cicadas are everywhere
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Message: 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
Oh My ! They are everywhere!
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas are here……Yuck!!!!
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Message: 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
Locust appearance
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Message: 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
Found some cicadas and their shed layers on a van tire
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Brood
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Message: 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
My journal now has pics!!!
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Message: 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
Haven’t seen a one!
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Message: 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
Message: 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
Cicada clean-up tips?
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Message: 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
Quite a Crop
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
I DID SEE THE CICADAS…. AND THEY WERE REALLY COOL
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
I sort of like them
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
I sort of like them
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
Indiana emergence
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
cicada consciousness
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas bite
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
PA brood’s here
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
Holy Guacamole
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
cicada’s are everywhere
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
Cicada’s EVERYWHERE
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
Not many in MO
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Message: 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
cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
Message: 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.
Cicadas in AR?
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
Message: 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
Cicada sightings
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
Message: 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
duration?
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
Message: 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
re: singing
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
Message: 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
Millions of Cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: 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
Albino cicada
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: 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
Cicada’s
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: 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.
spotted
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: They have appeared in Greesburg, PA. They are everywhere. The noise hasn’t started yet, but it will start soon. — Maria, Greensburg, PA
Got Cicadas here
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: 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
fascinating
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Message: 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
May 24, 2002
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
Message: 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
Invasion in eastern Prarie and western Monroe County, AR
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
Message: 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
They’re everywhere!
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
Message: 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
Summary of Central Mississippi Brood XXIII Emergence
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
Message: 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
no cicadas yet???
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
Message: 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
Addressing Alexa
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Message: Sorry Alexa, they’re in your backyard. — Kelly, New Brighton PA USA specifically
They’re here!
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Message: 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
I am dreading this
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Message: 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
cicadas!!!! you want some???
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Message: 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
EEWWW!!
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
Message: 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
oh no
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
Message: 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
Brood VIII is here!
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
Message: 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
“Singing” cicadas
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
Message: 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
Periodical Cicada Nymphs
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
Message: 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
Info on broodVIII
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
Message: 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
Locusts are LOUD!!!
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
“Flying” cicadas
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
Freezing weather!!!
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
Nature’s croutons
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
Natures croutons
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
school project
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Message: 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
cicada crazy
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
Message: 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
We have Cicadas!
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
Message: 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
National Public Radio story
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
Message: 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
13 yr cicada
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
Message: 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
YES cicadas are great for fishing .
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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
They are here too.
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas found guilty as costly destructive pests!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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
Their here!!!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: Found about 6 so far in my back yard.Its starting! — Bill Calhoon, Pittsburgh PA
The Bugs
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: We have the cicadas everywhere!!! — Carol Greene, Atoka, Tn.
Pictures
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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
Cicada EVERYWHERE!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas are here
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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)
Cicadas are here
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Message: 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)
Brood XXIII Explosion in West KY
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Message: 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
Brood XXIII in eastern Arkansas
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Message: 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
Yes, they are here too
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Message: 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)
What’s that noise?!!!
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Message: 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
They are everywhere
Date: Wednesday, May/15/2002
Message: Bugs are so loud it’s amazing! — C. Hailey, West Monroe, Louisiana
Thousands, but not much noise—– yet
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
our fish love them!
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
Brood XXIII Emerges in Kentucky
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
i have i ?
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Hum
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: The Grove at the University of Mississippi is loud with the hum of brood XXIII — Pat, Oxford, MS
OH THE NOISE!
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
wow
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Message: 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
SHOULD WE BE THREATENED BY THESE BUGS?
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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
Update from central Arkansas
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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
Periodical Cicadas
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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
So that’s what that noise is!
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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)
Cicadas at commencement
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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
Message: 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
What’s that strange sound?
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Message: 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
Creature Feature
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas everywhere!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
An Abundance of Cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
They are here.
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Music in Booneville!!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: Sunday May 12, 2002, Emergence at it’s peak in Booneville. — Max Phillips, Booneville, MS
They are everywhere
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
Bugs divided
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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.
Cicada Emergence
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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.
“A” Cicada?
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: “A” Cicada, meaning one? They are covering my house! What should I do? — Kim Sharp, Savannah, TN
They are here!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Date 5- 10- 2002
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
Feeding the cicadas…
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Sightings
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
We got Cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
Finally got my hands on some
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas as bait
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
I seen one !!
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
Message: 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
Cicada’s used for fishing bait?
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Message: 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
Have they arrived?
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Message: Have there been any sightings in Ohio or Penn.yet?Thanx — Colin Green, Toronto Ontario Canada
13-year Cicadas in Central Arkansas
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Message: 13-year Cicadas are emerging in small numbers at Lorance Creek Natural Area in southern Pulaski County, Arkansas. — Michael D. Warriner, Little Rock, Arkansas
Final Posting on Brood XXIII in Clinton
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Message: 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
Cicada
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Message: 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
More on Brood XXIII in Clinton
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
Message: 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
Thankz For Everything
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
Message: 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
What do they look like before they’re nymphs?
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
Hundreds emerging!
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
more emerging
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
Warren
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
All In Full Swing !
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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.
Clinton update on Brood XXIII
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
BUT WAIT>>>>>>>>>>>THERE’S MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas in North Central Louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Invasion
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Population
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: 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
how many eggs do they lay
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: how many eggs do cicadas lay — jimmy, mcpherson k.s. u.s.
cicadas
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: how many eggs do they lay — jimmy, mcpherson.K.S.
what is the purpose
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: 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
french cicada
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Message: 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
We got them buggers here now.
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
To Lisa and Warren
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
Still waiting
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
CICADAS
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
I found the mother lode…
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
Message for Warren
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
CICADAS ARE OUR FRIENDS !
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
They’re Here!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
DIE ! KILL ! EXTERMINATE !
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
Message: 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
Kindergarten Kids Love These
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
They Keep On Commin’
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
Cicadas are here!!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
My dog loves ’em too!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
West Monroe, Louisiana specimen
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
No Bugs Yet
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
More on Brood XXIII
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Message: 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
Hatch full bore here in Jackson, MS
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
Message: 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
dog loves em
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
Message: 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
Pissing Cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
Message: 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
There are here!
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
Message: 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
Brood XXIII is abundant in Homochitto Forest
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
Message: 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
Emergence wanes in Clinton
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
Message: 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
WHY ME????
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Message: 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
ITS SO COOL ! I WANT TO KNOW MORE !
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Message: 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
More Brood XXIII counts from the back porch
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Message: 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
Freaking Out!!!
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Message: 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
Brood XXIII Songs are in the air
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
Message: 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
cicada
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
Message: 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
I have them in my own yard!!
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
Message: 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
Brood XXIII emergence in full swing
Date: Wednesday, May/1/2002
Message: 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
Cicada Comments from August 2002
IT’S INPORTAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Saturday, Aug/31/2002
Message: I have a homework assigment heres the question: Insects called cicadas spend moast of there lives underground. Many come above ground nley every 13 or17 yrs. In North Ameica people call 13 & 17 locusts. 12 14 or 16 year locusts?
EMail me at erinleigh [AT] attbi.com
Thanks — Erinleigh, Helena MT USA
JZ responds to Rebecca from VA
Date: Saturday, Aug/31/2002
Message: The three little dots on the cicadas head are actually eyes called “ocelli”. They are only sensative enough to be able to distinguish between light and dark. It is believed that they assist the insect to distinguish shapes and large objects while in flight. — John Z, Maryland
Thank you
Date: Friday, Aug/30/2002
Message: We found a cicada and were able to watch and video tape its coming-out-party. Our fourth grade daughter was able to take it to school today with the video tape to share with her classmates. I printed out your frequently asked questions and sent it with her as well. You do a great job with answering the questions and adding some good humor. We thoroughly enjoyed your web page. Thank you. — Gale , Illinois
? what are the bindi like features on a cicada’s head?
Date: Thursday, Aug/29/2002
Message: In Fredricksburg VA cicadas are dropping out of the trees…well like flies. I’ve seen hundreds, and I’m curious as to what the 3 small copper colored shiny dots are between the insects eyes. I couldn’t find an answer at the library.
— Rebecca, Virginia
T. linnei now abundant in the evenings
Date: Tuesday, Aug/27/2002
Message: Over the last week, the transition of T. lyricen being the dominant caller in the evenings to T. linnei as the dominant calling species has taken place here in Southern Maryland. Also of note, T. chloromera has been calling more this year in the afternoon and into the evenings than compared to the past few years. My guess: the very high humidity and continuous high temperatures (many 90 deg days) starting in the early morning hours. Whenever a cold front comes through and the temps get cooler, that evening and the following morning chloromera doesn’t call. — John, Maryland
Australian cicada website
Date: Tuesday, Aug/27/2002
Message: Hi. I’m based at the University of Queensland. This is a comprehensive site with information on Australian cicadas, images, sounds, links etc.Enjoy!www.zen.uq.edu.au/entomology — Lindsay, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Looking for their husks
Date: Monday, Aug/26/2002
Message: Great sight! I am an artist in RI and have for the past two years been collecting the husks of the cicada- this year I have found over 200 – I am interested in making a sculpture with them- if anyone would like to collect these husks and send them to me along with your thoughts on the insect I would be very happy– my address is
11 Job st.
Providence RI 02904 Thanks Pat — P Bennett, Providence, RI
The Cicada killer wasps
Date: Sunday, Aug/25/2002
Message: The Cicada Killer Wasps have take over my hill…I havn’t seen a cicada in months and the wasps are scaring me…Send help and exterminater — not telling, I’m near boston,MA
What brood would be emerging in MA this year?
Date: Saturday, Aug/24/2002
Message: We’ve found evidence of cicadas outside our workplace in Burlington, MA, and it started me to look into them. I see that they cycle in “broods”. What brood would be appearing in Massachusetts in August, 2002? — Kim Avery, Chelmsford, MA, USA
Found One!
