they bite humans? I have a two year old and I don’t want her bitten. My trees look like they are moving we have so many in our yard. — Renee, Florence, MS
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
On April 28, 02. I woke up as usual, but nothing was usual when I looked out my door, there were hundreds of Insects on my house and porch. I didnt know what to do, so I just swept it away, and then it happen the next 3 mornings also, I finally called the pest control people, who came out and told me my insects are none other then Cicadas. I have hundreds of them, and there shells, I hate to kill them but what else can I do, my kids are scared to come outside… — Paula, Jackson Mississippi
Date: Wednesday, May/1/2002
Exuvia counts from my porch are: 15, 16, 27 and 107 for the first 4 nights of the emergence (April 28-May 1). 92.7% of these represent M. tredecim. In addition to the Clinton emergences, a few other sites have been noted. These include Hazelhurst, Byram, Raymond and Jackson all in central Mississippi. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Monday, Apr/29/2002
One of my current entomology students brought a single specimen of M. tredecim to class this morning that was also captured April 28 in Raymond, Mississippi (Hinds County) about 10 miles southwest of Clinton. She reported seeing hundreds of husks and emergence holes at this site. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Sunday, Apr/28/2002
I’m glad to hear the emergence of Brood XXIII has begun. If anyone finds any new cicada site links please email them to us. — Dan, Cicada Mania Headquarters
Date: Sunday, Apr/28/2002
The emergence of Brood XXIII is now underway. This morning (April 28, 2002) I have 15 husks and several adult Magicicada specimens on my back porch. The adults are all M. tredecim but two of the nymphs which failed to emerge represent one of the smaller species. Clinton Community Nature Center, where I serve as a volunteer, will hold a program on May 11 on the nature trails to celebrate “Cicada Magic”; if the 2002 emergence is as impressive as the 1989 one we should all get an earful. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Date: Friday, Apr/26/2002
For all my life I heard the cicadas and didn’t know what they were. I thought they were just locusts reacting to the hot summer weather, like hearing the crickets at night. Just recently I found out they were cicada’s, and that they emerge from the ground at night and molt on the trees. I find this to be interesting and when they appear again this year I will for the first time more closely be observing them around me. I will have joined the cicada mania 🙂 — stelcha, chicago, ill.
Date: Friday, Apr/26/2002
Judging by the recent posts… I’d say the anticipation is beginning to grow. I’ll be monitoring the activity of Brood VIII personally and gearing up for several (tons of) field trips! The next few weeks will be getting very interesting!Les — Les Daniels, Fremont, Ohio U.S.A.
Date: Thursday, Apr/25/2002
About that reporting on cicada emergences, I especially urge you to post here if and you see Brood XXIII emerging in Louisiana or Mississippi. They tend to emerge sooner to the south because of the warmer climate, and a report of emergers to my south will give me a much-needed heads-up here in northeast Arkansas. — Nick, Arkansas
Date: Thursday, Apr/25/2002
Hi – I’m part of a group researching the periodical cicadas, and we are interested in any reports of emergences of Broods XXIII and VIII so that we can plan our field work as we go. Send messages to david.marshall [AT] uconn.edu. Thanks! — David Marshall, University of Connecticut
Date: Thursday, Apr/25/2002
I am hoping to make a trip to easternPennsylvania or western Ohio.Could someone please sugest a hot spot and abasic time line of the Cicadas arrival?Thank You — Colin Green, Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Date: Wednesday, Apr/24/2002
Last week (April 18) near Oak City, UT, I found fresh cast skins of a very small cicada, probably Platypedia or Neoplatypedia spp. The weather vas very poor, so I didn’t see or hear any adults “clicking” These species do not sing. — Tim McNary, Ft. Collins CO
Date: Wednesday, Apr/24/2002
I’ve been working on this tiring and big insect project for school, and I needed some info on cicadas. The FAQs helped me a lot! I jotted down some things on the periodical cicada. I had all I needed–right here! — M’ia, California
Date: Wednesday, Apr/24/2002
greetings from illinois. we cicadas eagerly await brood xxiii. visit www.fpmrecords.com to see my beautiful self. — chirpy, illinois
Date: Tuesday, Apr/23/2002
One of them says adult cicadas don’t need to eat. But actually they do, at least Tibicens, anyway. I used to keep the adults in captivity to test their life span, and usually I would cut small tree branches and place them in water in the cicadas’ enclosure. The cicadas used their food tube to bore through the thin bark and suck juices out of the plants. But when I let the branches die or neglected to provide cicadas with fresh ones, it greatly shortened their life spans. This happened pretty consistently so I think it’s safe to say the adults have to eat, at least the Tibicen cicadas for sure. — Nick, Arkansas
Date: Tuesday, Apr/23/2002
Yep, they’ll be visiting western PA in about 3 or 4 weeks, but not to worry. They’re nothing to be scared of. All they’ll do is make a lot of noise and clutter your yard for about a month, then they’ll disappear for 17 more years. And the populations are spotty so they might miss your pad altogether! =) — Nick, Arkansas
Date: Sunday, Apr/21/2002
Are the cicada really coming this year, 2002, to Pennsylvania. I live in Southwestern PA and was curious as to their arrival. I am very frightened of these insects-can you please ease my worry? — Alexa, New Brighton
Date: Sunday, Apr/21/2002
A 10 lbs cicada bit the ear off of my pet pitbull — Paul, Widnoon
Date: Sunday, Apr/21/2002
Holy s***, we seen a ten pounder.Bit off my pit bulls ear. Tried to catch that sucker but I damn near lost a finger. — Hez, templeton pennsylvania
Date: Monday, Apr/8/2002
Brood XXIII should emerge here within the next minth. Can hardly wait. Check out my newly-remodeled Cicadas of Arkansas site at Angelfire and it shouldn’t surprise you… =) — Nick, Arkansas
Cicada Comments from June 2002
Note: June of 2002 would include Brood VIII and Brood XXIII.
CICADA
Date: Saturday, Jun/29/2002.
We have swarms of those ugly things herewill be glad when they are gone, but in the mean time our 4 dogs love eating them. I don’t see how anyone can call them cute, they are a pain in the backside and destroy trees. HOW DO YOU MAKE THEM DEAD!!!! Patricia, Winnemucca,Nv
Cicadas in the north
Date: Friday, Jun/28/2002.
After looking at the photos on the Great Lakes Cicada Page, I believe the cicadas I saw here in the Peace Country of northern British Columbia are Okanagana canadensis. Some of this species are supposed to be desert dwellers and the site I found them in was a mini-desert area in the middle of grain growing fields of what is mostly considered boreal forest. I did not think cicadas could survive this far north with our incredibly long, cold winters. Anyway, I am really excited that they exist up here! Penny Johnson, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
They’re here!
Date: Thursday, Jun/27/2002.
Last Sunday we were moving solar panels & a pump jack in the hills. The cactus were blooming and so were the sego lilies. I asked my husband why there were SO MANY buzzing insects out there with us. Usually you here a few, but this was something else. We also have plenty of snakes, so it was very distracting! I looked around and immediately found several cicadas. These hills are considered high altitude desert- lots of sagebrush and greasewood. Well, this morning the cicadas were here – enjoying our irrigated fields and lawn! Whole lotta buzzin goin on! Karen, south central Montana
Invasion of Cicada
Date: Thursday, Jun/27/2002.
WOW! I had no idea what these noisy huge bugs were. Called the Cooperative Extension they gave me a two paragraph plurp-Cicada. All of the North Valleys sounds like your about to take off in a plane. So I went out a looked in our trees-WOW! There must be at least 10 cicada per branch. I’m told these will only last until the end of June. I’m glad I got to witness this phenomomen. It has been very interesting. Heidi, North of Reno, NV
Tibicen cicadas beginning to get more numerous…
Date: Thursday, Jun/27/2002.
T. pruinosa and T. chloromera are becoming more common every day. T. linnei has made a few appearances as well. Of course Neocicada heiroglyphica ia out. They have become quite numerous the last week or so. I captured a couple of Tibicens Monday and photographed them together with some of the Magicicada I brought back from Clinton Lake, Illinois. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen the two types alive together at the same time. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Tibicen auletes joins the crowd!
Date: Wednesday, Jun/26/2002.
On the evening of June 24 at 8:49pm, Tibicen auletes was heard calling in Ridge, Maryland (82 deg). This is very early for this species whose average call season begins in mid-August. It is almost 6 weeks earlier than the previously earliest record for our area (July 31). T. lyricen is now abundant in the evening about a half an hour before dusk (last two nights). T. chloromera is now commonly calling during the morning hours for the past two days. T. auletes was heard again last night (Jun 25). With N. hieroglyphica calling in localized areas, there are now 4 annual cicada species calling in Southern Maryland. J. Zyla, St. Mary’s County, Maryland
A bug that appears to look like it is a small dragon fly
Date: Tuesday, Jun/25/2002.
I aasume that this is a lucust however I have never really seen them before Tom, Moncton New Brunswick Canada
Is there a 8 yr varitey of this bug
Date: Tuesday, Jun/25/2002.
We have these bug enmass right now and was wondering if there is a 8 year variety because they seem to show up enmass about every 8th year? L. B., Reno, NV
Periodical Cicadas in eastern PA
Date: Tuesday, Jun/25/2002.
I was rafting on the Lehigh River in Carbon Co. PA on June 23 when I heard scattered songs of periodical cicadas along a 13-mile stetch of the river. No real chorus, just individuals. This seems to be way out the normal range of Brood VIII in PA. anybody have any ideas on this ? Ed Johnson, Staten Island, NY
Cicadas in the far North
Date: Monday, Jun/24/2002.
I am thrilled to have found and heard cicadas up here in northern BC where we have very long winters and minus 30 degrees celsius in common. I live a year in Tucson, so I immediately recognised the sound. The place was a desert-like area that is quite rare up here, high above the Peace River. This is the only area I have spotted them. Is this unusual to find them so far north? Penny Johnson, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
Spit
Date: Sunday, Jun/23/2002.
Do Cicadas spit? I heard if you hold em by their wings they spit they sometimes spit? Vanessa, Toronto,Ohio USA
Spit
Date: Sunday, Jun/23/2002.
Do Cicadas spit? I heard if you hold em by their wings they spit they sometimes spit? Susan, Wintersville,Ohio USA
roadkill
Date: Sunday, Jun/23/2002.
driving pittsburgh to cleveland this weekend, saw literally hundreds of cicada(e?) dead along side of pa 60 up through allegheny and beavery counties. also heard classic hum while walking on montour trail. They hover above your windshield, then make a juicy splat. Also saw a few on US 30 in eastern Ohio (Columbiana County) today… dan roth, robinson twp, pa
Two More Annual Cicada Species have begun calling in Maryland!
