A funny photo from James P. from Glenview, IL. 2007. Recently emerged Brood XIII Magicicada cicadas sharing a branch. Magicicada adults are white when they molt, but turn black as their bodies harden (sclerotize).
March 8, 2020
March 7, 2020
Magicicada nymphs found by Elias, part 2
Continuing from part 1, Elias Bonaros did some digging and took these photos of first and second instar Magicicada periodical cicadas on a warm winter day (March 21, 2010).
Now you know what cicadas look like when they’re underground!
Generally speaking the ones with the bulbous abdomens are second instar, and the smaller ones with the less bulbous or not bulbous abdomens are first instar.
Magicicada Nymphs found by Elias, part 1
Have you every wondered what cicadas look like when they’re underground? Elias Bonaros did some digging and took these photos of first and second instar Magicicada periodical cicadas on a warm winter day (March 21, 2010). Magicicadas have 5 instars, or phases of development. Each phase has a slightly different appearance.
This is a probable second instar nymph of Magicicada septendecim (Periodical cicada) from the 2008 Brood XIV emergence. Dug up from beneath an oak tree. It was living approximately 4-6 inches from the ground surface. Temperature 70 degrees.
These are probable first and second instar nymphs of Magicicada septendecim (Periodical cicada) from the 2008 Brood XIV emergence. Dug up from beneath an oak tree. They were living approximately 4-6 inches from the ground surface. Temperature 70 deg.
March 1, 2020
My Magicicada photos from 1996, Brood II
My Magicicada photos from 1996, Brood II. These were taken with disposable cameras and scanned in with a flatbed scanner also from the 1990s. They’re mostly from Metuchen NJ. Otherwise they’re from Westfield NJ.
At this point in time I was not as interested in cicadas as I am now. Back in 1996 they were more of a novelty, but over time my obsession grew.
Magicicada adults in a jar:
Magicicada exuvia in a jar:
Scenes from a cicada wedding:
My friends David & Claire were married in an outdoor wedding ceremony in Westfield, NJ, at the peak of the Brood II emergence. No one freaked out — in fact everyone seemed to enjoy it, especially the kids.
The bride and groom, Claire and David:
A cicada creeping up a wedding chair leg during the ceremony:
Video from the wedding:
I was even calling them “locusts” back then. Gee wiz.
My Magicicada Photos from 2004, Brood X
My Magicicada Photos from 2004, Brood X. These were taken in Princeton, New Jersey, with a home video camera. Princeton is a “hot spot” for Brood X in New Jersey. They’re usually out during the Princeton University graduation ceremonies, which is a nuisance for both graduates & their families and for people who come to see the cicadas (and could care less about the graduates). Interestingly enough, the Princeton colors (orange & black) closely match the colors of the cicadas.
Seagulls and cicadas photo by Sue
These images go back to 2007 (Brood XIII).
Sue had noticed that seagulls had taken a liking (maybe an obsession) to cicadas. Look at all those seagulls ready to swoop down (or up) and grab a cicada:
No seagulls in this photo, just exuvia on a tree:
I live near the ocean and can testify that seagulls are bold and voracious eaters. They pose a threat to not just cicadas, but also seals and even Jedi:
February 29, 2020
Magicicada skins blanket the ground around the roots of a tree
Magicicada skins (exuvia) blanket the ground around the roots of a tree. This is a photo of periodical cicada skins taken by John Cooley of Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org) in Warriors’ Path State Park, TN, in 2012. Brood I.
Brood X Magicicada photos by Jim Occi from 2004
Brood X Magicicada photos by Jim Occi from 2004.
Magicicadas mating:
Adult Magicicada
Teneral Magicicada
Pool filter basket filled with cicadas by Brian Oliva
Pool filter basket filled with cicadas by Brian Oliva.
These are Magicicada cicadas from Brood XIV that emerged in 2008.
Photos from our 2004 Blue-eyed Magicicada Contest
Photos from our 2004 Brood X Blue-eyed Magicicada Contest.
Contestants won a Cicada Mania button.
Blue-eyed Magicicada photo by Cody:
Blue-eyed Magicicada photo by Luke:
Blue-eyed Magicicada photo by Mike:
Blue-eyed Magicicada photo by Wade:
