Search Results for “are there cicadas in california” – Page 2 – Cicada Mania (2024)

Filed under: Brood XIV | Magicicada | | Periodical — Dan @ 1:40 pm

This page represents 274 sightings, comments and questions from the 2008 Brood XIV emergence. It’s a good resource for locations and details about what a cicada emergence is like. The next Brood XIV emergence is 2025. You’ll find plenty of comments by cicada enthusiasts and experts like Elias Bonaros, Roy Troutman, Bob Jacobson and Dave Marshall.

I am fairly new to N.E. Texas (Jacksonville—Cherokee County). I went out by the swimming pool and cold drink machine at 1:30am on July 23rd, and I heard a LOUD EERIEE sound. Something landed on my shirt, and SCREAMED like a siren. My wife said when I came in, that it was a Cecada….All I know is that it really startled me. It was still on my shirt. I’m a big guy, but i thought it was from outerspace….ha ha. I live on E. Loop 456 on East side of Jacksonville…about 2 miles from center of town.

Comment by Thomas — July 25, 2008 [AT] 10:42 am

Our part of Cape Cod (East Falmouth) also looks a bit like an early Autumn from the aftermath of the cicadas. See this article in the Cape Cod Times http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080722/NEWS/807220318

Comment by Laura Tutino — July 24, 2008 [AT] 8:08 am

Hello Dan,

I just visited Dix Hills this weekend to see if I could locate some first instar nymphs. THe emergence here was nearly over after fathers day because the predation from birds was so severe. Some oviposiitng did occur into scrub oaks and small aspen trees and I will be watching these closely. I will search again this weekend.

As far as flagging, I looked for it in Brookhaven. It was impressive here. Looked like an early Autumn. May look for first instars here as it was one of the best emergences on Long Island. Wish I knew about this site earlier and have to thank John Cooley for the tip. According to a Chris Simon paper, Brood I, II, VI, X and XIV can be found in Brookhaven!

Further infromation to follow.

Comment by Elias — July 23, 2008 [AT] 8:14 pm

“Folks — any new cicadas you find at this point aren’t Magicicada, they’re other species like Tibicen. If you want an id, email us a photo.”

While I have Tibicen in my area, there are still straggler Magicicada’s here. The song is definitely different and they look exactly like what I saw a month ago. So I suspect that some of these do not get the “general” alarm right and come out later. There is not a lot of them, but I do hear th occasional song.

Comment by Ken — July 23, 2008 [AT] 2:36 pm

Elias: how was the flagging in L.I. — not too bad, right? Have you observed any hatchlings yet?

Comment by Dan — July 22, 2008 [AT] 9:45 am

Folks — any new cicadas you find at this point aren’t Magicicada, they’re other species like Tibicen. If you want an id, email us a photo.

Comment by Dan — July 22, 2008 [AT] 9:44 am

OH yes,
I’ve been surprised at the number of broken twigs we have hanging from our lilac bushes and other trees in the area, and I thought I had pruned them all off… and now I realize that it is flagging as the cicada must have been digging/slitting them and doing their thing! Arrrgghhh! I wish the singing would stop. I haven’t heard this since 1999 and the bad Brood outbreak! (and in mid-Michigan in the summer of 1972 before that! Was gone in Utah during the 1988-89 emergence and missed it all with the drought and browning grass!)

Comment by Kirk G — July 21, 2008 [AT] 8:28 pm

The chorus of songs have picked up each evening at sunset in the Athens, Ohio area. I had almost overlooked them, as I worked on the patio this weekend. But then I paused in the high heat as it became more humid, and realized that I was hearing not just one song, but several in the trees that border my house.

Didn’t think we would get any this year!!!

Comment by Kirk G — July 21, 2008 [AT] 8:14 pm

My son found a cicada tonight in the backyard today July 21,2008. in Cleveland Ohio eastern suburb

Comment by Kelly O — July 21, 2008 [AT] 6:43 pm

Elias—I’ve done this with other groups of insects, particularly wasps and hornets, in the past. I’ve had cicadas in the past (M. cassini from Ohio Brood X, T. aurifera from Kansas and D. apache from Las Vegas), but I’ve generally kept them on branches inside cage at room temperature so they would sing. This year is the first time I’ve tried keeping periodical cicadas refrigerated. Because I’m away almost every weekend in addition to other travel, this substantially reduces the “babysitting” required! Therefore, it is partly an adaptation of what I have been doing with other insects as well as a certain amount of luck I suppose!

The last female M. septendecim died over the weekend, so now there are 3 male M. septendecim and a male and female of M. cassini.

Bob

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 20, 2008 [AT] 6:42 pm

Have not yet seen any cicadas but have swarms of the cicada killers now that are making homes in the large rocks. They seem to be feeding off one of our varagated lilac bushes, eating the sap.

We are in Washington Township, Warren County, New Jersey

Comment by Irene — July 19, 2008 [AT] 5:30 pm

Have you performed this suspended animation experiment before? Where did you learn this technique? Very impressive!

Comment by Elias — July 18, 2008 [AT] 10:16 pm

Elias,

The ones from PA I have kept on Red Maple twigs in the refrigerator, but I don’t know if or how much they have fed (although I have seen some probing the twigs with their beaks). Only three, all M. cassini, are still alive. The ones from NC (now only about 5, all M. septendecim) have been kept under refrigeration without food. As some of the latter were collected next to their nymphal shells, I believe they were somewhat teneral and perhaps this has contributed to their longevity in captivity.

Bob

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 15, 2008 [AT] 9:38 am

This is very interesting! You are the only one in the US with living Magicicada. I probably should have done this. Do you allow them to feed from time to time or just keep them in suspended animation?

Comment by Elias — July 15, 2008 [AT] 6:29 am

Tonight (in Lenoir, NC) I went out to check the twigs into which eggs had been laid, and I found two newly-hatched nymphs. I was able to capture one and put it under a microscope, and it looks just like the one in the video. These are M. septendecim. Now I am trying to figure out the best way to pose the adults I’m keeping alive in the refrigerator with the “next generation” in a photo—not an easy task given the size difference!

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 14, 2008 [AT] 6:22 pm

I live in Mount Prospect, Illinois (northwest suburb of Chicago). It is July 14, 2008 and there are Cicadas chirping up a storm. It sounds as loud as last year’s Brood XIV. I don’t know if these are Magicicadas.

Has anyone else reported large scale emergence of Cicadas anywhere else in the Chicagoland area?

Are these cicadas different than Brood XIV that emerged last summer?

Comment by Hans — July 14, 2008 [AT] 6:21 pm

Hello Diane,

Thanks for writing. Please let me know when the eggs hatch. THis is the part of the lifecycle I have not personally witnessed. Here is a video of a first instar nymph after hatching. THey are about the size of ants.

http://www.revver.com/video/348164/1st-instar-cicada-nymph/

Take care,
Elias

Comment by Elias — July 10, 2008 [AT] 3:29 am

Hi Elias 🙂 We still have major flagging on alot of trees. My kids have been picking up the branches and breaking them open to shake out the eggs onto the ground to give them a chance to live before they throw out the branches 🙂 My son went to the library and took out some books on cicadas to show me pictures of what the nymphs will look like so I can tell you when they start hatching and coming down off of the trees. As soon as we see it I will come on here and post it and I will email you too so you can get out here. Gotta run…….talk to ya soon!! Diane

Comment by Diane — July 9, 2008 [AT] 7:29 pm

Yes, most are still alive, although 8 of the M. cassini from PA have died this week. In addition to others, I still have 5 of the M. septendecim collected in Asheville, NC on May 17, so that is seven and a half weeks. This is the longest I have ever kept any cicadas alive.

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 8, 2008 [AT] 3:03 pm

Hello Bob,

Interesting. Are they still alive? WHat is the record length of time you have kept them alive in this fashion?

I have received some live specimens form a good friend in Cape Cod. Hope they will survivie for a little while!

Comment by Elias — July 8, 2008 [AT] 12:31 pm

The cicadas seem to have finished their lifecycles here in East Falmouth on Cape Cod, MA.

Comment by Laura Tutino — July 7, 2008 [AT] 7:13 pm

I have kept the M. cassini from PA inside a plastic bag with branches of red maple (Acer rubrum); I’m not sure of the precise temperature but believe it is in the low 40s(F). I take the bag out of refrigeration every 2 or 3 days and let them warm up for at least a half hour, both to see what they will do and to determine which have died so they can be removed for pinning as specimens. The M. septendecim from NC have been kept without food other than the leaf to which they or their nymphal shell was attached.

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 6, 2008 [AT] 8:18 pm

The M. cassini have been kept with branches of red maple (Acer rubrum), and at least one was observed inserting its beak into a twig. I’ll have to check on the temperature, but I believe it is in the low 40s (F). I let them warm up for at least a half hour, often longer, but mainly to determine which are alive so I can remove any that have died (to be pinned as specimens). Interestingly, most of the M. septendecim from NC have been kept without food other than at most the leaf they were on (or the leaf to which the nymphal shell is/was attached).

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 6, 2008 [AT] 8:11 pm

Hello Bob,

Please elaborate a little on the refrigeration technique. How long have you been able to keep them alive in this manner? What temperature do you keep them in and how long do you allow for this “warming up” period?
All of mine have passed on July 2nd. I wish I still had specimens. LAst year I had one from Chicago that I brought home and lived for 14 days in captivity.

Comment by Elias — July 4, 2008 [AT] 7:22 pm

Although the cicadas have long since gone from here (Lenoir, NC), I have a half dozen (both males and females) M. septendecim from Asheville (May 17) and Lenoir (May 21) as well as almost a couple dozen M. cassini (again, both males and females) from Bellefonte, PA still alive in a walk-in refrigerator. I believe some of these were rather teneral when collected, so this may be contributing to their longevity. I take them out every few days, and the latter spcies starts chattering once it gets warmed up! I have twigs of eggs of both species, so with a little luck I might manage to have nymphs and adults alive at the same time! (I might as well enjoy them—it will be three years until the next emergence!) Now, I’m also waiting for Tibicen to start appearing.

Comment by Bob Jacobson — July 4, 2008 [AT] 7:12 pm

Hello Diane,

I just dropped the camera off at my girlfriends house and she will download the videos. Have a lot of footage from your town. Just wish I took some video with you and your children! IT would have been fun to review some footage of them having so much fun. I remember their excitement when they discovered the difference between male and female cicadas! I shared their same enthusiasm at their age.
The eggs take about 6-8 weeks to hatch. According to Dr Gene Krtisky, there is a 50% mortality when the branches are separated from the parent tree. Some naturally separate becuase the egg laying is so intense. I am looking forward to seeing the first stage nymphs. IF you can tell me when they start hatching I will make a last trip! They are the size of ants and pure white. I await your email and will try to see if we can put together a good assortment of cicada videos. I took many many hours worth LOL!
Have a great night!

Comment by Elias — July 1, 2008 [AT] 8:55 pm

Hello again! We also have lots of flagging on our trees….been picking up all of the branches for the past few days now, but now I feel maybe I should have left them a little while longer to give the eggs a chance to get out? How long does it take once the branch falls? Oh….my son said to tell you he will definitely be back in 2025 at the same spot (the bus stop) where we met you, now you guys just have to pick a day so you can meet up as I am sure you will be there too! I think my son may be the next generation cicada expert following in your footsteps 🙂 🙂 🙂 I will email you so you can send me whatever pictures you took as the kids are asking to see your video again! I am still finding wings everywhere, especially in my pool! My dog still searches around for them too! Okay….gotta run..have a great night!! Diane

Comment by Diane — July 1, 2008 [AT] 6:32 pm

Went back to Brookhaven today. Almost all dead. 2 individual males heard calling deep in the woods. Captured 3 females and this was done with some effort. As quickly as they emerged is as quickly as they died. Lots of flagging seen. Besides Massachusetts, do any other sites have live cicadas?

Comment by Elias — July 1, 2008 [AT] 11:37 am

Stopped in Berks County PA (Hwy 10 in Roberson township)on the way home from Canada to see the cicadas one last time before they were done. Interesting observations. In Morgantown around the library there were none and no flagging and the workers had heard of the cicadas but had not seen any. A little research sent me up Hwy 10 to Roberson township. About 2-3 miles from the library I started seeing lots of flagging, so stopped and saw many cicadas and lots of dead bodies. Many had the fungus and as my daughter said had their butts felled off. I have nothing to compare to at that site in terms of the peak since my only observation of XIV was in Asheville NC at the start of the emergence. In PA I saw only 1 nymph shell and no exit holes. The chorusing was not as loud but still obvious. That will have to do til the 13-year emergence in 2011 in my area. I hope it is good. Will miss the little fellas.

Comment by Kevin — June 29, 2008 [AT] 6:53 pm

Report from LI June 29th

Chorusing has even decreased from yesterday. 70% of males captured yesterday died. All females survived. It appears their time is up. There was still some mild chorusing. These are the last vestiges of Brood XIV. They will be missed. We await their return in 2025!

Comment by Elias — June 29, 2008 [AT] 3:47 pm

Yesterday, still some chorusing left in Upton near Brookhaven lab in addition to points north along William Floyd Parkway. Flagging has now become quite apparent (seems like an early autumn). OBserved alot fo ovipositing. At the beginning, the female’s last abdominal segment becomes completely vertical with the tree. Then it pulses as the eggs are discharged. It is pretty interesting to watch.
Saw cicada eggs for the first time as I broke open one of the “flagged” branches that were on the ground. Next I would like to see the first instar nymphs.

Comment by Elias — June 29, 2008 [AT] 3:32 am

Still a lot of activity in the Cincinnati area. No longer any singing in our Hyde Park neighborhood, but the Mariemont and Blue Ash suburbs still have thousands of Cicadas in the trees, and the noise is almost as loud as the first few days after the emergence. I was at Kings Island last Saturday for our company picnic and the trees that have been planted on the grounds are LOADED with cicadas. It was amusing to watch how annoyed/scared most people are by these amazing creatures. You should have seen the looks on their faces as I gently picked one up off the parking lot and gave it a ride on my index finger!

Comment by Tom L — June 24, 2008 [AT] 8:00 pm

We still have quite a few chorusing here on Cape Cod (East Falmouth). It is sad to watch them dying. There are some fledgling birds around who seem to be enjoying a feast. The titmouse seems to enjoy the cicadas. The golf course is a feasting area for squirrels. It is such an amazing phenomenon to me. I wish I had less fear of them — I might have looked one in the eye or held one…I know they are harmless. At least they continue the cycle of nature by being a source of food.

Comment by Laura Tutino — June 24, 2008 [AT] 6:19 pm

Hello all,

Made one trip to the Brookhaven lab. I was denied access as a non lab employee. They did let me search at the front gate. The decim choruses were loud!! I was so happy I did this. Then drove up William Floyd Parkway and they were criss crossing the street. Found another area on the side of the road on Research Drive and was able to look around. Tons of calls with lots of ovipositing too. Did not see extreme predation like I did in western sites. This part of the brood looks healthy. No blue eyed or marble eyed specimens.

Thats all for now from LI. Will get out there again on the weekend hopefully.

Comment by Elias — June 24, 2008 [AT] 4:26 pm

Hello Diane,

Will take one more drive through East Setauket. Will also hit Manorville and Brookhaven in an attempt to see the last of the cicadas. Hope I hear some calls.

I can be emailed at epb471 [AT] yahoo.com. Still have to download the videos.

Take care
Elias

Comment by Elias — June 24, 2008 [AT] 7:11 am

I noticed this morning that the tips of a large number of oak trees on my property have turned brown, so I suspect that is from the massive egg laying? It is readily apparent seeing this how many of these creatures must of existed here! Almost every single branch of all the oaks trees were affected. I still saw some flying around over the weekend, but the chorus is probably 5% of what it was at the peak. Guess the end is near. I must admit, while the cicada’s grossed out my wife, I think the whole cycle they live is really very interesting. Again, I am near Morgantown in Berks county Pennsylvania.

Comment by Ken — June 23, 2008 [AT] 8:32 am

Hello Diane,

Glad you visited this website. I will never forget the excitement on your children’s faces when they heard them call individually and learned the differences between male and female. I wish I had met me when I was their age — LOL!
I am interested if they have started calling again. I will be able to come out again next Tuesday (my day off from work). Have to see if any sites are still active on LI. HEard Brookhaven is still active. Have to check that and manorville again.

Hope all is well, and I should make it to Setauket one last time!

Take care,
Elias
P.S. Maybe I can email you some footage. Have not downloaded it from the camera yet. I should have taken some with the children playing with thyem. COme to think of it that was priceless. Where will they be in 2025 when they return???

Comment by Elias — June 22, 2008 [AT] 8:34 pm

I just wanted to report that the chorus just suddenly stopped yesterday afternoon on Mayflower Lane in East Setauket. I have hundreds of them all over my yard and driveway (just had to clean it to walk), but they seem to have all died. The birds have been eating non-stop though. We had alot of sea gulls arrive the other day too and they were actually swallowing them in mid air! Elias, I am the woman you met the other day at the bus stop with my children…I just wanted to say hi as I know you also said you have come on here 🙂 My son got a kick out of holding the cicadas while they sang 🙂 It was also a great sight to see the female depositing her eggs on the branch. My son is still talking about it!! Even though we have had so many in our yard for weeks now, my son thought it was the coolest thing meeting you since you also love the cicadas as much as he does. Can you post a link for your video on here as I would like to save it for him? He was very depressed this morning when he did not hear them singing like usual. He keeps saying they are not gone 🙁 Well just wanted to say hi and give you an update. Take care….Diane

Comment by Diane — June 20, 2008 [AT] 8:27 am

Without exaggeration, I think there are thousands of them on my property in East Falmouth, right behind the Paul Harney golf course. The noise is other-worldly, and their “shells” are stuck on the cedar shingles on our house. When the sun is out, we see them flying (it seems aimlessly) everywhere. They seem to love the scrubby oak trees here. Let’s just say that my gardening plans are on hold — I know the cicadas will not harm me, but I prefer them not to fly into me, or ON ME!!!

Comment by Laura Tutino — June 19, 2008 [AT] 9:51 pm

There’s still some chorusing here in Southwest Ohio but it has diminished signifigantly in the past few days. It will probably be very quiet here in about a week. It’s late enough in the month that we may get some song mixing of annual cicadas as well as periodicals which I haven’t experienced before.

Comment by Roy Troutman — June 19, 2008 [AT] 2:37 pm

They are still singing at my location in Berks county PA, but it is at a much lower level then before. I have not seen any emerging for a week or so, and you do not see nearly as many flying around. Bet in another week or so we will be back to “normal”.

Comment by Ken — June 19, 2008 [AT] 8:02 am

On Father’s Day my family and I traveled to Trevorton Pennsylvania in an attempt to witness Brood XIV. Disappointment quickly set in as we made our way southward through northen PA. No cicadas, no shells, no singing. We arrived at Trevorton around noon and found the heads and thoraces of a few cicadas and about 10 wings scattered on the sidewalks. Strangely, there were no shells anywhere! If anyone knows of a specific place in PA where the cicadas are currently out in large numbers, please let me know. I’ve been waiting to see them since I was 6 years old — and I’m 34 now!

Thank you,
Ed

BigEdK7 [AT] aol.com

Comment by Ed — June 19, 2008 [AT] 5:15 am

Are there any action up in berks county still? I would like to make the trip up there this Thursday 06/19/08…

Comment by McKenzie — June 18, 2008 [AT] 2:18 pm

Well, it appears the Cicadas have officially died off here in the East End of Louisville, KY. No singing, no dive-bombing, just quiet. Like the good ole’ days. My husband and I did find a few females/males hanging to the side of a model home in our subdivision, but they were likely getting ready to kick the Cicada bucket after having a short but productive rendevous.

Bye little fellas. See ya’ in 17 years.

Now, we must suit up for the invasion of Japanese Beetles!

Comment by Lisa — June 18, 2008 [AT] 5:48 am

Well, it appears the Cicadas have officially died off. No singing, no dive-bombing, just quiet. Like the good ole’ days. My husband and I did find a few females/males hanging to the side of a model home in our subdivision, but they were likely getting ready to kick the Cicada bucket after having a short but productive rendevous.

Bye little fellas. See ya’ in 17 years.

Now, we must suit up for the invasion of Japanese Beetles!

Comment by Lisa — June 18, 2008 [AT] 5:47 am

Hello all,

Had a curious occurrence today. 90% of the activity in Otsego Park Dix Hills has diminished rapidly. It seemed like multitudes of birds were preying heavily on them . They were only calling by the roadside in front of the park. Not sure if the future for cicadas in dix hills looks good.

Lenny, I met Peter for the first time today. We caught some males for him to bring to the office. East Setauket is one of the best places. I hung out on Mayflower road and Branch lane today. Two very educated homeowners were there and asked a multitude of quesitons on cicadas! Their children loved them too. The chorus here appears the strongest on LI. The whole area is surrounded by woods and I think this helps. They do recall some activity in 2004. I drove out here in ’04 but saw nothing.

Next I hit Manorville, Mastic and Shirley. All the action seemed to be on or near Moriches Middle Island Road. Saw some nice aggregations of septendecims and heard a moderate chorus. Traveled probably over 100 miles today. Time to go to sleep.

Good night
Elias

Comment by Elias — June 17, 2008 [AT] 9:07 pm

This past Saturday (June 14) I was in Bellefonte, PA where I enountered a nice sampling of Magicicada septendecim and larger numbers of M. cassini. The latter species is so much louder than the former, and I was impressed by the way their “chorus” suddenly get louder for a couple seconds and then softer for several more, and then repeats the process. I observed females of M. cassini laying eggs in maple twigs, and I have a large leaf, the petiole into which a cicada had made 11 slits. (If anyone wants a photo, email me at jacobsonbob [AT] yahoo.com.) I found cast skins in Lanse, PA and heard M. septendecim in both Drifting (Clearfield Co.) and just E of Mont Alto (Franklin Co.)

Comment by Bob Jacobson — June 17, 2008 [AT] 6:37 pm

I have no personal issues with cicadas and have been doing my best to keep them alive in spite of their own stupidity by rescuing them from my pool whenever possible (as bad as they fly, they swim even worse!) But they are now officially out of control. I can’t get my wife or kids to empty the skimmer basket on the pool anymore. I don’t understand why— check out the pictures at

http://family.olivaweb.net/photos/thumbnails.php?album=8

I’ve had enough! Bring on the fourth of July!!

Brian Oliva
Milford (Clermont County) Ohio

Comment by Brian Oliva — June 17, 2008 [AT] 3:03 pm

For Father’s day, my wife and kids joined me on a Magicicada search in Asheville, NC. The action is beginning to wind down, but we still found some pockets of good activity. Tunnel Road in East Asheville had some nice action. We sat outside to eat lunch at a Sonic and the cicadas were buzzing all around us. Then we went out to Biltmore Forest in the south end of Asheville and they were everywhere. The choruses were not deafening, but were still strong in places. Dead cicadas littered the ground all throughout the town and the skies were filled with them buzzing back and forth between the trees and shrubs. As far as I saw, both the living and dead cicadas were all septendecims.

Peter, I’m glad to hear to you got in some good action on Long Island! I hope the girls enjoyed them!

Elias, my 2004 success for Brood X was limited to a few emergence holes and a handful of exuvia. So few emerged that they must have been picked off right away. This was around Mayflower Lane in East Setauket. I wonder if that’s one of the hot spots this year. If so, perhaps they were very early Brood XIV stragglers!

Comment by Lenny — June 16, 2008 [AT] 8:09 pm

I am Russell KY 41169 about two miles inland (south) of the Ohio River

I’ll bet I killed 300 of the things each day for a week when they first emerged (2nd/3rd week of May) but I swear I haven’t seen one in at least three weeks now. We don’t even hear them any longer- haven’t heard them in maybe four days now. Husband works two miles away further south and is swarmed. My property borders a patch of woods and we could hear them getting further and further away each day there and now there isn’t the first sign of any being around. I want to take the bags off my trees but am afraid.
What to do, what to do?

Comment by Toni — June 16, 2008 [AT] 6:15 pm

We just had our first sighting here in Montgomery,PA. But so far we only had one visitor, and he had a deformed wing. Friends down the road had a massive emergence in Eilmsport, PA.

Comment by Sara Vallese — June 16, 2008 [AT] 4:08 pm

I live in Bellefonte, PA, also. Today there are major swarms to which extent one cannot even go outside. We have now had four of these critters in our house. Our cat just plays with them but they perish easily with the swat of a fly swatter.

Personnally I think they are totally gross and annoying. You can’t even sit outside right now. It’s a phenomenon unlike anything I have ever seen. My wife and I are transplants to Bellefonte so we are totally amazed at this emergence. It’s massive for sure! I think our town is the center for this particular Brood. I hear them elsewhere but nothing like here in Bellefonte!

Comment by Jeff — June 16, 2008 [AT] 12:43 pm

Many cicadas in Mifflin County, PA. Burnham (near K Mart), Belleville, Rt 26 the whole way down to Huntingdon.

Found some very loud and very dense populations 2.5 miles in on Alan Seegar Road just north of the 26 / 305 junction. Matches any I’ve ever seen in person and on video.

Comment by Mike — June 16, 2008 [AT] 10:49 am

Dye-down is FINALLY happening here in the East End of Louisville. Several of our neighbors’ young trees — specifically Maple and Oak — are showing stress from flagging. Fortunately, our Yoshino Cherry Trees and Sweet Bay Magnolia have stood up quite well so far. My husband is religious about picking the females off in both the AM and PM — translation: ending their lives by way of “eating concrete” — so we’ll see.

Seen lots of cicadas with the fungus. Will have to see what the sunshine brings today — quiet or chorusing. It’s so nice to hear myself think again!

Comment by Lisa — June 16, 2008 [AT] 5:03 am

We live in central New Hampshire and my Daddy found two burrows near the garden after he moved a stump and saw two red eyes peeking at him! Because of the red eyes we believe this nymph is a 17 year cicada.

Comment by Claire — June 16, 2008 [AT] 4:42 am

Out at Otsego Park, Dix Hills, NY today with my 3 and 6 year old and wife Had them all holding and allowing the cacadas to crawl on them. With the Sun out they were easy to find and hear along the main drive in. Help get more kids out to see them. They need you all to help get them excited which will lead to more people in the future protecting them and their habitat.

Comment by Peter — June 15, 2008 [AT] 8:36 pm

Nymphs still emerging in Dix Hills today (Otsego Park). Best place is along the entrance by the parking lot. Earlier today the chorus was quite loud. This is geographically closer to my home. Took home 3 nymphs to watch them eclose (this never gets old). Taped it the other night in its entirety. It took 1 and 1/2 hours from the back split to the final wing folding. Always wanted to do that. When you play it in fast forward it looks nice. Good night!

Comment by Elias — June 15, 2008 [AT] 8:19 pm

June 15, 2008. They are thick here in Bellefonte (near the little Bellefonte airport) for the past week or so. It’s almost impossible to enjoy being on your porch or in the yard, both because of the noise and the fact that they are flying everywhere and landing on us! We also went to Bald Eagle State Park in Howard today and they were terrible. How long will this last????

Comment by Ruthie — June 15, 2008 [AT] 2:41 pm

Just came back from Dix Hills. The emergence is still going strong at Otsego Park. Caught 3 nymphs tonight. Was successful in filming the entire eclosing process yesterday. Maybe tonight I can create “Part II”. East Setauket still going strong. Some trees were covered with them which was an awesome spectacle. Also had the good luck of finding a chocolate eyed and and a mustard eyed cicada. Will send pictures soon. Still looking for a blue eyed one! (Lucky enough to find one last year in Chicago). Went to Coram by the street featured in Newsday. It did not seem as intense. Maybe because it was later and cloudy. May have to recheck this area. Northern Pinnequid St seemed to be were the action was.

In answer to the purpose of cicadas, they areate the soil as nymphs, provide food for countless animals as adults, and fertilize the earth when they die.

Comment by Elias — June 14, 2008 [AT] 8:50 pm

I took my two youngest kids to see the Brood in Morgantown Pennsylvania this morning….we found plenty of them!!…..I love the sound!….anyway, took Pa turnpike to Morgantown exit, then took Rt 10 North for a mile or so until I saw them flying and heard them……then just followed my ears til I got close. We walked a trail and saw them in trees by the hundreds to thousands with some dead/dying on the ground…..found a few with the fungus, most dead were not fungus filled but complete??…..They didnt seem to be asnumerous as the Brood that emerged in 2005 in parts of Pennsylvania (North of Harrisburg), but it was great to see and hear them again! I will be back next week for more!

Comment by Bill — June 14, 2008 [AT] 8:35 pm

Everything has a purpose. What is the purpose of the cicadas?

Comment by Brenda Madden — June 14, 2008 [AT] 11:31 am

Greetings! Just wanted to report a lone Brood XIII “straggler” who was singing in our tree for the past couple days here in Park Ridge, IL (a suburb of Chicago.) Sadly, he is gone now. I hope he had a chance to “hook up” as they say. Enjoy Brood XIV, folks! Wish I could be there.

Comment by Mary — June 13, 2008 [AT] 7:42 pm

Hello,

I was just wondering if/ when the magicicadas will come to the poconos (in PA)? or more specifically stroudsburg (18360)?

and is it true that they only come out every 17 years or do they only live 17 years?

I might have gotten it confused.

thanks!

-KT

Comment by Katie — June 13, 2008 [AT] 6:42 pm

I’m also in Bellefonte and am at the end of my rope with these critters. We are trying to train a new dog how to recognize the audible signal of our invisible fence … but nope you can’t hear it over the din. They dive bomb us every time we step outside and it’s just getting more intense every day. Make them go away!

Comment by Linda — June 13, 2008 [AT] 3:14 pm

Jennifer, glad you made it out to East Setauket. If anyone finds a denser emergence let me know. It is very loud over there!! Coram and Ridge arent bad but the decibel level appears lower. I used the Newsweek article in May of this year and followed the map with the streets that contianed 1991 emergences. You can easily see nothing if you drive around without exact streets in mind. They are very specific to small areas.
I will be out in East Setauket again this weekend. Hope to see more. Dix hills should hopefully be catching up as the emergence started in earnest this week. Not sure why it was behind the rest of the island.

Lenny, I felt the pain of 2004 too. I did not see any out in East Setauket then. That was sad. I was in Ronkonkoma in 1987 and saw tons of exuvia. I went to late to see living specimens.

Comment by Elias — June 13, 2008 [AT] 2:05 pm

Here in Louisville, Ky and our Magicicadas are in full swing.

We had an emergence two or so weeks ago and it was a heavy one. In my area anyway. I have piles of shells 3 inches deep around my trees and live Cicadas everywhere.

The little buggers love to divebomb our heads when we pull in the driveway. My 3 year old loves it. He won’t pick up a live one, but he loves to see daddy with a handfull. My wife does not fair so well. She is not enjoying the emergence as we are and stays in the house mose of the time.

Our afternoon ritual had become the “saving of the Cicadas. We head home and head to the pool. To swim of course, but also to save the still alive Cicada bugs from the water.

I have to say that I have never put much thought into these little creatures, but I am really enjoying having them around. I like to hear them sing and really enjoy their presence around our home. As stated… my wife would disagree.

The guys will be missed when they are gone.

Eric

Comment by Eric — June 13, 2008 [AT] 11:04 am

I guess it would be good to have a URL 😉

http://homepage.mac.com/alienfrog/PhotoAlbum37.html

Comment by AlienFrog — June 13, 2008 [AT] 10:57 am

The Cicada’s are starting to wind down now. I’ve taken a number of close up pics and they are on my web site.

This is from Asheville, NC

Comment by AlienFrog — June 13, 2008 [AT] 10:56 am

Looks like the massive movement from the ground is over in my area (Joanna Furnace / Morgantown PA.). We had three days where the back yard was just covered every morning. Wednesday evening we got a massive thunderstorm that dumped bout 2 -3 inches of water in a very short time. This seemed to stem the tide of the ones coming out of the ground and also quieted the ones in the trees some (I presume they got washed out of the trees and drowned). There is still some stragglers coming out of the ground and plenty of singing. Guess its just mating time now and it will soon be over! Guess the rain will be good for the nymphs! I don’t want to think how old I’ll be when this brood emerges again.

Comment by Ken — June 13, 2008 [AT] 7:10 am

Cape Cod Mass. is in full swing now! The Green Walk area by the Cataumet Post Office is a nice place to see them. (off of Scraggy Neck RD.) Also they trails/roads of the Quashnet River State Forest (Route 28(Falmouth rd) in Mashpee is also good. But the real amazing break out is at the lower part of the Francis A Crane Wildlife Management Area. Best access is off of Hayway RD. There is a parking area. Just walk in and you will be swarmed!

Comment by Kevin — June 12, 2008 [AT] 7:43 pm

We live in Kings Mills, Ohio. We went to the Beach Waterpark yesterday(near Kings Island), and couldn’t even hear each other speaking at the entrance because the cicadas were so loud. But the more exciting part of the story is when we arrived home. We heard the unmistakable buzz of a cicada in the car. I shared a secret look with my daughter, Haley, not wanting to scare her brother, Michael, because he would have jumped out of the moving vehicle if he knew a cicada was in the car. We went inside and heard the sound again. Haley looked at me with big eyes and said, “Mom, I think there’s a cicada in your suit.” My eyes got bigger, and I tore my suit off as fast as I could right then and there and threw my suit into the washing machine. Unfortunately, the poor cicada experienced a dizzying and wet death. We found about 6 parts of the bug after the cycle finished (even the cicada’s beady, little eyes!)

Comment by Heidi Adams — June 12, 2008 [AT] 6:49 pm

My wife and I drove from Ontario Canada to central Pennsylvania to experience this great natural phenomenon. OK, OK I know if you have to live with an emergence it could get a bit tiring but what a unique event in the world, and for us visitors a very cool event.

They were not as easy to find as I thought and locals we talked to hadn’t heard of anything (should have gone to Bellefonte I guess). Maybe they were just really getting started here? We did manage to find a small patch of mostly M. septendecim on route 192 just east of Lovonia. Not much of a pull off and we only spent about 20 minutes here and left to avoid a traffic accident.

Next day found a good emergence of mostly M. cassini along the quite dead-end Franklinville Cemetery Road just off route 45 and was able to enjoy a leisurely exploration of this remarkable insect.

On the way home heard many spots along the 220 north of State College where M. cassini was singing but not a road to stop on.

It took three days and 1850 kilometers (1150 miles) in temperatures up to 100F in an non-air conditioned car but well worth the experience. Thank You Pennsylvania.

Comment by David Bree — June 12, 2008 [AT] 5:31 pm

When will these annoying insects go away????

Comment by Ann — June 12, 2008 [AT] 12:01 pm

I live in Bellefonte, PA and when I step outside my door, the sound is deafening. They are all throughout my decorative trees… I try to water my plants and they fly at me! There are exoskeleton shells all over my deck. This problem is not present in the adjacent towns (State College, Pleasant Gap) but Bellefonte is plagued. Glad I don’t have any children. I’m worried about what would happen to my first born.

Comment by Dana — June 12, 2008 [AT] 10:53 am

Hello Elias and Lenny,
I did make it out to East Setauket yesterday and wow! Elias, you are right about it being a heavier emergence than say, Coram. I never thought I’d say this, but the noise actually did hurt my ears! Nevertheless, I was in heaven! I also saw them flying around all over. Why oh why couldn’t they be in my yard! Over Memorial Day weekend I was at Southhaven Park and I saw holes everywhere, so I am going to check that out soon. Let me know if you get there before I do!

Comment by Jennifer — June 12, 2008 [AT] 9:50 am

I’ll be heading to Asheville, NC this weekend. Does anyone know of any locations (Folk Art Center, Biltmore Forest, etc..) where the Magicicadas are still active in good numbers?

I was on Long Island last Tuesday and visited wooded areas in Manhasset, Smithtown, Stony Brook and Port Jeff station, but I got skunked. It’s good to hear that the action is picking up now. Thank you Elias and Jennifer for all of the reports. I was “obsessed” with Brood X on Long Island in 2004, and logged many miles and hours searching around for them, only to find a small emergence site in East Setauket. I’m so glad to hear this brood is out in force in several pockets within Suffolk County. I look forward to more updates.

Comment by Lenny — June 12, 2008 [AT] 7:17 am

Hello Dan,

I am compiling all the data for John Cooley (creator of Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org)). I think I am the only one mapping Long Island so any leads or data points are so useful. Also I automatically veriify them with GPS coordinates. As you know you could drive for miles and hear NOTHING. LEads are so important. I know negative data points are useful but it gets boring driving in miles of silence!!

Thanks for running an awesome website. Keep up the great work!

Comment by Elias — June 12, 2008 [AT] 6:59 am

Or better yet Elias, they should report their locations to the Magicicada .org project and report the exact location of the emergence while remaining anonymous.

Comment by Dan — June 11, 2008 [AT] 9:56 pm

A request to all Long Island readers, please provide streets and towns were cicada activity has been spotted. I will be out and about this weekend mapping. Any assistance will greatly be appreciated.

So far East Setauket and Port Jefferson Station appear to have the highest density.

Hope to pick up some more nymphs tomorrow and film one emerging from beginning to end! I am sure some other people out here have done that already.

Comment by Elias — June 11, 2008 [AT] 8:49 pm

Hi, there! My mom was known as the bug lady when I lived up there in ’91— our house was on the news for the previous emergence!! I heard she was on news 12 a day or so ago and I cant find the feed! If anyone can send a link to the Brood 14 clip in East Setauket from News Channel 12 from I think this Tuesday, please post it! I’m in NoVa! Thanks!

Comment by ArlingtonDeeDee — June 11, 2008 [AT] 8:40 pm

The activity of the cicadas is nearly over in Lenoir, NC so the “event” lasted just slighly over 3 weeks. I found that some that had been stored in the refrigerator are still alive, so I hope to see how long I can keep them. With a little luck I hope to be able to photograph a live Tibicen (dog-day cicada) beside a live Magicicada, something probably not occurring naturally!

Bob

Comment by Bob Jacobson — June 11, 2008 [AT] 7:14 pm

I live in Scott County, Kentucky, located approx. 13 miles North of Lexington. Last Saturday, June 7, 2008 my trees were literally covered from bottom to their tops with the cicada’s. Many of them still remain, but they are starting to fade here ~ at least in my yard. The noise was unbearable for many many days as we were unable to stay outside for long periods of time. They are fascinating to watch since we won’t see these little ones for quite some time to come.

Comment by Lori Thompson — June 11, 2008 [AT] 6:22 pm

The cicadas have emerged in Lexington, Ky. From the map I saw on the site they are a heavy emergence. I can believe it. The trees in my yard are covered with them! Boy are they noisy! I took some pictures of them.

http://www.goku-san.com/photos/cicadas/

Comment by Tina — June 11, 2008 [AT] 5:09 pm

Ridge (Long Island) NY — The local paper actually printed our street in the paper as a “prime” cicada site. I thought they were kidding. The noise this past week is REALLY loud and getting louder! But if you go a few houses down the street you hear nothing. It’s going to be a long 4/6 weeks!!!!!

Comment by Terry — June 11, 2008 [AT] 2:27 pm

Cape Cod, MA. They are here by the thousands!! My back yard is filled with cicadas! I wake up to the VERY LOUD cicada music every morning!

Comment by Tracy — June 11, 2008 [AT] 2:12 pm

Here is a Reading Eagle article describing the emergence around Joanna Furnace area in Pennsylvania. My neighbor actually cleans up the dead ones!

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=94996

Comment by Ken — June 11, 2008 [AT] 11:16 am

I live in California (not many cicadas over here 🙂 ). After visiting my sister in Charlotte, NC I rented a cabin outside of Asheville. I was hoping to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my family, but (upon noticing the detour signs) decided to ask the staff at the Folk Art Center what was going on. I heard a high pitch whine as I exited the vehicle, but it never really registered. After going inside and grabbing a few maps, I exited and was immediately dive bombed by a cicada! I looked up in the sky and I saw a few flying overhead. I knew what they were immediately and asked my wife/kids to check them out. I was pretty sure they were only around once every 17 years and (thanks to your site) am now able to verify with certainty that was the case. A wonderful little experience completely out of chance.

Comment by Neil — June 11, 2008 [AT] 1:29 am

Just did a lot of driving today. Went all over Long Island. Heard the strongest choruses in East Setauket and Port Jefferson. Mild choruses heard in Dix Hills, Coram and Ridge. Its amazing how you can hear nothing for blocks and then stumble upon an area where they are all around!

Wondering where the densest emergence is on Long Island. Also if anyone has anyother points please let me know. Jennifer — did you make it to Setauket today? THe choruses were powerful and I found a few shrubs loaded with calling males.

Comment by Elias — June 10, 2008 [AT] 9:18 pm

Yes, we had them in 2004. They were quite loud then also. However, I saw nothing like I am seeing in my back yard this time around. I was not living here in 1991.

Comment by Ken — June 10, 2008 [AT] 1:14 pm

They’re all over the place in Louisville Kentucky!

You can hardly walk outside without them getting on you if you’re near a tree!

Comment by Ben — June 10, 2008 [AT] 12:37 pm

Ken:

Did you see any cicadas 4 years ago (in 2004) at the Joanna Furnace area?

And, have you lived there long enough to remember if they were there in 1991?

Comment by Mike — June 10, 2008 [AT] 12:35 pm

On route 10 near Joanna Furnace in Pennsylvania. Over the last two mornings I have had thousands in my backyard on the ground. Impossible to walk in the area without stepping on them. They are all gone by mid-day. The singing sounds like a tractor trailer idling!!!

Comment by Ken — June 10, 2008 [AT] 11:05 am

I live in Kings Mills, OH and they have been here for a few weeks. However, they just started getting bad a week ago. They are everywhere! I can’t go outside without being dive-bombed! My 4 month old Boxer puppy loves them though! 🙂

Comment by Eleise — June 10, 2008 [AT] 9:57 am

Hello-Just wanted to share that we live on the east side of the city of Louisville in Kentucky and the songs right now outside are so loud we aren’t able to sit outside and talk. My zip code is 40245 to be more precise and we are enjoying the songs!!

Comment by Diane — June 10, 2008 [AT] 4:39 am

Jennifer,

Glad you too are obsessed! I just got back from Otsego Park in Dix Hills. Takes me a half hour to get out there! Saw hundreds of nymphs coming up everywhere. Heard the rustling in the forest that is unforgettable. They climb very high into the trees. Took 5 nymphs home and watched them molt in front of my eyes. Please share with me other locations that you find. Will be out and about tomorrow. It is my day off so hopefully will hit some more cities. May see you out in Port Jeff/Setauket LOL!

Comment by Elias — June 9, 2008 [AT] 9:18 pm

Thank you so much Elias for the specific locations of cicadas! I am going to check them out asap. Thanks for sharing the Newsday article as well, I read it immediately. I am a “tad” obsessed, so I really appreciate any information I can get.

Comment by Jennifer — June 9, 2008 [AT] 8:17 pm

Hello all,

I am happy to report New York Newsday published an article with me and the cicadas!

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/lilife/ny-nw085716056jun08,0,7759589.story

If this link doesnt work, search newsday.com for cicadas and the article was yesterday. This has been an awesome emergence for me!

Take care

Comment by Elias — June 9, 2008 [AT] 5:00 pm

To the Honey Brook cicada watchers: Thanks for the info — I didn’t come that far south and east to see them there. I will now!

Question 1: At this time in 2004, did you see cicadas in the same location?

Question 2: Were any of you there in 1991 and can remember if there were cicadas then?

Comment by Mike — June 9, 2008 [AT] 3:20 pm

Hello jennifer,

I had good luck finding them in East Setauket and Port Jefferson Station. The weird thing is if you drive a few blocks in one direction you may hear — NOTHING! Its weird how patchy the emergence is. In Port Jefferson Station Found them at Old Town Road and Half Mile Road in addition to Hart Street and Broadway. In East Setauket I found them at Mayflower Lane and Branch Lane. Also Mayflower and Fireside LAne. In additon — Old Town Road and Arrowhead Lane.

Yesterday went to Otsego Park (DIX HILLS) and right before they closed the park, hundreds came up and climbed three trees by the parking lot. It was an awesome sight!

Also want to thank Laurie for the Mastic Data Point. Will check that out too. Please keep the NY reports coming!! I can be reached via email at epb471 [AT] yahoo.com if anyone needs. Will be assisting in the mapping of NY for UCONN.

Take care and thanks!

Comment by Elias — June 9, 2008 [AT] 1:49 pm

On Hill Road between Honey Brook and Hibernia Park. The loudest I’ve ever heard — sounds like a spaceship hovering overhead. Also don’t recall seeing this many last time.

Comment by wendy — June 9, 2008 [AT] 1:07 pm

Mike
Outside Honey Brook, PA on Hill Rd
Andy

Comment by Andy — June 9, 2008 [AT] 12:53 pm

Andy from Lancaster: Where are you located? You don’t need to give me your address, just tell me the general vicinity. Or, email me at mike21b dejazzzd com

Comment by Mike — June 9, 2008 [AT] 10:55 am

Regarding previous post: sound pressure measured at 90db — consistent peak.

Comment by John Rausch — June 9, 2008 [AT] 10:43 am

Oregonia, north of Ft. Ancient along the Little Miami in a heavily wooded area. I have never seen this many cicadas in either of the broods. It is unbelievably dense.

Comment by John Rausch — June 9, 2008 [AT] 10:22 am

Hey Andy,
It sounds like you are hearing chorusing from the species of 17 year cicadas called Magicicada Septendecim. They do sound like the mother ship landing.

Hope this helps,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — June 9, 2008 [AT] 10:14 am

Not sure if this is what we are experiencing here outside Lancaster, PA. I haven’t actually seen any cicada’s. but come morning and all through the day there is a constant humming (I joke it sounds like the “War of the Worlds” death rays). So you tell me is this cicada or just the end of the world? (LOL)

Andy

Comment by Andy — June 9, 2008 [AT] 7:09 am

I’ve been hearing a high pitched sound outside for the past couple of days. It’s a constant sound, not at all like a cricket. Could this be the cicadas? If so, Elias this is for you, I’m located just east of the Brookhaven Calabro airport in Mastic NY. The cicadas are everywhere and are still emerging.

Comment by Laurie — June 9, 2008 [AT] 6:48 am

Hi Jackie,
The cicadas you are seeing are just late stragglers left over from last years main emergence. A very small percentage of 17 year cicadas “lose count” of the years & come out late or early.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — June 9, 2008 [AT] 5:41 am

I live in the SW Suburbs of Chicago (Palos Park) & we had tons of cicadas last year. This evening I spotted one lone cicada inside my gazebo. 2007 marked our 17th year. I didn’t think I’d see another one til 2024. I know we have cicadas every summer, but I thought the 17 year ones were different. Am I missing something? It looked just like the Magicicada pictured.

Comment by Jackie — June 8, 2008 [AT] 9:02 pm

You welcome Elias. Would you mind letting me know where you have seen them in East Setauket and Port Jeff? I have driven around and around with no luck and with gas prices the way they are, I would love to know exactly where to go. I have read on another site that Ridge has them, but I could not see any there.

Comment by Jennifer — June 8, 2008 [AT] 8:31 pm

My back yard stinks! (Cincinnati) Millions of dead, decaying cicada bugs smell awful. The noise continues to be deafening, mowing the grass today was an adventure. Haven’t seen deer, squirrels or bunnies in days. Usually see wildlife multiple times a day. Even the birds are scarce. My two dogs are annoyed by the noise, the loud hovering noise and then the “singing”. They are not eating them this time. Definitely worse than the last emergence a few years ago. The novelty is over, I want my yard back!

Comment by Margaret — June 8, 2008 [AT] 6:34 pm

Starting to quiet down now here in East TN, this brood was much shorter lived then Brood X. Been about 3 weeks since they started chorusing and last go round they lasted about 2 weeks longer and were 10 times the number of bugs. Still great to see, and I am somewhat sorry to see them go.

Comment by Magi Cicada — June 8, 2008 [AT] 5:48 pm

I’m in Mt. Washington, KY (just south of Louisville) and they are simply everywhere. We haven’t even bothered to open our pool as we are sure the filter will be full of them in no time.

My question is we have seen fully developed cicadas since Memorial Day weekend, when will they be going away? I’ve had my fill of them and am ready for a 17 year break.

Comment by Carrie — June 8, 2008 [AT] 12:04 pm

me and my boyfriend live on a horse farm in versailles, ky and they have come out bad..i dont even go outside with my son anymore (im scared of bugs!). my sister in law in upton, ky says they scatter everywhere when she opens her front door. ewwww. thier so nasty!

Comment by nicole — June 8, 2008 [AT] 11:06 am

Hello Jennifer,

Thanks for responding. I will go to those spots today. I am trying to assist UCONN in mapping LI. Anyother spots that people have heard strong chorusing please let me know. I personally heard them in East Setauket and Port Jefferson. I drove through Miller Place and did not hear them. I think Dix Hills is delayed. Will keep a close eye on there.
Enjoy!

Comment by Elias — June 8, 2008 [AT] 10:05 am

Re: Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge

They are currently EVERYWHERE. Friends of ours just returned from camping and they ended up leaving early. It was just too much to take!

Comment by Lisa — June 8, 2008 [AT] 7:30 am

We are planning a trip to stay in a cabin near the Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Gorge the week of June 23rd. Does anyone know if the magicicada have already been there?

Comment by Carol — June 7, 2008 [AT] 10:55 pm

There is a decent choruses and shells on trees & adults on Pennequid Road and on Windside Lane in Coram,Long Island- NY. These streets are off of Wedgewood Drive. I’ve been driving by about every other day. Can’t get enough!

Comment by Jennifer — June 7, 2008 [AT] 9:10 pm

Hello all,
Just finished covering a fairly large portion of Long Island. Dix Hills is pretty quite at present. Heard only 1 male calling in Otsego Park and not too many exuviae. Commack was quiet too (saw many emerging 1 week ago). East Setauket and Port Jefferson had some nice strong choruses. Some spots still had tenerals (younger adults).

Replicated an interesting experiment that I learned from Gerry Bunker. If you snap your fingers near a male while it is calling, he thinks its a female wing flick response. He will then alter his calling by decreasing the pause time between calls. If you immitate a male call during this time, you can hear the “interference buzz”. Was able to produce this today. Will return tomorrow. If any other LI locations have really strong emergences, please post here so I can visit!

Comment by Elias — June 7, 2008 [AT] 8:00 pm

In Huntington, WV right off Ritter Park. They are everywhere. I was having an outdoor wedding and during the ceremony one landed on my head, I just brushed him away and continued the ceremony. What else can you do, but it makes a great memory and I’ll be thinking about that again in 17 years.

Comment by Stephanie — June 7, 2008 [AT] 4:21 pm

In Louisville, on Shelbyville Rd. East off the Gene Snyder Pkwy., it is ONE GIANT SWARM. They are EVERYWHERE. And they won’t shut up!

Last night, my husband was working on our lawn. At one point, while weedeating and edging, he had 5 on his shoulders and many more circling his head. I, on the other hand, was swatting them with — what else — our ADT sign!

Comment by Lisa — June 7, 2008 [AT] 4:17 pm

I live in Deer Park (Cincinnati), it has gotten warmer in the last few days and the cicadas are out in full force. It is so loud outside you can’t even stand to be out for more than a few minutes and they are everywhere. They were in our area a few years ago and I thought it was bad but this is worse. I’ll be glad when they are gone, they really creep me out.

Comment by Patti — June 7, 2008 [AT] 3:00 pm

Over the last week Cicadas have been absolutely SWARMING, we had a bonfire last night and hundreds of them came out to enjoy it with us. Im looking out my window now and its just a constant thing. at any given moment there four or five of them flying past the window!! There are thousands of them on my honeysuckle bushes, they’d be okay if they didnt fly into my hair everytime i went outside! Yikes!

Comment by Adrienne — June 7, 2008 [AT] 11:10 am

They came here in the northern mid Tennessee area ( almost on KY border) right after Mothers Day. I live in the country with lots and lots of trees and its totally annoying. They are loud, everywhere and constantly landing in my pool, house, in the house and on me when doing garden work. If I put a water hose to my young trees in my yard they fly out in masses. Its actually pretty freaky. I want to know how long this will last. I am so ready for them to die off. The noise has my family that came to visit freaked out because they had never heard such a thing. I totld my 14 yr old daughter this is a great science project…start collecting specimens and taking pics…lol

Comment by Deborah Barber — June 7, 2008 [AT] 4:59 am

Over the past few days in Nicholasville, KY the temperature has creeped into the low 90’s and the cicadas are everywhere. Sitting in the house it is almost hard to concentrate on anything else but the sound. No buy horror movies for me for awhile. I will be glad when they move on. Hard to enjoy the yard, feels like you are being attacked. Shew!!

Comment by Eric — June 6, 2008 [AT] 4:39 pm

They just emerged in Bellefonte PA. Boy are they ugly and my dogs are having a ball eating and playing with them…Ewwwwww!!!

Comment by Chris — June 6, 2008 [AT] 3:02 pm

Here in Cincinnati, I saw a few of these today. It is, however, VERY loud outside! It is usually never this loud, this early.

Comment by TeacherE — June 6, 2008 [AT] 1:55 pm

Here in Harrodsburg Kentucky, they are swarming all over the place. It wasn’t so bad when they were just in my trees, but now they are all over they place….flying into my house. The noise it the worst part of it…..I feel like I am going crazy & there is no way to escape them. Millions all over the place….& all that, just on my 10 acres

Comment by Deborah A Klinkner — June 5, 2008 [AT] 1:37 pm

zillions of cicadas at the white deer golf course in montgomery,pa.
lower lycoming county in
pennsylvania.
several hung on my neck as we played today.
played well however.

Comment by c.b.henry — June 5, 2008 [AT] 12:54 pm

Thanks for the information Dan. I looked at the emergence map and I can’t believe that Long Island only has a mild emergence. I feel bad for you folks in KY!

Comment by Laurie — June 5, 2008 [AT] 10:04 am

I was working in Grundy, Virginia today and these things were everywhere. The guys told me they bite and wanted to know if I was allergic to them. I don’t know if they were teasing me or not, but I’m highly allergic to bees, so it kind of scared me. They fact they were dive bombing me and sounded like they were screaming didn’t make matters better. They were everywhere. It sounded like thousands of them and they were everywhere!

Comment by Michelle — June 4, 2008 [AT] 4:27 pm

I have still seen only M. septendecim in Lenoir, NC. I’m finding many dead ones (mostly males), some having frayed wings.

Is anyone finding either of the other two species (septendecula and cassini) anywhere? In case you are not familiar, these are smaller than the M. septendecim which has extensive orange on the underside of the abdomen and a “WEEEE-owe” song (more appropriate description for today’s economy!).

Bob

Comment by Bob Jacobson — June 4, 2008 [AT] 4:26 pm

WOW!!! We just had our annual Disc Golf Tournament at Charlie Vettiner Park in Jeffersontown (Louisville) Kentucky on May 31st and June 1st. There weren’t any the week before the tournament. By Wendsday they had taken over. The woods are just loaded with them by the millions. The trees look like they are flooding out of them, it’s crazy. I’ve seen them before but never to this magnitude. The out of towners were also amazed at this site! So next year we are going to have Discs printed with piles of there dead shells, how cool is that? Anyhow if anyone would like to here how loud they are I have some nice videos posted . Although I was not trying to film them, I was trying to film the tournament. Seems though they are louder than most people. The address is: http://discgolfer.ning.com/profile/KADGA

Go to the bottom of my page until you see the videos. There are about 50 of them all from June 1st at the same park.

Comment by Russell Gore — June 4, 2008 [AT] 1:35 pm

OMG!!!!! I’m feeling plagued! Is this what Pharoh had? I understand that these are also called locusts. My daughter and I are stepping on every one that we come across in the yard!!!! (We are not even making a dent in the population around our house) Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Comment by Teresa — June 4, 2008 [AT] 1:11 pm

Diane — it should last 3 to 4 weeks. The female cuts grooves in branches with her ovipositor and that is where she lays her eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the young nymphs fall to the ground where the dig, and then spend their next 17 years.

Laurie — the emergence should end in 3 to 4 weeks.

Comment by Dan — June 4, 2008 [AT] 8:04 am

I live in East Setauket, Long Island, NY and we first saw them on the Saturday just before Memorial Day and they are still coming strong! We have them all over the trees, lawn, driveway, street and even on the mailbox, stop signs and my wheels on my truck! They just started the singing a few days ago and it comes and goes. Right now it is quiet as it is raining. My kids actually have brought them to school to show the class as not everyone has them. My dog and a few of my friends dogs all seem to eat them…..gross!! Does anyone know for how long this will last? Do the female fly underground in the original holes to lay the eggs?

Comment by Diane — June 4, 2008 [AT] 7:58 am

I live in Mastic NY just east of the Brookhaven Airport and these cicadas have been emerging for a little over a week. They are huge and ugly and they leave their exoskeletons all over the place. I have seen many shells on my shed, covering telephone poles. When can I expect this emergence to end?