Date: Friday, Aug/23/2002
Message: Hi there,Out in the park with the kids and found this massive bug, a bit wounded, struggling through the grass. I am pretty sure that it is a Tibicen Auletes, does this make sense? Dark green, brown and black markings that I must say look extremely cool. It’s underside has what looks like a white dusting surrounding dark brown/black and green; legs are light green.Send me some info as the kids and I are nursing this critter back to health in a box. What do they eat? I am assuming leaves and grass.thanks,rod — rod cohen, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
cicada found
Date: Friday, Aug/23/2002
Message: We found a live cicada.MY first graders and I had already talked about them. We brought him into the classroom,thought he was dead, but twice he began to sing, but he looks dead, wont move. Was he dying when we heard him? We all felt sorry for him. We want some info for 1st graders. — linda moore, Wilson N.C.
Cicadas and hot weather
Date: Friday, Aug/23/2002
Message: So far I have found it to be true that cicadas singing in the morning is consistent with hot weather. Some cicadas, Tibicen chloromera and T. lyricen in particular, love the hot mid-afternoon hours for singing, and if the morning is really hot, they will often get an early start. On the other hand, if it is cool and/or cloudy in the morning, they will usually wait until it heats up to start calling. — Nick., Cicadas of Arkansas
Answering questions
Date: Friday, Aug/23/2002
Message: Hello everyone,I’ve been asked to assist Dan in answering your questions on this board. Since Dan will be unavailble for at least another week, please feel free to forward your questions to me at les_daniels [AT] yahoo.comI’ll do my best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.Les — Les Daniels, Fremont, Ohio U.S.A.
Gonna be a hot one
Date: Thursday, Aug/22/2002
Message: Is it true that if you hear cicadas in the morning that means it’s going to be a really hot day? Thats what I heard as a kid and it seems to be true — Al, New Jersey
Dog is eating cicadas
Date: Thursday, Aug/22/2002
Message: My dog is chasing and eating the cicadas in our back yard. It is disgusting!!! — Barb, Washington, DC
Relationship of “Singing” and Temperature?
Date: Thursday, Aug/22/2002
Message: The frequency and tone of their calls is related to the temperature, and the time of day. What exactly is the relationship? What temperature does it have to be?thanks
george
— George Boccanfuso, Sarnia Ontario Canada
cicadas and drought
Date: Thursday, Aug/22/2002
Message: can cicadas appear early because of drought conditions — jesse einstein, potomac md
CICADAS UNDER MY DECK
Date: Wednesday, Aug/21/2002
Message: THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS I HAVE BEEN SEEING THESE THINGS FLYING AROUND MY YARD . AT FIRST I THOUGHT THEY WERE HUGE BEES UNTIL I TALKED TO A FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS IN PEST CONTROL.I HAVE HOLES ALL OVER THE YARD BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THEY TUNNELED UNDER MY DECK.I HAVE SEEN 2 FEMALES GOING IN AND OUT.SO TONIGHT I DUG UP AROUND THE DECK AND I MUST PICKED UP 100 OF THESE THINGS.ALL WERE THE GREEN COLOR BUNCHED IN 2s AND 3s . ALSO I FOUND TWO EGGS THAT WERE ABOUT 1 INCH LONG WITH A WHITE NYMPH INSIDE DON’T KNOW IF THEY ARE CICADAS OR NOT. — JOE LEH, BERKS COUNTY , PA
Found two!
Date: Wednesday, Aug/21/2002
Message: I’ve always heard them around, but never seen a live one, until today. There was a male on the street light pole outside my house. He was making his racket, and then a female arrived at the same pole. — Kenneth Tucky, Ontario
New Cicada Enthusiast !!!
Date: Wednesday, Aug/21/2002
Message: Hey Everyone,
I’ve recently become amazed with cicadas. I’m learning so many cool new facts. Unfortunitly I haven’t seen a real live one. So if anyone has any tips on finding one please email me at karej429 [AT] hotmail.com.
Thanks!
& Good Luck 🙂 — Kary Johanesen, New Jersey
Live Adult Cicada Found
Date: Tuesday, Aug/20/2002
Message: I found a live adult cicada this morning on the front stoop of our laboratory building. I live and work in the Catskill Mountain area of NY for a water supply reservoir. The area is rocky & forrested mostly white pine, and hardwoods.
There was a trace of rainfall on the morning I found it. I found it 8/20/02 at 10:00 a.m. — Jeff Helmuth, P.E., Shokan, NY (Ulster County)
please answer
Date: Tuesday, Aug/20/2002
Message: for a project i need 5 interesting facts about cicadas…. has anyone got any good ones???? please email me at fairydust8000 [AT] hotmail.com thankyou — katie, australia
is the 17 year cicadas here?
Date: Monday, Aug/19/2002
Message: i remember i think it was in 1985, my son was about 14. he was mowing the back yard and these cicadas were atacking him, he wore a football hat and was trying to run from them. i was driving down the street and they would fly inside the car while i was driving!!
was wondering if this year is when they will be like then? not sure of the year. it was either 1985 or 1986.
thank you,
paula jane — paula jane, dayton, ohio
cicada
Date: Monday, Aug/19/2002
Message: I have so many cicadas in my yard it is driving me crazy what can i do? I have alot of black ones and i saw one green one. i want to spray. i had a tree company come out because they are every where Help!!!! — jill, bloomfield, michigan
Response ….
Date: Sunday, Aug/18/2002
Message: Response to:
slakers up in the piece!
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002Message: do you guys ever answer these questions — Penis, State of the Crabs….
They’re on vacation from July 31 till Sept.. read the front page of the website!
— WebPageReader, PA
Cicadas everywhereeeeeee…..
Date: Saturday, Aug/17/2002
Message: There are hundreds of cicadas in the trees near my house and I need to catch one for a Zoology project for school next year; thing is, they are too fast! I was so close to cathing one, nevermind being deafened by the buzzing noise and it flew off before I could capture it…anyone know a good way to capture a cicada?Adema3496 [AT] aol.com — Candyce, Baltimore, Maryland
All the cicadas live in my yard!
Date: Saturday, Aug/17/2002
Message: When I see these bugs…I want to be sick! They are sooo huge…what is their purpose? I saw a little finch fighting one, even the birds think they’re sick! When I go out at night, they find me! I think they like me, kind of like a person who hates cats and the cat rubs on that persons leg. I was in my basement, ironing and there was one attracted to the light (I just came in because one kept flying around my porch.) This second one, kept bagging into the slotted window of the door (no screen). So I went to close the window so it was open just a crack and a few minutes later that bug came flying through the teeny-tiny opening, like a freaking bat out of hell! NO LIE! I screamed like a banshee! Poking around for a few minutes with no luck I went back to my ironing–Low and behold a couple of minutes later who comes crawling up from underneath the ironing board, but this nucluear sized fly! I almost DIED. Well, I found a mason jar and screamed for my husband, he took it and put it outside the other basement door and he could not close the door fast enough the determined disgusting bug flew in before the door shut. Well, that bug, unfortunatly lost. To say the least we have many more. What do the females look like? Kruzen [AT] aol.com put cicada in the memo area. — Lisa, Northern Chester County
Is it dead?
Date: Friday, Aug/16/2002
Message: We saw a big cicada at work today on the outside stairs. It was just sitting there on the ground. We thought is was dead so we poked it.
It started to crawl a bit.
I think it’s still out there.
Is it dying?
— Anna & Angie, Canada
Large amounts of Cicadas
Date: Thursday, Aug/15/2002
Message: Have lived in the Bucks County, PA area for 13 years and by far this year in Washington Crossing there is an abundance of cicadas everywhere! Mayb the drought conditions have brought morre out than usual? — Carole D., Washington Crossings, PA
Cicada Killer Wasps
Date: Thursday, Aug/15/2002
Message: I was very surprised when walking to the subway to see this huge “mutant” thing carrying another large bug. I stopped in shock. Well now I’m calmer as I have identified it as a Cicada Killer Wasp (or at least I think I’m calmer!) Anyone else every see these in Brooklyn? — Amanda, Brooklyn, NY
Cicada picture
Date: Thursday, Aug/15/2002
Message: I have a pretty good picture of a cicada I’d like to send you.Thanks. ronoquinn [AT] comcast.com — Ron O’Quinn, Ladson, S.C.
Tyler from PA
Date: Thursday, Aug/15/2002
Message: Give your email address and I’ll tell you what I can about keeping cicadas alive. Or just send me an email and I’ll send a reply that way. Mine is stnick127 [AT] collegeclub.com. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Dog Day Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: Wow — is it hot in Jersey. Plenty of Tibicens too. — Dan (Cicada Expert!), NewJersey
Raising Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: I’ve always been interested in catching bugs. It all started with catching Japanese beetles in my grape vines. When I first saw a cicada shell, my friends said that is was locust shell. That was in 1999. I didn’t see one untill this summer. I found them all over the place! Every tree I looked on had them. Finding them has became my hobby. One time when I found a shell it seemed a little heavy. I couldn’t belive it! It was a live locust! I tried to raise it, but some of the mean bully kids squashed it. I was so sad that day. A week later, I found another live one. It got away. The next day, I acually caut one. I have it in a jar as I’m typing this. I want to know how to raise and take care of one. I hope you have some info! Oh, and thanks to this site I know that it’s a cicada. Hope your vacation was fun!!! — Tyler Marini, Greenville, PA
Attention: Brian J. Prichard
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: Brian, please contact me at my email of les_daniels [AT] yahoo.comIt is important and I’m hoping you can help. You’re original email I have in my address book is no longer valid. Thanks – Les — Les Daniels, Fremont, Ohio U.S.A.