Date: Saturday, Jun/22/2002.
A Tibicen chloromera (Morning Cicada) was heard calling for the first time this season at 10:14am (77 deg) on June 19, 2002 in Ridge, Maryland. (This is a week early from the 7-year average first call date of Jun 26 in MD). A Tibicen lyricen (Lyric Cicada) was heard calling for the first time this season on the evening of June 20 at 8:39pm (72 deg)in Ridge, MD. (This is 10 days early for the 7-year average first call date of June 30). Neocicada hieroglyphica continues to call sporadically. We now have 3 annual cicada species calling sporadically in our area. J. Zyla, Ridge, St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Can cicada’s cause brances to seep sap?
Date: Saturday, Jun/22/2002.
I have a young Red Crimson Maple tree and noticed the tips of a few branches not looking healthy. I could find no insects on the trees but have had a ton of cicada’s. I did notice where sap had run down from the higher branches and was wondering if the cicada’s could have caused that? Terri Orkwiszewski, Apollo, PA USA
Daugher loves “Locust Hunting”
Date: Friday, Jun/21/2002.
My 2 y/o loves to hunt the little critters. She asks me every day, “Go locust hunting?” (Easier to say than “cicada”.) She enjoys holding them by the wings to feel them flutter, then gets the biggest kick out of feeding them to either of our two dogs. The dogs have taught themselves the meaning of my exclamation to my dtr “Here’s one!”, and they excitedly come running. 🙂 They haven’t eaten a full meal of dog food for a couple weeks now! Shari, Frazer township, Allegheny Co.
Time to Leave!
Date: Friday, Jun/21/2002.
Ready to drop and roll. Live in the country and love to be outside gardening, etc. We have many trees and they are constantly flying. Their noise sounds alien, they are just big ugly flying bugs that eat the trees and will bite you if you leave them on long enough. Unless, you have a bee suit on, a walk in the woods would be impossible. Sure will be glad when they leave so I can hear the birds singing again. No wonder they only come every seventeen years!!! C. Kralik, Fawn Township, PA
Cicada Population
Date: Friday, Jun/21/2002.
I am inquiring regarding the unusual cicada population emergence in the middle to North Eastern region of Jefferson County, OH. During the last few weeks, they have become quite audible, even deafning with their nocturnal, but beautiful chorus of nature. Subsequently, they appear very dense with respect to population.I happened to be in a small town in Columbiana County, Wellsville, OH on 26 May, 2001, when I noticed many dead cicadas but I did not hear any specific audible tones to lead me to any conclusions that these wonderful creatures were back. Last year, in 2001, I had seen the culmination of the last 17 year cycle with an almost exponential amount of insects & didn’t expect them to be present again for more than another decade at the very minimum.Can you advise me as to why the emergence is occurring so quickly again and what type of cicada are we experiencing? Additionally, is this a different emergence than the one witnessed in 2000/2001?Regards,Jerry Jerry, Toronto, OH
Still going strong
Date: Friday, Jun/21/2002.
This seems to be the third week in our area for these noisy, gregarious insects. We are facinated with them and ever so pleased that they don’t cause permanent damage. We live in the woods and the noise can be eerie at times! Coleen, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Reno cicadas
Date: Thursday, Jun/20/2002.
The cicadas you are experiencing in Reno are probably Okanagana utahensis, but might be another species of Okanagana. O. utahensis is found throughout the Great Basin area and sometimes occur in large numbers on the sagebrush. (The people experiencing the emergence of the 17 year cicadas would not be impressed.) I have seen large numbers out by Austin and Elko, NV in past years. O. utahensis is mostly black but have very pale marks on the pronotum, behind the head. They will be pretty much gone by mid to late July Tim McNary, Ft Collins, CO
What is the life cycle of the cicada in Nevada?
Date: Thursday, Jun/20/2002.
We have hundreds and hundreds of holes in our yard. The sounds are incredible! What type of Cicada lives in Reno, Nevada? What is the life cycle? Susan, Reno, Nevada
cicads found on luggage a airport
Date: Thursday, Jun/20/2002.
I found 2 adult cicadas on the luggage carosel at the Buffalo airport. The flight had come in Atlanta-But who knows how long the bugs had been riding around with the luggage. I scooped them up and brought them home. Took a couple of fuzzy webcam photos then turned them loose on a maple tree in my backyard. gary nelson, buffalo ny
Cicada grub found in Michigan
Date: Wednesday, Jun/19/2002.
My son and his babysitter were sitting in the yard when they saw a grub emerge out of the ground right in front of them. They had it in a jar for me when I got home from work. Also found a shell attached to a leaf. The babysitter knew all about them…I had never heard of them until now!! From reading your site, sounds like we will see many more of them in the near future. So far, I have not heard their sound, but it has been rather cool at night here lately, if that has anything to do with it. Pretty interesting creature! Evan, Oxford, Michigan
WHERE?
Date: Tuesday, Jun/18/2002.
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANYSIGHTINGS CLOSE TO ERIE PA.?THANX COLIN GREEN, TORONTO,CANADA
Cicada in our sage brush
Date: Tuesday, Jun/18/2002.