Comment by Laurie — June 4, 2008 [AT] 4:57 am

Ed they are in mcdermott ohio the ;ones with the red eyes

Comment by terri jo — June 4, 2008 [AT] 4:48 am

I’ll be in the Florence, KY/Cincinnati, OH area this weekend and was wondering if anyone could recommend some local nature preserves/city parks where I could find a large number of cicadas to photograph. I have been doing searches online but haven’t been able to find much.

Thank you

Comment by Tim — June 4, 2008 [AT] 4:03 am

Ed — most of the time the wings become deformed when they’re in their soft white teneral state, and they fall off the tree and damage their wings.

Comment by Dan — June 3, 2008 [AT] 7:38 pm

There is a large ammount of cicadas in Peebles, Ohio. I have tried to take as many photographs of the occurance as possible. The cicadas are molting in a 30 foot Maple tree then moving to a large elm and singing. There are literally thousands of molted skins on the trees in my yard which include a Wild Cherry, Several Maples, Crab Apples, Weeping Cherry, and even on the Spruce trees. It is spectacular as I do not recall a brood as large as this in my lifetime.

Comment by Ken — June 3, 2008 [AT] 7:21 pm

Went to Loveland to see the cicada’s. Stopped at a school off I275/Loveland exit. They were out but nothing major in my view. What caught my attention was the seemingly large number of deformed cicada’s that could not fly. Are deformities just a typical outcome of large outbreaks of cicada’s?

Comment by Ed — June 3, 2008 [AT] 4:37 pm

I live in Alexandria, VA. This past Friday I heard a couple of the little type 17 year cicadas! These are the ones with the high-pitched whine with clicking. These must be the current brood that is in Ohio. But there are definately a few around here. I have heard a couple of the regular “pharough” singing types also. So for sure a few are down here in NOVA.
Fred

Comment by Fred Berry — June 3, 2008 [AT] 9:16 am

I live in Alexandria, VA. This past Friday I heard a couple of the little type 17 year cicadas! These are the ones with the high-pitched whine with clicking. These must be the current brood that is in Ohio. But there are definately a few around hee. I have heard a couple of the regular “pharough” singing types also. So for sure a few are down here in NOVA.
Fred

Comment by Fred Berry — June 3, 2008 [AT] 9:15 am

Sheena — the wings can get crumpled when they fall off the tree when the wings are still soft.

Leo — cool weather definitely slows them down, but the weather should be hot at the end of the week.

Michael — all cicadas are white when the first emerge.

Comment by Dan — June 3, 2008 [AT] 8:54 am

Here in Madeira (Cincinnati), Ohio, there are thousands in my backyard (I have a big yard filled with older trees). On one of my bigger trees, I see hundreds on the tree trunk, and then at the base of that tree trunk there are hundreds of shells in piles, as well as live adult cicadas milling about. Their singing is pretty loud in the afternoons nowadays—it comes in deafening waves. I don’t notice the birds going after them like I did with the “west-side brood” that emerged a few years ago. I guess the birds have already had their fill beginning Memorial Day weekend when they really started emerging. I have to admit, I am terrified of them. I’m anxious for July 4, when they’re out of here.

Comment by Lisa — June 3, 2008 [AT] 6:46 am

We live in southern WV, surrounded by woods and the Magicicadas are singing 24 hours a day. You can’t walk across the fields without brushing them out of your hair and the trees are covered. We haven’t seen too much damage at this point and frankly, we enjoy their song at night. The down side is that now we can’t hear the birds…..or anything else for that matter. Our dogs really like crunching on the shells……kinda’ like potato chips.

Comment by Jill Glenn — June 2, 2008 [AT] 8:30 pm

Julian, PA 16844
May 30
just one so far.

Comment by Leslie Demmert — June 2, 2008 [AT] 4:44 pm

i am in lexington kentucky and there are prob 3 to 4 thousand cicada shells in my back yard. they started showing up about two days ago and they are still coming, the odd things are that they have not come up anywhere but in our back yard, our neighbors trees have been untouched and on top of that they are not making any sound!!!

Comment by nick — June 2, 2008 [AT] 3:33 pm

I’m in Deer Park (Cincinnati). About 3 weeks ago I was digging up some garden beds, and noticed a bunch of cicadas near the surface of the ground. The first ones came up around the 21st or 22nd of May, and as of today-May 31st-we have a full on cicada onslaught! My kids enjoy playing with them, but don’t play outside for too long because there are just too many. I thought it was cool for the first few days, but I’m ready for them to be gone now!

Comment by Kelly Waggoner — June 1, 2008 [AT] 11:15 am

I live in Crab Orchard Kentucky and the Cicadas are here in abundant amounts. You can hear their mating call very loudly everywhere you go.
I dont know if youve heard the story about the W or the P on their wings but today on inspection of one’s wing a W was very apparant.
W for war and P for peace.

Comment by Beth — May 31, 2008 [AT] 10:16 pm

I heard repots that Magicicadas were out in droves at the W. Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns in Wilkesboro, NC. I finally had a chance to get there yesterday and was not disapointed. There were many cicadas in the trees and in the air and strong choruses could be heard in patches of woods along the reservoir. I found several dead ones under some small trees.

I’ll be out near Port Jefferson on Long Island this coming Wed and Thurs, so I’m looking forward to having some more fun with Brood XIV up there.

Comment by Lenny — May 31, 2008 [AT] 8:32 pm

They are here on Cape Cod, MA…they are all over my beach grass.

Comment by Kathy — May 31, 2008 [AT] 5:30 pm

Hello all!

The emergence has definitely started here in Long Island. In Dix Hills Otsego Park I was able to locate only 7 adult cicadas and a few cast off exuvia (nymphal shells). Drove a little further north east to Commack and some trees were literally covered. Even mailboxes were not spared with 20-30 on each! Saw 3 nymphs molting in broad daylight. No chorus yet, it still seems early.

Comment by Elias — May 31, 2008 [AT] 4:26 pm

Up until this morning, we hadn’t heard a peep or seen the little critters, although elsewhere here in Louisville, many people have. Since we’re in a new development with houses no older than 3 years, we really thought we’d dodged the “invasion,” however, during our morning walk, we saw three or four hangin’ out on the street curbs. It’s important to note though, our entire subdivision is old farm land and, although the clay soil has been turned over and over due to homebuilding, the entire perimeter is very heavily wooded. We noticed that Shelbyville, KY, which is about 7 miles down the road, saw their firsts a couple of weeks ago, so I guess they finally popped in our area. As for our location, we’re in the East End of Louisville, right off the Gene Snyder Pkwy. on Route 60 (Shelbyville Rd.). Our subdivision is about 4 miles East off the Snyder.

My husband and I just finished covering 58 — yes, I said 58 — new trees and shrubs that are Cicada favorites for egg-laying. Of course, our neighbors think we’ve lost our minds, but we’ll see whose trees are still green this time next year! We’ve spent entirely too much money on professional landscaping to let the horny little trysts of these bugs kill them off.

One more note, before moving here from Northern Kentucky, we had just made it through the 2004 invasion and the loud “weed-eater” type buzzing we’re hearing now — although quite deafening already — doesn’t begin to compare. They were dripping from everywhere and you couldn’t hear yourself think. Hopefully, it won’t be THAT bad. I’m inside our 2-story house with the AC on and I can hear them still.

What bugs will do for a little nookie!

Comment by Lisa — May 31, 2008 [AT] 1:58 pm

They started coming out about 28th of May here in East Asheville, close to Fairview, NC. The woods nearby have seperate groups of thousands. I saw a bear on the trail not 1/2 a mile from the road. I guess they like to eat them as much as my dog does! People on the phone can hear them and think there’s a tornado going by!

Comment by Katie — May 31, 2008 [AT] 3:54 am

Yes, they’re here in Pickett County TN. Actually I don’t know when they started singing because we were camping at Cades Cove campground in the GSMNP from May 21st through the 24th. I heard the noise and told my husband that people were running their generators. He said, “If that’s a generator it’s got a bad bearing”. When we got home, sure enough our woods were full of “generators” too. Today they’re flying around and being eaten by the birds.

Comment by anita — May 30, 2008 [AT] 5:41 pm

We saw our first one today. For the last two weeks we had been seeing the ones still in the ground, didn’t know what it was.Now we know. I remember them all to well.We are in Falmouth,MA that is Cape Cod if your not sure.

Comment by sara — May 30, 2008 [AT] 2:46 pm

They’re just getting started here in McDowell County (southern WV). Found one of the ones that hadnt hardened yet (still light colored) in my dog’s water dish a couple days ago, and the song is just starting. Today’s the first day i’ve really noticed it, and its not super loud yet. Bradshaw/Raysal, wv

Comment by Kevin — May 30, 2008 [AT] 1:16 pm

Our home is surrounded, literally, by the Pisgah national Forest in Western NC. The Cicadas have been singing loudly now for over a week, and they are leaving their shells everywhere. There are tens of thousands of them! I had a male get caught in my hair this morning when I went out to water the garden. I didn’t know he had hitched a ride until I got in the house, then he was tangled in my hair, finally he got free and flew up and sat on the wall, screaming loudly until I put him back outside. It’s cool to hear them, but I look forward to the quiet of our mountain when these guys are gone! We live between Marion and Spruce Pine, in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell—it’s off 221 N. if anyone’s searching to experience this brood’s emergence.

Comment by Susan — May 30, 2008 [AT] 8:15 am

Very disappointed so far here in Nashville. I had maybe 40 or so emerge in my yard earlier in the week, but none since. It’s nothing like the Brood 19 emergence back in 1998, which was massive. I took a road-trip North on I-65 today into Kentucky, and could hear them chorusing with my windows up!

Comment by Casbah — May 29, 2008 [AT] 5:04 pm

I live in Springfield, KY and these cicadas are everywhere. The empty shells are piling up under my maple trees. You can’t walk across the yard without them crunching under your feet. They were even trying to cling to our clothes last weekend as we were sitting outside at dusk enjoying the evening and grilling out. It’s great hearing them sing!

Comment by Angela — May 29, 2008 [AT] 1:59 pm

We first noticed the emergence three days ago on our 13 acre spread 4 miles west of Harrodsburg, KY. There seems to be ‘groups’ of them on our property. Some have started singing and are in the tree tops. Some (fully developed) are nearer the ground, are slow moving and are not singing. A few appear to have deformed wings and bodies?? Or maybe they are not finshed developing?? It’s been intersting a d educational to read about them on this site…KUDOS!

Comment by sheenah — May 29, 2008 [AT] 1:54 pm

I live in Mars Hill, NC (l5 miles north of Asheville), and there are over a thousand living and dead cicadas — with the red eyes— on my property and on my house…Astounding! I first noticed them a week ago…Then I started seeing the empty shells clinging to my fence, and every day there are dying ones on my car tires. They also climb my house to die…

Comment by Tobie Bradshaw — May 28, 2008 [AT] 5:36 pm

I also live in Long Island, East Setauket area and there are hundreds all over the trees and even on the ground too. The birds are eating away……I love the birds! They are big and pretty gross looking……but my kids think it is really cool!

Comment by Diane — May 28, 2008 [AT] 12:05 pm

I spotted a few over Memorial Day weekend. This morning( Wednesday) they are all over the place. Last time was 1991. I live on Long Island in the Port Jeff -Setauket area…eww

Comment by Helen — May 28, 2008 [AT] 10:01 am

I live in Stanford, KY and I am seing many nymphs emerge and some adults flying in my back yard. I went up to Lancaster, KY on Monday (5/26) and saw much of the same thing. None are singing yet. Could the cool weather of late here be slowing that down? The last time I had experience with these insects was in Cincinnati, Ohio in the late 80′s.

