The Cicada Mania Blog: News, Findings, and Discoveries About Cicadas : Page 35

Dedicated to cicadas, the most amazing insects in the world.

March 1, 2020

My Magicicada photos from 1996, Brood II

Filed under: Brood II | Magicicada | Photos & Illustrations — Dan @ 9:10 am

My Magicicada photos from 1996, Brood II. These were taken with disposable cameras and scanned in with a flatbed scanner also from the 1990s. They’re mostly from Metuchen NJ. Otherwise they’re from Westfield NJ.

At this point in time I was not as interested in cicadas as I am now. Back in 1996 they were more of a novelty, but over time my obsession grew.

Magicicada adults in a jar:
Magicicadas in a jar

Magicicada in a jar

Magicicada exuvia in a jar:
Magicicada exuiva in a jar

Scenes from a cicada wedding:

My friends David & Claire were married in an outdoor wedding ceremony in Westfield, NJ, at the peak of the Brood II emergence. No one freaked out — in fact everyone seemed to enjoy it, especially the kids.

The bride and groom, Claire and David:
David & Claire

A cicada creeping up a wedding chair leg during the ceremony:

Video from the wedding:

I was even calling them “locusts” back then. Gee wiz.

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My Magicicada Photos from 2004, Brood X

Filed under: Brood X | Magicicada | Photos & Illustrations — Dan @ 8:59 am

My Magicicada Photos from 2004, Brood X. These were taken in Princeton, New Jersey, with a home video camera. Princeton is a “hot spot” for Brood X in New Jersey. They’re usually out during the Princeton University graduation ceremonies, which is a nuisance for both graduates & their families and for people who come to see the cicadas (and could care less about the graduates). Interestingly enough, the Princeton colors (orange & black) closely match the colors of the cicadas.

Magicicada on a tree in a park in Princeton NJ

Magicicada on a tree branch in a park in Princeton NJ

Magicicada on a tree in a park in Princeton NJ

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Seagulls and cicadas photo by Sue

Filed under: Brood XIII | Magicicada — Dan @ 8:47 am

These images go back to 2007 (Brood XIII).

Sue had noticed that seagulls had taken a liking (maybe an obsession) to cicadas. Look at all those seagulls ready to swoop down (or up) and grab a cicada:

Seagulls waiting to eat cicadas

No seagulls in this photo, just exuvia on a tree:
Magicicada on a tree

I live near the ocean and can testify that seagulls are bold and voracious eaters. They pose a threat to not just cicadas, but also seals and even Jedi:

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Vince’s cicada photos from 2004

Filed under: Brood X | Photos & Illustrations — Dan @ 8:37 am

Vince’s cicada photos from 2004, the year of Brood X.

Most photos on this website are high resolution. These are not, but that is okay with me. I’m just happy that someone took the time to share their enjoyment of cicadas.

Vince’s Magicicada:
Vince's Magicicada

Vince's Magicicada

Cicada skin/exuvia:

Neotibicen tibicen:

Neotibicen tibicen

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February 29, 2020

Adult female cicada, Genus Dundubia, showing Tympanal cover

Filed under: Dundubia | Dundubiini | Santisuk Vibul — Dan @ 4:54 pm

Adult female cicada, Genus Dundubia, showing Tympanal cover. Photo and text by Santisuk Vibul.

Adult female cicadas have perceptive organ ie. Tympana or Ear drums which are mirror-like membranes. The tympana of adult female cicadas are much more smaller than that of the males because they are less developed. The tympana of the female cicadas (shown on the above photo) function as a perceptive organ to percept the calls of the male cicadas from the distance and also function as a shield to protect their tympana like the opercula of the male cicadas.

Adult female cicada, Genus Dundubia, showing Tympanal cover