It started with hundreds of holes appearing on the hill in our backyard. Then the buzzing started. After analyzing the dead ones that our cat brought into the house, we saw that they were cicada’s. What I don’t know is what kind and how often they will appear here. They aren’t living in our trees, they are in our sage brush. So far, I havne’t read anything about cicada’s that live in bushes like these, so low to the ground. Everything is about them being high in trees. Does anyone have any ideas? I most curious about their life span. From the number of holes (can’t walk for the number of them) and what I’ve read about how many eggs the females then lay, next time they come out could mean not seeing the back yard through the mass of them. I don’t want to kill them or even get rid of them, I just want to know what to be prepared for and when.Thanks,Troy Troy, Reno,Nevada
Near Car Cicada accident
Date: Sunday, Jun/16/2002.
I remember one day getting into my sisters car and after a few minutes of driving heard a loud buzzing noise. I looked up and on the dashboard was this Cicada that started flying around inside the car. My sister freaked out while driving and nearly got us killed.I did not know then what this insect was But remember it looked like a giant fly. Sam, Queens, NY
Cicadas are Popular
Date: Sunday, Jun/16/2002.
I Wanted to know more about these Giant “Fly Like” Creatures AFTER trying to describe one that fell in my pool.I personally have a fear of like roaches and giant flying Bugs. I am amazed that so many people like these Insects.. I am sure they are helpful, I just have a crazy phobia. Sam, Queens, NY
oh my god there here
Date: Saturday, Jun/15/2002.
well i don’t really have a lot so i’m glad there here alexa, New Brighton
Azaleas
Date: Saturday, Jun/15/2002.
They must be young (or small) plants. Or you may have just had an awful lot of cicadas concentrated in a small area. Still I think the azaleas will come back, as they grow from the roots, unlike some herbaceous flowers that actually do grow from the tips. They could die, but I don’t think they will. They’ll need time though. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
Nick. The azaleas are dying. it isnt just teh ends. There are deep nicks made by the female from the tip all the way to the base of the branch. The cuts are so deep that many branches have broken already and not at the ends. Christine P., Center Twshp., PA
I’ll Miss Them When Gone
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
I’ve been enjoying these guys for the last three weeks. I’ve spent all my time watching them, playing with them, and listening to their songs. I feel privileged to have so many of them here and I can’t stand the thought of them leaving for another 17 years. It’s going to be awfully quiet and boring! Any way to get them back sooner? Jan, Rural Valley; Armstrong Co., PA
My backyard
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
Yesterday evening I heard my first annual cicada of the year. He was barely audible for a while, then loud for less than a minute. His call was steady in frequency. About two weeks earlier than I usually first hear annuals.Also in my backyard from about May 31 for about 5 days, I heard the lonely calls of one to several Decim in my backyard each morning! Searched the woods on my property but didn’t even find skeletons. But it’s better than nothing. I wouldn’t know if they were more likely XXIII who wandered from their main range, or XIX who emerged four years too late, thinking they were 17-year cicadas instead of 13.Travelled last weekend to Carlyle Illinois (flooded) and forests southeast of St. Louis; heard and saw zilch. Looks like I won’t encounter periodicals again until 2011. Eric, Missouri
Sorry
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
You might need an address to send the picture of the cicada pupa to, so here it is….terriblet272002 [AT] yahoo.com Thanks again. Tara Nicholson, Southeast Missouri
We found a pupa of something….
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
My husband found a pupa and thought it might be that of a cicada. We have been trying to find pictures of cicada pupas, but can not seem to find any. Please if at all possible, could you send us a picture of one so we can see if that is what it is? Thank you. Tara Nicholson, Southeast Missouri
cicada leaving
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
hi, i am wondering when these cicadas are going to be gone completely.no more sound, no more flying everywhere.please let me know very soon.i have a phobia of bugs,i need to know.thank you very much.bragom000 [AT] yahoo.com brandi gomez, midland,pennsylvania
Shrub damage
Date: Friday, Jun/14/2002.
Dude, the shrubs aren’t dying. Take a look, it should just be the tips. The egg-laying kills the tips of the branches but not the tree or shrub itself. It may look bad, but it doesn’t hurt them any more than pruning would. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Shrub Damage
Date: Thursday, Jun/13/2002.
The “Quesion & Answer” portion of this web site made mention that cicadas do not damage shrubs but rather only small disiduous trees. I assure you this is not true. They are killing my azaleas. The female has cut notches into the branches everywhere. Can anyone tell me if the azaleas will make it? Thanks. Christine P., Center Twshp., PA
attacked baby
Date: Thursday, Jun/13/2002.
a cicada flew onto my baby’s face and when I hit it off of her it left a huge red, swollen and bloody mark on her. I can’t wait for this 17 yr. stint to be over. I hope I never see another one again!! h, boardman, oh
I heard them…
Date: Thursday, Jun/13/2002.
Yesterday I was driving, into Frazier Township (About 10 miles from my home) and I heard this humming sound. I didn’t change it’s tone, I heard this sound for about a mile or so. I thought it was may van making the noise, but to my wonderful surprise it wasn’t. It was created by a large group of Cincada. I didn’t see any until this morning, I went outside for my morning cig, and there was one, only one. Light green in color, clear wings, red eyes. Not the prettiest thing. Robert Aston, Cheswick, PA
Brood XXIII wrapping up in Arkansas
Date: Wednesday, Jun/12/2002.
Everywhere I went that has cicadas today has died down significantly. The decim are completely gone for all intents and purposes. The cassini are still there but greatly diminished. And the decula… well, they were never out in force to begin with, except Lake Poinsett and along Crowley’s Ridge, where I didn’t manage to get to. But I would suspect that anything east or southeast of here is even farther progressed than this anyway. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
They were cute at first…
Date: Wednesday, Jun/12/2002.
But now they are laying eggs in all of the young trees and ruining them. I read up on them and they are right, they are quite dumb insects. Why? Because there is so many of them that if a few get caught or killed there are always more to come. Seem sad that I’ll be 36 before I’ll see them again. Clinton, Armstrong County (Gilpin) PA
none here, but are they there?
Date: Wednesday, Jun/12/2002.
are they in the yough river valley yet? looking for some great fly fishing…. dave, irwin pa
Getting quieter…
Date: Wednesday, Jun/12/2002.
The noise is already starting to die down up here in Chippewa Township. I’ve noticed a major difference in noise level over the past few days. Sounds like we only have a short time left to enjoy the lovely sound 🙁 Brendan, Chippewa, PA
Amazing
Date: Tuesday, Jun/11/2002.
As a young girl I recall finding the shells of the cicadas on the maple tree in the back yard. Their only significance to me at that time was how frightened I was of the ugly shell and having to check my bed at night as my brother would put them there to torment me. Now, the same yard the same OLD/HUGE maple tree continues to bring forth these interesting creatures. I’ve asked around the neighborhood and no one else is having a problem with them but the landscaping of my home is covered with the shells. I was in the area of Racoon State Park today (near Hookstown) and I have never heard such an almost deafening constant drone from within the woods. They were flying across the road, splating on my car and falling down into the wiper well. I’m certainly glad I was not outside in this! One last thing, one nymph left it’s shell on my shoe during the night, I looked around the porch for the live critter and couldn’t see it then I carefully looked in the inside of my other shoe before putting it on and there were two bulging red eyes looking back at me. I always thought these guys were green and square heads, this one almose resembled a large yellow jacket body and the red eyes…well he sure was creepy looking!! If anyone has any input on this ‘type of locust/cicada please e-mail me patterson [AT] zoominternet.com, as I’m beginning to really become interested in these things, Strange???????? Chris Patterson, Ellwood City, PA
13 Year Cicada has arrived!
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
For the past week or so we have heard them in the woods all around us and now they have invaded our property to the point I have major problems doing anything outdoors without being bombarded by them. L D M, New Harmony, In.
Indiana
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
I wish the guy from the White River Bottoms had posted a few days sooner. Last Thursday (June 6) I was looking for the cicadas (particularly tredecim and neotredecim) in Knox Co., Indiana and couldn’t find them. Granted, the weather was bad last Thursday, but I should have heard something if I’d been in the right place. I guess the populations are spotty up there and I managed to dodge them all somehow… Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Brood VIII
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
I was running on Panhandle Trail, and about a half mile toward Carnegie from Gregg Station, the woods are crazy with the 17 year cicadas. Big area, over a half mile wide. The noise is awesome. I was puzzled both by cicadas in early June, and by the local concentration, so I did an internet search. Now I know what they are! Frank, Carnegie, Allegheny County, PA
Don’t worry, they’re all W’s
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
I’ve been told the old wives tale that cicadas have either a W or P. Since then, I’ve read that all of them have a W on them so let’s not get all worked up. Also, I’m lucky enough to have been peed on by the cicada. They can call it honey dew or whatever, but I call it gross. They’re beginning to die already and they smell terribly. That does not stop my dog from feasting on them however. Hopefully, I’ll live somewhere else in 17 years!! Tina, Sewickley,PA
When are they coming?
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
Hi Everyone,I remember the 17yr cicadas in Jr High and I just wanted to know when they will be coming again? Is it about time?Could someone with this information let me know?Thanks Romulus, Baltimore, Maryland
The bugs are ruining my research
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
I really never minded the cicada. In fact, I always enjoyed hearing from them on warm spring nights. Now, however, I “hate” them. I have reforestation research going on in West Tennessee and they are not treating my young seedlings very well at all.Oh Well… I’ll continue loathing the animal. Chris , West Tennessee
Large invastion
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
While visiting my country home on Saturday June 8th, I was amazed at how many cicadas there were. They were buzzzing and hanging on the trees. I hadn’t been up there for two weeks, so I don’t know when they arrived and how long they will be around, but they were annoying. Dora Dickerson, Dayton, PA USA (Armstrong County)
Outer Limits
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
Our back yard is over run my Magicicada Septendecim Brood VIII (30 miles N. of Pittsburgh). The little critters are everywhere. All the moles in my yard this spring suddenly make sense, what with the larvae getting ready to emerge and all. The local bird population must be taking advantage of this event too, as I’ve not filled the feeder in a week. The chorus has been steadily getting louder the past week, and is about 50-70 decibles now. They sound very “Outer Limits-like,” weird and yet wonderful! Jeff Thieret, Harmony, PA
Answer to PLF, Periodical Cicadas in DC
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
Dear PLF, While annual cicadas will soon be out in the Mid-Atlantic area, Brood VIII of the periodical cicada does not extend south to DC. The next periodical cicada emergence for DC will be in 2004 when Brood X emerges. If you can wait two more springs, you will probably have plenty of them. John Zyla, Ridge, MD
Are there Cicadas in Wassington , DC
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
I just moved to DC and I miss my Cicadas. An anyone tell me if I can expect to here them here in the capitol city?Regrds, PLF PLF, Washington, DC
Cicada Sighting
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
We have those bugs EVERYWHERE!! Missy, Burgettstown, Pa
Brood XXIII
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
Hi,Upon visiting the White River bottoms, I heard the unmistakable call of the Periodical Cicada over the noise of traffic. I had never seen this species of cicada in my life before last week. I was back again on Sunday, and they are still there just as in the week before. I’m 23, so it makes sense that I wouldn’t remember the first time I may have seen these guys. Just wanted to let you know that the brood is quite active near the White River and in wooded clumps in Southern Indiana. Thanks. Eric Holman, Knox & Sullivan Counties, Indiana
Cicadas with “holes”
Date: Monday, Jun/10/2002.