Comment by Leo Cormier — May 28, 2008 [AT] 8:13 am

I found a cicada that was White(light coloured) on my house today. is this normal ? i took a picture if anybody would like to see it. ive always thought ALL cicadas were dark coloured.

Comment by michael — May 28, 2008 [AT] 7:21 am

There are hundreds of these little gadgets that have emerged in my Cookeville, TN, wooded backyard. The sound is deafening and quite surreal. I’m loving it!

Comment by Linda Harp, Cookeville, TN — May 28, 2008 [AT] 7:17 am

Forgot to say where…Flemingsburg Kentucky!!

Comment by Cara, Jeff & Haley Doyle — May 27, 2008 [AT] 6:53 pm

We have hundreds of Cicadas in our yard!!

Comment by Cara, Jeff & Haley Doyle — May 27, 2008 [AT] 6:52 pm

Millions and Millions all over eastern TN. It was slower to start this year then in 1991 and the chorus just went into full swing last week. To say it is a spectacle would be an understatement.

Comment by Magi Cicada — May 27, 2008 [AT] 4:56 pm

I have to “eat” my words (posted May 11) about cicadas probably not going to appear in Lenoir, NC! One can now hear their “chorus” in the trees near Greer Laboratories (William White Drive at jct Nuway Circle). I have seen only M. septendecim so far. They have been present for at least a week, and mating pairs can be easily seen.

Bob Jacobson

Comment by Bob Jacobson — May 27, 2008 [AT] 2:47 pm

Here in Danville KY, (or rather very near Perryville) they have just started their “singing” today. I’ve been watching them for the past several days molting and wandering about. Now the sounds are starting up. It’s very cool, as I love sounds like this being an ambient music fan.

…….rob

Comment by Rob — May 27, 2008 [AT] 12:49 pm

They are every where here in New Hope, Ky. This is the first time I have ever heard them like this. I am 22 years old so the last time they emerged I was only 4 or 5 lived in northern Ohio and don’t remember. It is really neat to hear them.

Comment by Vanessa — May 27, 2008 [AT] 11:30 am

live in knott county kentucky theres so many it sounds like a space ship hovering over the mountians.

Comment by jason — May 27, 2008 [AT] 10:40 am

We live 9 miles north of Cookeville, TN. In the past two weeks, the noise from the ‘little buggers’ has become intense. They are localized to an area just West and North of Hardy’s Chapel (off Hwy 136). We’ve explored some of the surrounding woods and find literally thousands of holes in the ground where they have exited.

Comment by Don — May 27, 2008 [AT] 8:04 am

They are coming out by the thousands in my yard. I live in LaGrange, KY. I know that Otter Creek Park (Meade Co., KY) will have them, because in 1991 I worked there , and they had a heavy emergence.

Comment by rodney — May 27, 2008 [AT] 5:41 am

Memorial day weekend! I will remember Memorial day weekend 2008 for a long time. Upper East Tennessee, Grainger County, close to Knoxville in the foothills of Appalachin Mountains. Loud clicking noise all weekend especially in the Morning. Exoskeletons all over the yard. Holes all over yard about the size of pencil erasers. We have found live ones, our cats eat them. I missed them coming out of the holes but they let me know they were there.

Comment by Conman — May 26, 2008 [AT] 11:15 pm

Hello Keni Marie and Denise,
Here are some answers to your questions:
1. We saw one cicada that was stuck coming out of shell…will they eventually free themselves?
When a cicada nymph gets stuck in it’s shell while molting it is almost always fatal for the cicada. There are many factors that can cause this like damage from a fall from a tree, interaction with other nymphs (pinching), or simple dehydration.
2. Are ants predators?
Yes, I have personally seen ants “gang up” on molting nymphs & use them for food.
3. How many different types of trees do cicadas like?
When it comes to molting, nymphs don’t have much of a preference as long as they can find an upright surface to molt on. When it comes to adults however the females like laying their eggs in tree branches of Boxelder, Ash, Oak, Maple, & other various species. They don’t like Cherry or Pine trees because the holes that the females lay their eggs in will get “gummed up” & the baby nymphs can’t escape the branch. Studies have shown that Osage Orange gets pretty much left alone as well because the wood is extremely hard.

Thanks,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 26, 2008 [AT] 10:12 pm

We were visiting our cabin in Ferguson, NC (in the lower elevations of the Blue Ridge Mtns) this memorial day weekend and saw (and heard, of course) lots of Magicicada! There were lots of holes all in the ground and empty “shells” in the trees. What a neat experience! Never remember hearing that many humming in unison at one time!!! The kids enjoyed it as well—-and it got them away from video gaming (for awhile at least 🙂 Love your web-site!

Comment by Paula Teander — May 26, 2008 [AT] 7:49 pm

Dug up some immature nymphs yesterday in Dix Hills, Suffolk County Long Island. One tree had about 60 exit holes beneath it. The woods are quite, no adult cicadas seen yet. This weekend was beautiful. Hope the emergence will be on the way soon!

Comment by Elias — May 26, 2008 [AT] 7:11 pm

I have seen several hundred cicadas in my backyard…several of them have malformed wings and a couple deformed bodies. I am located in Oldham County KY.

Comment by Molly — May 26, 2008 [AT] 6:51 pm

Hi! my daughter (6) and I want to report a great cicada sighting. There seem to be many everywhere all over our property in Sevierville Tennessee. They seem to really like box elder trees. Thank you for teaching us all about cicadas (great homeschool project). We have watched different stages of the Cicadas-coming out of the ground as nymphs and then coming out of the shell and then lots of adult cicadas flying around. We saw the blue birds munching on a cicada. Yum! Keni has some questions: We saw one cicada that was stuck coming out of shell…will they eventually free themselves? Are ants predators? How many different types of trees do cicadas like?

Comment by Keni Marie and Denise — May 26, 2008 [AT] 6:35 pm

We just spent Memorial Day at Stone Door in the Cumberland Plateau area of TN. As we sat in our campsite, we saw them emerge from the ground, climb up the trees, and shed their shells. It was amazing to see the progression throughout the evening and night! The hum is different than any other I’ve heard and sounds a little like electrical wires at times 🙂 I like to wear a shell on my shirt (a “cicada broach”) in honor of the hatch.

Comment by Lisa Pellegrin — May 26, 2008 [AT] 5:50 pm

Thousands of emerging cicadas on my trees here in Jessamine County.

Comment by Mark Sawyer — May 26, 2008 [AT] 2:00 pm

During a school field trip last Friday to the Lincoln Boyhood Home in Hodgenville, KY, we saw hundreds of cicada shells and emerging cicadas. I don’t have any at my house in Lebanon, KY yet, but there are quite a few at my parents’ farm a few miles south of me.

Comment by Katherine Smith — May 26, 2008 [AT] 12:12 pm

We live in an apartment in West Chester, Ohio And there are Magicicadas in the woods behind us. There are not a lot of them yet.

Comment by Maria & Jazmin — May 26, 2008 [AT] 8:00 am

Earthy home
long endured.

Warm awakening
to light above.

Journey of peril
new beginning.

Drone enraptured
life encircling.

Comment by Charlie — May 25, 2008 [AT] 12:12 pm

I live in K.Y. and they are all over my house. Because i have a wood house

Comment by Andrew — May 25, 2008 [AT] 11:23 am

If anyone is seeing or hearing cicadas around the area of Wilkesboro/Moravian Falls, NC, please provide a general or specific location. I’m planning on going there soon to try and find some. Thanks!

Comment by Lenny — May 25, 2008 [AT] 10:19 am

There emerging in Letcher county Ky. We live on the Va. Border. You can hear them inside our house with everything shut

Comment by Mike — May 25, 2008 [AT] 9:53 am

They are emerging in Jenkins Ky Va. Border

Comment by Mike — May 25, 2008 [AT] 9:51 am

I live in Asheville North Carolina, and we have the Magicicadas everywhere. In our yard I believe I have saw at least 3,000 or more of them. They are everywhere even in our garden on our trees and shrubs, and Im beginning to fear for the safety of our garden. They are also in Weaverville North Carolina where my aunt lives. She said she cant even sit outside for them swarming.

Comment by Connie — May 25, 2008 [AT] 8:47 am

Can anyone in the area of Wilkesboro/Moravian Falls, NC provide a specific location for where they’re seeing or hearing cicadas. I’d like to get over there this week and check it out. Thanks!

Comment by Lenny — May 25, 2008 [AT] 7:02 am

May 22, 2008 They are in Louisville
(J-town) I have only seen them in my yard, and a little in my neighbors yard! The kids are all coming down collecting them! we have millions. We used to have a tree where they are coming up, but we took down the tree a couple of years ago! So they are holding on to the blades of grass! Everywhere you step there is a ton!

Comment by Kristie — May 24, 2008 [AT] 10:37 pm

May 24, 2008. Two miles east of Rareden, Ohio or one mile east of Brush Creek State Park office. On Route 73. While putting flowers in the local cemetary, found significant number of shells leading to numerous Magicicada’s. No noise, just idle cicada’s that looked almost moist in the wings like they are just molting and in final stages of drying out. Most shells were typical tan. A couple were blotchy dark (almost black) which may not mean anything but thought I’d mention it. Weather was clear and very warm. Tiger Swallowtails were extremely numerous. Suspect tomorrow will be really see the outpouring if there is to be one.

Comment by Ed — May 24, 2008 [AT] 2:09 pm

Here in Muddy Pond ,Tennessee they are alive. I can here them over my tractor noise. Probable ten gillion

Comment by gmurphy — May 24, 2008 [AT] 8:57 am

Morning of May 24, 2008. Replacing coarse sand in between my pavers and my nephew and I noticed holes all over and Cicadas poking out and all over joints and under pavers. We live in Bear Gap, Pennsylvania 17824 and in a wooded lot (Columbia County). I have a feeling from the amount of holes we are going to have to wear earplugs in a little while!

Comment by Susan Blase — May 24, 2008 [AT] 8:07 am

Northern McCreary Co., KY This is unreal!!! The cicada “song” is so loud outside that it is literally deafening. They can be heard in our house without a single window being raised. Our entire yard is “moving”. I fear for the foundation of our house with all of the holes that are being created in our yard. It is unbelieveable, there are thousands of them everywhere. I’m really trying not to be freaked out by this, but the sheer enormity of their numbers seriously alarms me. My husband had to turn our outside lights off because they seemed drawn to the house and the lights.

Comment by Karen — May 23, 2008 [AT] 10:20 pm

Bowling Green, KY
Home of the Corvette

Hundreds coming up in my front and backyards…moulting evidence on the maple trees. They’re still coming out of the ground! This is the first time I’ve seen so many at our house. We’ve lived here 4 years! Quickly becoming a cicada enthusiast!

Comment by Leann — May 23, 2008 [AT] 6:03 pm

Richmond, KY, 05-23-2008. They began emerging 2 evenings ago in my yard. This evening the grass is moving as hundreds emerge and head for a place to climb. Am afraid to walk in the grass as the sun sets as I know I’d probably step on dozens of cousins. I’ve placed a few on a tree on the back porch so the children can watch them climb and molt this evening and early tomorrow. It’s amazing and wonderful to see once again!

Comment by June — May 23, 2008 [AT] 6:01 pm

Dug up a nymph when I was planting flowers in my backyard. Also found a shell under my oak tree in the front yard. (Silverton (Cincinnati), OH)

Comment by Cathy — May 23, 2008 [AT] 4:16 pm

There are hundreds in my yard in Huntington, West Virginia and I’m really trying not to be creeped out by them. It seems they’re mostly attracted to my wrought-iron fence.