2nd sighting of cicada
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: last night my co-workers and i had a cicada in the breakroom this was the 2nd time we had come in contact with it. the first time we saw it, our female employees claimed that it was attacking them. (it was just flying around and they were in it’s way) — ken, Cleveland,Ohio
Found a stange bug
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: We think we found a cicada in our front yard but we aren’t sure. We’ve never seen one here before but we just visited Chicago & learned about them. Why are we now seeing them here? — Nancy, Meghan & Emilie, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Definately not Giant Ticks
Date: Wednesday, Aug/14/2002
Message: We started seeing these strange exoskelletons on the trees outside our house and were very curious as to what they were. I jokeingly said they must have been giant ticks, and my wife thought they must be locusts. I never saw what came out of them untill the other night when I went out to walk the dog and found one drying it’s wings. I promptly ran inside and and got the digital to take some pictures and got some real doozies. At this point I thought they might be cicadas but I had to be sure. After a bit of research, I came upon this site and it proved what the beautiful green bug with the glassy wings was. I am so excited and hope I get to see more. Is there a season for these in New Jersey? and if so, When can I expect them. Also, what kind are these bright green ones and are they on this 17 year cycle I keep hearing about? Please e-mail me with any information at ltockman4 [AT] hotmail.com. Thanks and I appreaciate any info anyone can give me. — Lee Tockman, Princeton NJ
sighting
Date: Tuesday, Aug/13/2002
Message: Got to see my first Cicada last week. Really neat. — Marilyn, Gardiner, Maine
male or female
Date: Tuesday, Aug/13/2002
Message: how do u know if a cicada is amale or female? — dude, whitby ontario canada
Silver Spring and Brooklyn Cicadas
Date: Monday, Aug/12/2002
Message: David,
I’m from Silver Spring. The 17 year cicadas will be back there in 2004, but you have other cicadas every summer. Does anyone know if there any cicadas in Manhattan? — Margaret , Brooklyn
Re:Killer Wasps
Date: Monday, Aug/12/2002
Message: I know what you mean about having them all over your lawn! I have them so bad, you can’t even walk outfront. They have come after us(my husband & I) and after my dogs. I guess they are protecting their nests, but still. We too have tried everything, the only thing that works is cool weather. We had a few days of nice temps, and we did not see one!! I can’t wait til fall!!! Then, we are going to try & kill the larve in the holes. The strange part, we never ever hear ciadas around!!! Go figure! I can’t help w/info on killing cicads, I don’t think that is the answer. You can call an exterminator, they can treat the lawn, but it’s coslty & you may need several treatments. Good luck!!! — B, PA
i just now at age 37 held my first live cicada
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: a neighbor was over and happened to see it clinging to a tree in the yard. we held it and looked at it for a bit then let it go. i sure wouldnt mind knowing what sort we have here. i have seen the word broods many times here tonight but the bugs are here every year. are they still the sort thjat hatch every 7 or 17 years? the cicada was grayish except for some very dark green markings on its back. — Gerald, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
slakers up in the piece!
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: do you guys ever answer these questions — Penis, State of the Crabs….
Brood IX stragglers?
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: I’ve seen a few cicada exoskeletons laying around this year and I’m looking forward to a huge infestation next year! I remember the last time they came– I was only 8 and I used to dream of what I would be like 17 years from then… Would I be any fun? Would I still climb trees? Would I still play with the cicadas? I can’t wait to introduce my little son to the incredible cicada phenomenon! And yes, I still climb trees! — Julia, Reston, VA
cicadas in Maryland
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: When will cicadas emerge in Maryland? — David, Silver Spring, MD
Cicada
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: I moved here to PA from CA last spring and am discovering all kinds of new critter life here (like the centipede on my dining room wall but that’s another story!)
Found this ugly beautiful creature on my doorstep this morning, unfortunately, dead. Neighbor said it was a June bug but when I checked bug websites, it wasn’t a match. Then I remembered hearing about Cicadas from my grandparents in Kansas. Ta-Dah! Thats what it is and that’s what all the racket is in my neighborhood!Great website ! Thanks for all your information — Sandy, Enola, Cumberland County, PA
Thanks for having the web site
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: I awoke one hot August morning to my 5 year old son adn 3 year old daughters question – WHAT is that noise.I explained that it was a bug. A minutes later I was in the front of my house very excited to see a cicada that was recently hatch, with great excitment I got the kids and brought them outside to see what bug made all that noise. That lead to even more questions.I immediately went searching on the web and came up with your website.You had all the answers and the best pictures, we even downloaded some sounds.So thanks for helping a mom explain what all that noise is.Keep up the good work. — Eileen Signorelli, Staten Island NY
cicada singing
Date: Sunday, Aug/11/2002
Message: The cicada singing is deafening in my neighborhood. I just finished making an outdoor video and we couldn’t hear the people speaking because of the cicada ‘chat’.If anyone needs more cicadas, go to Northbrook Illinois. You won’t be disappointed. — Wendy, Northbrook, IL
heard lots of ’em – first sighting last night…
Date: Saturday, Aug/10/2002
Message: One crawled out of the flower bed onto the kids’ li’l tikes play slide. We watched it split its’ back, creep out of its’ skin, extend (and dry) it’s wings, then change color and sit in the sun waiting to be eaten by a bird… — Ray, Plainfield, IL – 35miles west of Chicago
an old Ojibwe tale about the cicada
Date: Saturday, Aug/10/2002
Message: Cicadas usually appear around the Great Lakes area in August. I thought I would share one of my favorite stories told to me when I was a youngster. (Folklore is an imortant part of the Ojibwe culture.) Winiboozhoo is a common character in our folklore; he was one of the first human-like beings made by the creator (Gitchimanitou). THE CICADA AND WINIBOOZHOOFrom the beginning of time, children resisted eating vegetables and fruits, objecting that cabbages and such were such a disagreeable and unappetizing green. To persuade children to eat vegetables and fruits, Winiboozhoo stumbled on the idea of dying them hundreds of different shades to confer beauty and flavor on them. But before he was half done with this enormous task, an enemy came along during the night and stained everything with a film of fine cold, white dust. Winiboozhoo was forced to start over not once but many times before he learned who his enemy was. From the beginning he suspected it was his brother Pukawis but it wasn’t until he heard derisive laughter, muted and disguised though it was, that he was sure. Finally, unable or unwilling to put up with the despoliation of his work by frost or snow even if it was done in jest, Winiboozhoo caught a cicada and put it to work, painting the fruit and vegetables so he could devote his time and energy to pursuing the enemy.
The cicada took up the assignment readily. However because Winiboozhoo’s instructions were rather vague, the cicada painted everything, including the grass and leaves. Winiboozhoo was so preoccupied with overtaking his mischievous brother Pukawis that he forgot about the cicada.
To this day the cicada can be heard on hot days, sometimes as early as mid-July, starting the duties that Winiboozhoo assigned him: painting the land to usher in autumn. — Abbey, Mankato, MN
Cicada Killer Wasps
Date: Friday, Aug/9/2002
Message: Each year, our yard is over run with Cicada Killer Wasps which burrough in the ground, lay their eggs and find Cicadas from the trees to deposit in the burroughs for their larve to eat.This year, the infestation is worse than ever. You may walk into the yard and see literally hundreds of Cicada Killer Wasps flying around. They
do not bother humans but these burroughs they dig are similair to that of
mole crickets and they are generally annoying. If they were to sting someone, it would be a very painful ordeal.Anyway, we have attempted some of the suggestions made on Cicada Killer Wasp websites to discourage them from coming to our yard to no avail. We have used lime around the yard, flooded the yard with water
and generally tried to rid the yard of these wasps.The only other solution is to next take away their motovation and kill the
Cicadas in the nearby trees. What would it take to do this and would it
rid our yard of Cicada Killer Wasps finally?BHW — Barton Workman, Tampa, Florida USA
Information Please
Date: Friday, Aug/9/2002
Message: I was startled the other day when watering as a cicada nearly the size of a sparrow flew out of the bushes. I had never seen a cicada, nor any insect of that size for that matter, that large. It was dark, almost black with yellow spots. Does anyone know what that describes or where I can find more out about them?Thx… — Dallas BKK, Dallas, TX, USA
Lots of em
Date: Thursday, Aug/8/2002
Message: Over the last few days we have had lots!
of noise….they are all over the place.
do they come out every 13-17 years?
we have been here 12 years and this is the first time we have heard them.
scoozer66 [AT] yahoo.com — Sarah Bauer, Fountain,CO
Tibicen linnei
Date: Thursday, Aug/8/2002
Message: I have a few questions regarding T. linnei. The first concerns the range in which it is found. Does this creature inhabit northern Texas? Also, does its call sound similar to that of a rattlesnake? Any info would be greatly appreciated. — John V., Wichita Falls, Tx
Cicadas in 2003
Date: Wednesday, Aug/7/2002
Message: Please help! I am planning an outdoor wedding reception in July 2003. It will we held at Sharon Woods Village in Sharonville, Ohio. WIll there be an infestion of cicadas at that time? I certainly don’t want them invited to my big day! Please E-mail me at SKrehb5754 [AT] aol.com
Amy — Amy Krehbiel, Cincinnati, Ohio USA
Cicadas attracted to Lights at night!
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: Over the past four years, I have been keeping track (species & sex)of any annual cicadas that are attracted to any of my three outside lights. I usually have about a dozen cicadas that will come to the lights during the summer. This year however, I guess because of the heat and humidity, I am having an abundance of cicadas coming to my outside lights! Just a few days ago I had 6 cicadas come to lights in one night! (4 lyricen and 2 chloromera). I usually hit them hitting the glass doors (a very distinct sound) and find them hanging on the screen or on the ground. Since July 10, I have had 26 attracted to the lights. This is double the amount during an average year and there is still a lot of summer left. Its interesting that most of the cicadas have been female T. lyricen! Anybody else have any similar experiences?
So far this year, — John Z, Maryland
T. robinsoniana now locally abundant, T. davisi is now common & N. hieroglyphica is finished for the year.
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: Since we have been experiencing many 90 degree days, Tibicen robinsoniana has been extremely abundant in certain localities. Its very slow coarse continous “runt…runt…runt” is very unique and can be heard almost every afternoon (usually after 1pm and before 6pm). T. chloromera, T. lyricen & T. davisi (short, high-pitched whine lasting about 10 seconds) make up the morning and noon chorus. An occasional T. auletes may call around noon. Things seems to be quiet until around 6pm, when T. chloromera has been calling lately in the late afternoon/early evening. About a half an hour before dusk, T. lyricen (long monotone rattle lasting 40-60 seconds) and T. auletes (very loud chh..chh..chh…chh) begin to call and do so until just about dark.
Only one T. linnei called for a few days a few weeks ago, but as in years past I expect T. lyricen to start to decrease and T. linnei start to increase around the end of August. N. hieroglyphica was last heard on August 2 and is probably finished for the year. — John Z, Maryland
Find
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: I was digging today, trying to kill some vines that were climbing up my house. After about three shovels, I noticed an off brown lump sitting in the soil. Upon close examination, I believed it to be a Cicada skin, then it moved. I was worried the critter would die, so I had my six year old place him on a tree. Within a couple hours the Cicada had shed his skin and was ready for business! Incredible find and I took several pictures (hope they come out).
My son obviously became interested so I did an internet search and found your site. Incredible find! Thanks just for being here. — Jim, Colorado
Tibicen auletes
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: I was just beginning to notice that these guys haven’t made a peep all year, when all at once, they’ve shown up rather convincingly in the last few days. As usual they gather in groups so you always hear them when they’re anywhere close! =) — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Cicada Sighting
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: We have tons of cicadas in our backyard. They frequently attach to our house or lay on our deck. I have to be honest, they are not in the least attractive. Perhaps they haven’t come out of their “shell” yet? Anyway, I have great respect and appreciation for them. Saw one on the bricks of the house yesterday; blue jay snatched it and ate it – very disappointing. This morning a new one is sunbathing on the deck. Ahhh, the circle of life I suppose. — Shelley, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Wasps
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: Well, these wasps are no fun dealing with!!! I wrote about them awhile back, well, they are still all over my lawn, & keep making new nests… I have been able to find new info on them, but still nothing helps. Except… cooler weather… They may not ‘attack’ but when you have 10-20 flying around at your house, you still don’t want to walk through them. They have gone after my dogs. So, the only thing that seems to get rid of them will be the fall weather…. When that hits, I will have to find all the holes and ‘treat’ them so as to kill any eggs that were layed there. — B, Delaware County,PA
Cicadas make me scared-y!
Date: Monday, Aug/5/2002
Message: tonite i was sitting around not doing much and whatnot and then all of a sudden i heard a CRAZY noize and i looked over and saw this HUGE SCAAAAAAAAARY bug flying all about the room and into my face, chest and neck like a crazy person! i was so scared i almost pooped my pants right then and there (but i didn’t!). nope, i chased it around and finally caught it with some tongs and threw it back out the window. YAY!!! then i had an ice cream cone because i was so happy it hadn’t killed me and eaten my body (or filled it full of eggs or something). bye.(p.s– the scary bug i was talking about? it was a cicada. OH YEAH!)(p.p.s.– do you peoples like cicadas or something? I SURE DON’T!) — Randall, NY
Scary Cicada Story
Date: Sunday, Aug/4/2002
Message: Today I found a cicada attacking my pet poodle in the backyard. She was frightened so I hit it (the cicada) with my electrified fly swatter. It had no effect. It flew at my face and I tripped over the poodle. Cicada’a are scary. Your web site is cool. Will you send me a free t-shirt? — tommy, mount holly, nj
Sighting
Date: Sunday, Aug/4/2002
Message: Two or three sighted in Red Bank, NewJersey in the past weeks. — Sheila, Red Bank, New Jersey
Cicada Sighted
Date: Sunday, Aug/4/2002
Message: On August 4, 2002 at about 10 pm, a cicada coming out of its shin hung over my door as I went into my house. When it finished coming out of its ugly skin, it spread its beautiful thin leaflike green wings. I took pictures with my digital camera.Do they really stay in the ground for 17 years?Logan — Logan Cantu, Grifton, Nc
too many cicadas messing up my lawn!
Date: Saturday, Aug/3/2002
Message: I bought my house a little over four years ago. Like clockwork, every year around late June and early July I find these little holes in my lawn, usually close to trees or my hedges. The holes are about 1/2 inch in diameter and up to 5 or 6 inches deep. Upon closer inspection I also find anywhere from 15 to 40 of these nasty looking bug skins/shells either in the grass at the base of the bushes or sometimes attached to my wooden shed or kid’s wooden swing set. The bug skins are usually split down the back at which point something obviously emerged in some different form. Being a reasonably intelligent person I figured that some form of insect had crawled out of the ground (hence the holes) and shed it’s skin. When I took these skins to my local gardening center I was informed that they were some form of grub. Three years and two bags of grub treatment later I still counted about 35 “grub” holes in my lawn along with the accompanying shells. One night last week I noticed a large insect burrowing into the dirt in my flower patch like a dog looking for a bone. The bug turned out to be a cicada bug as it was big and metallic green and had large wings that made a lot of noise. I chased the bug away and filled up the hole with a rock only to come back the next day to find a freshly dug hole next to the blocked one. I also hear them buzzing around outside almost every day. I even found one in my house (actually my three year-old spotted the critter). I then decided to do some research on the internet and to make a long story somewhat shorter I now think that I have a lawn full of cicada bugs that create these holes and then leave their skins all over the place. I even went on one website that showed one of these critters shedding it’s skin. It looked just like the skins I have all over my yard. But why do they keep coming back every year? Aren’t they supposed to be on some sort of 13 or 17 year cycle? Will they eventually destroy my lawn or shrubs and if so how can I get rid of them? I know they like to eat plants and roots and things. I’m open for any information or suggestions anyone might have. malbug [AT] aol.com — Mark Bugbee, Baltimore, MD
Green cicada
Date: Saturday, Aug/3/2002
Message: Saw a cicada buzzing around a streetlight near my house – then the next night found one skittering around a parking lot – he was olive green. It’s been real hot and humid the last few weeks! — Steve Carpenter, Lafayette, Louisiana
Cicada sightning
Date: Saturday, Aug/3/2002
Message: Aug 03 2002 sighted a green cicada in the garden..very fascinating… — sandy, Buena Vista, Virginia
Cicada sightning
Date: Saturday, Aug/3/2002
Message: Aug 03 2002 — sandy, Buena Vista, Virginia
Cicada Killer Wasps
Date: Friday, Aug/2/2002
Message: I just ran into these large wasps, and had a crash course on them. You can go to this web site to learn more about them. Very interesting creatures. http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/cicadakillerhome.html — Jodi, MI
cicada killers
Date: Friday, Aug/2/2002
Message: Tonite my girls and I were walking to our next door neighbors and came across what appeared to be some type of ant nest, when the mutant bee flew out at us we quickly changed our tune. After finding a dead “bee” and doing a little research I am almost sure it is a cicada killer. Any advice on when to watch for one in action? The girls and I think it would be interesting to see the food chain at work. — June, indianapolis
hibrination
Date: Friday, Aug/2/2002
Message: Ive been told that cicadas hibrinate for seven years, then they come out for a season, then hibrinate again for another seven years, so on and so forth. — andrew schwartz, Chicago , IL
I saw a cicada on my porch
Date: Friday, Aug/2/2002
Message: Hi i am 15 years old and i was outside of my porch and i saw this ugly big bug and it was laying still on the ground not moving. Then my dog went up to it and would touch it then it would flip around not flying but its wings or something made a lound sound and it was hop rolling around. Then my dog ate it but i had no clue what it was. The next day i found out it was a Cicada and i was wondering if they really do only come every 17 years and if so are they coming this year? Also is it bad that my dog ate it? If they are invading this year about how long do u think they would stay, and do they bite people like other insects? I live in maryland and i know that there is an insect that is coming within the next few years but should i expect to see Locusts or Cicadas? Thankyou,
Tallie
— Tallie, Olney Maryland
How long are cicadas around for each year?
Date: Thursday, Aug/1/2002
Message: Message: I am working on a science newsletter involving sounds in your backyard. I would like to include cicadas, but the letter will not be distributed until early to mid September. Will cicadas be around through September? — Roxanne, Albuquerque, NM
Rachel from Texas
Date: Thursday, Aug/1/2002
Message: There are several species of cicadas, and each one has its own unique call. The one you heard to the south was likely a cicada, just a different species than what you have in the Dallas area. Unfortunately I don’t have much experience with the western cicada species, so I couldn’t begin to tell you what kind it may have been. The western species are different frrom those in the east, and the changeover occurs roughly through the plains states and central Texas. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Cicada?
Date: Thursday, Aug/1/2002
Message: Hi. I’m stumped. I’ve just returned from the Brownsville area of the Rio Grand Valley in the south tip of Texas. Down there is a bug that makes one very loud, high pitched sound, almost deafening if too close. It slows down similar to the cicadas up here in the DFW area, sort of sounding like a chain saw comming to a stop, but the bug is much higher piched. Is this a cicada? If so what sort? Any help appreciated!!
Thanks — Rachel, Texas
Cicada in my apartment…
Date: Thursday, Aug/1/2002
Message: I have a cicada in my apartment… should I be concerned? It appeared to be attracted to my house light. How long do you think it will live? — J, Baltimore, Maryland