The hollowed out cicadas are victims of a fungal infection that affects the Magicicada. It is more widespread in some areas than in others, but as you noticed, it feeds on them until the entire abdomen, and sometimes part of the thorax is eaten out. The only places I’ve seen it this year are Lake Poinsett State Park in northeastern Arkansas and Harmonie State Park in southwestern Indiana. I saw some of it in north Arkansas during the Brood XIX invasion in 1998 too. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Can I look forward to them here?
Date: Sunday, Jun/9/2002.
I live in the south suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Are we going to get the cicadas here? I hope so, because my kids would love them! Please let me know where they are expected. Amy, Twin Cities
Cicada’s
Date: Sunday, Jun/9/2002.
The Cicada’s started emerging about three weeks ago. The woods near us are full of them now, with their constant “singing”. Richard Rosey, Apollo, PA
Hello
Date: Sunday, Jun/9/2002.
My mother and I are sitting on our porch listenting to the cicadas. We wanted to know things about them so we found your site. I’m so happy now that I know cicadas pee. Ryan Ryan Talkington, East Liverpool Oh
Siting in Mingo Creek Park, near Finnleyville, PA
Date: Saturday, Jun/8/2002.
First my friend and I heard them as we were driving into the park. Then saw them swarming by the hundreds on tree tops, in trees, etc. Saw the little round holes on the ground, from which they emerge. Oddly, my mom had been at the park several days earlier, and the circadas had not yet emerged. These little buggers are LOUD! Jamie, Pittsburgh, PA (Allegheny County), USA
o.m.g.
Date: Saturday, Jun/8/2002.
Oh my god, these things are everywhere. They seem as though they are going to take over my house. I live in the middle of the woods and i have been surrounded by locust now for two weeks. I just wish that they would stop making that annoying sound. chirs, Cranberry, pennslyvania, us
They are here but have holes!
Date: Friday, Jun/7/2002.
We have tons of cicadas in the yard. We have noticed that some of them have their entire end hollowed out. It looks like something has eaten them except they are still alive and flying. we have noticed also that some of them with the holes have what appears to be dirt like matter in them. What is happening to these bugs? Betsy Nix, Hernando, Mississippi
They look like hummingbirds everywhere!
Date: Friday, Jun/7/2002.
I heard them for about a week now but I didn’t really see any, but today they are everywhere here, flying from tree to tree. This is the 3rd time I seen them in my lifetime the first time I was about 11 and terrified of them now I find them fastainating, they look like hummingbirds everywhere. Jackie Mabin, Rochester Township, PA
First Annual Cicada of Season Calls in Maryland
Date: Thursday, Jun/6/2002.
FYI. A Neocicada hieroglyphica was heard calling at 5:43pm (86 deg) on June 5, 2002 along Rt 235 near the intersection of Turkey Neck Road in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland. This was the first annual cicada heard so far this season and it beats the previous earliest known MD record by 5 days (June 10,2000 & 2001)for this species. “Hear” we go!!! John Zyla, Ridge, Maryland
Cicada activity near Pittsburgh
Date: Wednesday, Jun/5/2002.
I work near the Pittsburgh Airport and just today noticed shells on the ground around a couple of the trees and cicadas singing in the woods nearby. From what I understand their emergence was delayed because of some cold weather we had in May. I live in the South Hills and haven’t seen any at all. We were right on the edge of the last emergence in 1999 of another brood. I’m wondering what other areas around Pittsburgh have them, I recently bought a motorcycle and plan to do a lot of riding starting now, but want to avoid areas where they may be. I don’t want to get hit by them, I would think they would hurt! Sandy, Pittsburgh, PA
Cicada Surprise!
Date: Wednesday, Jun/5/2002.
June 5, 2002 See our message of June 3. Since our research said that full adulthood occurs 4-6 days after emergence we went out to listen for the cicadas choruses. SURPRISE! We didn’t hear a sound. More cicadas. Humdreds of them. All stages again. Even some on the Hollys. Two on the Dogwood. They really love the big Oaks. More pictures taken: 15 of them. Research says they do not destroy, only occasional “flagging”. They do not bite. They do not sting. They have only sucking mouth parts. They do not transmit disease. They sure do FASCINATE!What’s going to happen next? O and E Montgomery , Natrona Hgts. Allegheny Co. PA
W = war
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
Yep that’s right, locusts and cicadas know when there is going to be a war and they write “W”‘s on their wings. I’m scared… I hope the Indians don’t nuke us! Virgil, California
They are every where!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
Last week my wife askewd what is that noise. At first I said frogs, only becaues it rained the night before and I figured that was whatthey where until I started to notice all of the skins on the trunks of the trees. They where far off in the distance then this morning I noticed the sound closer and then looked up and to my amazement to see thousands flying in the air around the trees. I’ve been playing with the dead ones but wondered if they would bite or sting. Loked up on the net to find out more info and to find out that they are very harmless. Now my curiousity will be stronger. Here they are quiet at night but all day long they don’t quit! They are ugly but cute. Explain that!!!!! Ray , Sewickley, Pa
Mothra ATTACKS!
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
Someone has aready mentioned a Godzilla-type movie sound, and I’m inclined to agree. While I don’t know too much about these little buggers (ha!), this variety (small, dark abdomen) seems different than last “awakenings” (large, green abdomen). Is there any truth to this? Mike Kartje, Carbondale, IL
It’s over in Clinton
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
Brood XXIII activity seems to be finished here in central Mississippi. I have heard no songs and seen no fresh specimens since June 2. However, a Tibicen species has emerged here and is now producing a nice evening call. Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Locusts Markings Indicating War or Peace?
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
We heard of this story, but really didn’t believe it about the 13 yr old locusts until we saw one this weekned. The story is that if the locusts wings shows a visibl W or P that it indicates peace or war for the next 7 years. We saw one that dropped from the ceiling to the porch on Sunday afternoon and it was clearly a “W” on the wing. Anyone ever heard of this before? Pls email me if so at bonniejeancarter [AT] earthlink.comThanks! BJ Carter, Milledgville, TN
nature seems cruel
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
Wow, what a strange and seemingly cruel world that we live in. These beautiful insects live beneath the earth for 17 years and emerge for only one week? I’ve always loved seeing the cicadas. When I was young, I used to use the spent cicada shells as clothes ornaments. The shells will hang onto your shirt all day. It freaks lots of people out, but it is a neat way to introduce children to this facinating insect. Gotta go now, we’ll talk in 17 years! valera hodill, West Deer,PA
Amazing Noise
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
I live in the middle of town my parents live about a mile away at the edge of town. I have seen maybe on flying around home but my parents have tens of thousands. The sound is almost deafening. If you stay outside for a while it reminds me of the way your ears would ring at the end of a Ted Nugent concert. I wonder if they will damage the trees? It is kind of like an old Sci-Fi movie the way the sound goes up and down. Ken Wagner, Chester, IL
when are they leaving??
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
We live near the woods and hear the cicadas all day and last night I kept waking up, either actually hearing them, or the sound is just buzzing in my head at night. It’s a little annoying, actually….when will they leave? DJ, Little Rock, AR
awesome
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
I’ve never seen anything like it! It was my dog Willow that made me notice them emerging. Now we’re both fascinated by the numbers and the sound, though I have no desire to eat them, like Willow does. They’re certainly aerodynamically and navigationally challenged, so they’re fun to watch…but combine their incessant racket with a steamy hot southern Illinois day, and…enough, already! Thank you for this site! Lynn Winston, Carbondale IL USA
Millions of these things
Date: Tuesday, Jun/4/2002.
In 43 years, I’ve never seen so many of these things as I have this year. The sound is so loud, it’s almost frightening. Why are there a thousand times more cicadas around here this year than ever before? John Nemetsky, Carbondale, IL 62901
How do you kill these things?
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
Please tell me HOW? Paul C., Hopewell, PA
brood xxiii
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
Surfed the net this evening to find out what it is I’ve been hearing for about five days now. Brood XXIII sounds like a good title for a horror movie. The noise is deafening. We have about a dozen acres of woods. I trust they won’t do too much damage. It’s a bit creepy to look up into the treetops and realize that it’s no breeze that’s stirring them. aaron lisec, anna, illinois
It was like a horror movie!
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
I live up near Erie and we haven’t spoted any yet. However this weekend we traveled down to my father’s in Beaver. As soon as we got out of the car we heard something…WEIRD. At first I thought it was a car alarm going off across the valley. I t soon became apparent that it was no alarm. I am 37 and can’t remember ever seeing them. There were thousands of them. My folks had a nice picnic planned for us but they kept flying around and falling out of the trees on us…Yuck! After I got over the initial creeps I started to examine them, they are pretty interesting. I am a teacher so was glad to find your cite so I could better explain to my students what I had experienced. Liz Barry, Beaver, PA
Where I’ve seen them
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
There here in E. Liverpool, but patchy. Areas I remember them last time have none (yet?). I have seen them east in Beaver PA. and south toward Stubenville.This weekend went west and saw few toward Canton and none in the Loudenville OH area. Paul Weymouth, E. Liverpool OH
The latest
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
Have reports of emergence in Austintown Township, west of Youngstown. That’s where I grew up and experienced them in 1968 (wasn’t here in 1985). Yesterday saw and heard very many in the picnic area below the dam at Jefferson Lake State Park NW of Steubenville. ray novotny, youngstown, mahoning county
17 year cicadas
Date: Monday, Jun/3/2002.
Emerged June 1, 2002. Hundreds of them. Holes 1/4 to 3/4inches in diameter. Front lawn primarily. Traveled up to 75-100 feet to our big Oaks. Very few paid any attention to our Dogwood tree. Ignored the Hollys. Pictures taken: 14, all stages about 10 am. on June 2. After returning home at 12:30 pm they had disappeared into the heights of the Oaks. Only traces were the holes, shells molted, and dead ones. We are excitingly awaiting the music of the adults in 4-6 days. O and E Montgomery, Natrona Hgts., Allegheny Co., PA
We got tons
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
Cicada were quiet in May because ofadverse weather. Arrived in fullforce May 23, O2. gil hoffman, Indian County PA, USA
where in Ohio
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
Where in Ohio are the cicadas. I have heard of Youngstown area and East Liverpool area. Any where else? Dan Kendle, Nortrh Canton,Ohio
they’re all over!
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
even tho i was only 3 the last time they were here, i remembered, and waited for them to arrive this year. well, they’re definitely here! they seem to think the brick on my porch is a tree and leave their shells behind there! then there are live ones crawling and writihing and doing all kinds of stuff right outside my front door. i think their noise sounds like something from the twilight zone! Mac, OHIO
The noise, the noise,aaahhhhhhhhhhh
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
Been workin in the yard, sound of them buggards drivin me crazy. All along the woods line are millions of em.They really don’t agree with my dog tho. He was eating them and then up-chucked a wad on our living room carpet. My wife isn’t too thrilled either when they land on her. Al , Economy Boro,Pa
me again
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
I have looked up the type of cicadas we are currently experiencing and we are not having the annuals we are having the ones that come along every 17 years. They are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and have black bodies and red eyes. priscilla, weirton, wv, hancock county
they’re back
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
i don’t know about anyone else but we have hundreds maybe even thousands of the darned bugs and my flowers are suffering. they have been here about a week now and i don’t think they are in full force yet. They start their singing, to put it mildly, about dawn around 6:30 am and stop when the sun goes down over the hill at about 7:00 to 8:00 pm and as the day goes on they get louder and louder till you want to scream! The neighborhood cats are enjoying them they consider them a great snack food. I live in what we call a holler between two hilly ranges and the nieghborhood is mostly family. There are about 10 houses in our valley. We have decided not to put our garden in this year… if the flowers are any indication of what is to come we don’t want to loose all of our garden plants… good thing I canned enough last year to last alittle thru this year. priscilla, weirton, wv, hancock county
Singing Times?
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
I’ll be visiting the Pittsburgh, PA area in the next week to see family and collect the cicadas that have recently emerged. Can anyone there give me some ideas on what time singing starts and stops during the day? Tim McNary, Ft. Collins, CO
I Saw 1
Date: Sunday, Jun/2/2002.
This morning on my way to get the mail I saw somthing unusual and when i took a closer look i knew right away what it was. There was only 1 and i found only 1 “shell” but i’ll be on the lookout for more. It’s actually very interesting what they go through to be here such a short period of time. I’m sure there will be more coming. Leanne, Indiana, PA
HAHA
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
HAHA YOU HAVE THEM AND WE DON’T! HAHA George, Toronto, Canada
Catch one
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
Someone should catch a few for pets and keep em for 17 years. I’m gonna go do that right now, Im surprized no one mentioned doing anything like that yet. Jon again, PA
i have seen them
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
i’ve seen them. they are loud. they smell. they look wierd. i don’t like them. they are ikky. they suck large monkey balls. zach, pa
Crazy
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
This is the first time for me seeing these things, of course, because Im only 13. The noise was annoying for about the first day but now I can fade it out in my head. Anyway, these things are crazy, I like it thought.I went outside a little bit ago with a hockey stick to scrape them all off our trees, we have about 5 acres. That was fun… not. I dont see how theyre scary, I made a Cicada Killa shirt, pretty cool stuff. I hope they don’t leave too soon! Jon S., Westmorland County, PA
thousands of cicadas
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
The noise of the cicadas is almost deafening. It isn’t even fun to go outdoors on this beautiful spring day. How long does this sound continue to go on? B Duncan, Carterville IL
Sighting
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
Hello! They are here! Eli, Zelienople
So Many Bugs!
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
I opened my door this morning and heard the strangest sound, kind of like machinery running down the road. I asked my family if they thougth it was the cicadas and no one thought a few bugs could make that much noise. Then I went outside and found out that the few bugs we had yesterday had turned out to be a massive amount of bugs today! And I guess since the noise is still out there it is the cicada song. I think I will stay inside until they leave for the next 17 years! Connie Stenger, East Liverpool, OH
They are here.
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
Just moved to the area three weeks ago. Have a nice wooded 1.5 acre lot. Don’t think I’ll be out side for awhile. There are buckets full of cicadas everywhere. This morning the sound started. Lara from Beaver(neighboring town) Made me feel a little better. Can’t describe the sound as singing. Looking forward to July. Kate, Baden, Pa.
They are here!
Date: Saturday, Jun/1/2002.
We are swarming in the little darlings. I thought three years ago we were lucky not to have too many. That was just a preview. We have buckets now! Began appearing 5/26, swarms on 5/31, do you think we can safely plan an outdoor picnic on 6/8? Happy chirping to all! Jim, Toronto, Ohio