Comment by Becca — May 23, 2008 [AT] 12:55 pm

I live in Frankfort, KY and I went out to feed the cat and noticed there were 4 that had already emerged just sitting on the porch with their shells scattered about. In the back yard there are holes all along the spots where grass doesn’t grow close to the house. But in the front yard, there are several clinging to the trees there and shells littering the bottoms. Haven’t seen the lawn “moving” but the one’s who have sure are getting a treat!

Comment by Verna — May 23, 2008 [AT] 10:04 am

Asheville, NC (Specifically off New Stock Road north of town) — I’m listening to them ‘sing’ out my window in beautiful Asheville, NC as I type. Our neighbors yard looks like it is moving there are so many crawling around in there! How cool.

Comment by john.asheville — May 23, 2008 [AT] 8:59 am

Found 4 nymphs emerging at my home which is located in Batavia Ohio. Also saw 50+ emerging in Loveland Ohio last night as well. Looks like the emergence of Brood XIV is finally getting under way in Southwest Ohio!

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 22, 2008 [AT] 10:46 pm

5/22: Radcliff, Hardin County KY. Saw one or two the other day. Tonight the yard looks alive as hundreds, perhaps thousands have emerged in the lawn and are moving toward what they hope will be high ground. It’s an amazing sight. I was overseas during the last emergence so am looking forward to experiencing this one (I think).

Comment by Mike — May 22, 2008 [AT] 7:32 pm

I am in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. I was just sitting outside on the porch and one landed on me. My ol man took some pictures of it. I came inside to investigate them. I heard about them the other day on the news. I remember learning about them when I was in the 4th grade. We collected the shells and the kid that got the most won something. They were everywhere. All over all the pine trees. They are really cool. I am glad I get to show and teach my little girl about them. We are going to look for more and take pictures after naps.

Comment by Dan_ziggy Stardust — May 22, 2008 [AT] 10:18 am

They are here in Jackson County,Ky.

Comment by Chuck — May 21, 2008 [AT] 10:05 pm

I brought back about 15 cicadas from Asheville to my home. They haven’t fared well. An interesting note is that one has developed the fungus that causes the abdomen to explode open and expose a white powder. It is currently still alive but I understand is sterile.

Comment by Kevin — May 20, 2008 [AT] 4:15 pm

Asheville, NC-Eastern Buncombe County: Our yard has been on the move for about four days now. The largest emergence was two days ago. Thousands in my yard alone. The singing has begun, and the droning seems to come from everywhere. What an incredible sight and learning opportunity for our kids. The house is covered with the critters. I had to stop my neighbor from trying to spray them. I told him it was futile, and they’d be gone soon enough. When I told him what they were, he understood we were witnessing something ancient and rare. My one quandary is, how am I ever going to mow my yard? And When? The yard is filling up with the dead or dying bugs. Kinda stinks…

Comment by Jim — May 20, 2008 [AT] 11:34 am

Here in Wilkesboro/Moravian Falls,NC in the Blue Ridge Mt. foothills. we have hundreds in our yard. Started about 10 days ago. Our fig tree was covered in them and we discovered they were all dead, but clinging to the leaves!
The sound of these things was driving us batty as we had never heard it before in our lives. Sounded like an alien space ship hovering over us! 🙂 Thanks for all this information. God is smiling as we behold His “wonders”.

Comment by Randy Bigbie — May 19, 2008 [AT] 7:26 pm

Several cicadas were discovered in the Pierce Community of Greensburg, in Green County Kentucky. They are coming out next to a large tulip poplar tree.

Comment by Cathy Decker — May 19, 2008 [AT] 2:02 pm

They have arrived in Adairville, KY 42202

Comment by PATRICIA COOPER — May 19, 2008 [AT] 12:32 pm

Good Morning To all:

I’m doing a radio news story on—of course the 17-year cicadas.

I’d like to interview someone via phone for 10-mins to talk about being a cicadas enthusiasts?

Thanks!
Rose Marie Holmes
Producer/Reporter
WABE 90.1-FM
678.686.0311- Office

Comment by Rose Marie Holmes — May 19, 2008 [AT] 8:13 am

THEY ARE HERE.

ADAIRVILLE, KY 42202

Comment by PATRICIA COOPER — May 19, 2008 [AT] 7:59 am

I found hundreds and hundreds in Cades Cove in the smokeys, specifically in the Methodist Church Cemetery.

Comment by Tarry Samsel — May 18, 2008 [AT] 6:31 pm

I just got back from a trip to Asheville, NC and can report that we found many, many in the Biltmore Forest town in the neighborhood surrounding the Biltmore Forest Country Club. Lots of calling occurring this morning that reminds me of a spring peeper treefrog chorus. We also observed and heard them to a lesser degree at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Asheville. We observed many empty shells, unsuccessfully emerged bodies, malformed adults, and some normal adults.

Comment by Kevin — May 18, 2008 [AT] 3:42 pm

I live 7 miles south of Grayson Ky. Periodical cicadas began emerging about May 10 in open sunny areas.
Cool and more rain than usual, so no singing yet. Birds are preying on them- many cicada wings are on the ground under trees where they have been emerging.
Of the specimens I’ve inspected, I’ve seen male and female septendecim and cassini.

Comment by Brian — May 18, 2008 [AT] 3:01 pm

I’ve got several cicada photos here:

I’ll be posting more photos an information here:

Home

A BBC crew was in Asheville last week to do extensive filming of the emergence of the 17-year cicadas. North Asheville neighborhoods have several areas in which the bugs have come out and covered fences, trees, porches, etc.

Enjoy!

Comment by Jason Sandford — May 18, 2008 [AT] 10:00 am

I live in Floyd County Kentucky ans there are hundreds of them coming out.

Comment by john — May 17, 2008 [AT] 8:52 am

I live in Corbin KY and my house is COVERED!!!! They started coming out last week, and the ground and trees are moving with them. No one else in my neighborhood has them. Why could that be??

Comment by Tammy Smith — May 16, 2008 [AT] 11:48 am

I just moved to the southeast from the west coast. I live between Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, does anyone know if I will see any cicadas this summer?

Comment by Josh — May 16, 2008 [AT] 7:42 am

i live in east ky. have noticed cicadas emerging since the 12th. brobably have seen at least 100 new cicadas location is in paintsville,ky johnson co.

Comment by leslie spradlin — May 16, 2008 [AT] 6:57 am

Could the NC, especially Asheville/Spruce Pine area folks give directions to viewing locations. I plan to come up from Raleigh to see them. Missed them in 04 in DC although the newscasts were enticing.

Comment by Kevin — May 15, 2008 [AT] 6:44 pm

Hazard, Kentucky — The Cicada started slowly a week ago now are beginning to pick up speed. But the weather has been wet and no sound has been made thus far.

Comment by Greg Stamper — May 15, 2008 [AT] 3:02 pm

Thursday May 15th The cicadas are hatching in mass numbers in Huntington,West Virginia. They are dropping from my Grandmothers Oak Tree-lookout below!!

Comment by Pete — May 15, 2008 [AT] 7:08 am

During the last few days we have seen the cicadas a few at a time. Tonight they came out in thousands. All of them crawling across the grass to the trees, then up the trees no higher than approximately 25 feet. Location is Carter County half way between Johnson City and Elizabethton TN. My dogs like them as well. Can’t wait till they start singing. Don’t forget to report your sightings on this web site. Report them so they can be tracked.

Comment by Roy McGinnis — May 14, 2008 [AT] 7:43 pm

We are having a “hatch and a half” here on our lawn. May 14, 2008. Started about 1 week ago and tonight there are literly 1000s crawling all over the place. I’m 52 yrs old and have never seen so many! Location is in the very northeast end of Unicoi County, TN.
I have found it quite amazing. Our two dogs thinks they are all treats. We have to struggle to get them out of the yard and back in the house.

Comment by Rita Bobeana — May 14, 2008 [AT] 6:42 pm

An individual periodical cicada male is not as loud as an individual male from the summertime “annual” species. But the periodical ones are so much more numerous that they make more noise as a group.

After they emerge, periodical cicadas need five to seven days of decent weather before they are mature enough to starting singing and mating and egg-laying. Hence the quiet in the early going.

Comment by Dave — May 14, 2008 [AT] 1:51 pm

We have had a 17-year cicadas out in our yard for 5 days. They are quiet compared to our yearly summer time cicadas. They also seem to not harm the leaves they are on, or tree trunks. They are only in certain places in my yard and none of my friends at work or gym have them at all. I live in Asheville, N.C. very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are hundreds of them!

Comment by Nanci Perlstein — May 14, 2008 [AT] 10:18 am

My daughter and I just found a cicada walking in the grass of our front yard. It is the first we have seen this year. It has not molted yet. We found your website to learn more. Thanks for the extra info! Oh, by the way, we live in Louisville, KY.

Comment by Becca — May 13, 2008 [AT] 3:57 pm

In response to Lenny’s comment on May 4, I’m not sure the periodical cicadas are expected to emerge in Lenoir, NC this year, at least not in any great numbers. I currently live there but plan to go to Asheville and northward in the next couple weeks to look for cicadas. I’ll be interested in reading about large populations appearing in that area.

In any case, if I see any in Lenoir or elsewhere, I will report it. I will probably be visiting central PA, so I will check there, too.

Bob

Comment by Bob Jacobson — May 11, 2008 [AT] 7:03 pm

Hey Elias,
When the nymph starts getting the 2 black patches on it’s back (pronotum) it is getting close to being ready to molt. As far as I have seen they do not feed the last few weeks before emerging & molting but I still keep the soil moist so they don’t dehydrate.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 10, 2008 [AT] 9:24 pm

Hello all,

Just got back from Otsego Park. 59 degrees and no exuvia have been seen yet. Found 5 nymphs under rocks and logs. They made some nice mud turrets and chimneys. Some tops were closed, others were open.

Brought them home and housed them in my nymph terrarium. ONe of the nymphs from a week ago is getting darker. Will he emerge soon? Does anyone know if these nymphs still feed? Seems like the more I learn, the more questions I have LOL!

Comment by Elias — May 10, 2008 [AT] 7:09 pm

Interesting…I thought that the Athens OH area was Brood V (last out in 1999). If it is, then these are either really really late or really really early.

Comment by Dave Marshall — May 9, 2008 [AT] 2:43 pm

I saw my first cicada of the season today just outside Athens, Ohio. My attention was attracted by a blue jay that dove and pecked twice at something in a mowed lawn, and when he came up, he had a cicada in his beak!

So, though I had not expected to see them this far north, Brood XIV appears to be on the move!

PS: My daughter tells me she say a shell on our garage door just earlier this week. I haven’t heard any of them yet, Thank GOD, but I know it’s just a matter of time…

Comment by Kirk G — May 9, 2008 [AT] 1:33 pm

I’m in Asheville, NC — have had numerous holes for the past two weeks and today, May 8, found two shells about 6 feet up a maple tree.

Comment by Joanne Bartsch — May 8, 2008 [AT] 3:28 pm

Hello Andy,
Here are some short answers to your cicada questions:

1) How deep underground do the larvae live for the 17 years?
Nymphs usually stay 8 to 15 inches below the surface.
2) What is the life cycle? That is, how long as egg, larva, pupa (nymph?) and adult?
8 weeks or so for the egg, 17 years as a nymph, & about 3 or so weeks as an adult.
3) What does each stage do, where, and for how long?
Basically there are 5 nymphal “instars” or molts that the nymphs go through during their life. They will continue feeding until they die as adults.
4) Why do the eggs cause the unsightly goiter-like damage to some tree and shrub limbs?
Eggs don’t cause this damage, the ovipositing “slits” that females make when laying eggs cut off sap flow to the branch & sometimes make it wilt & die.
5) What are the holes in the ground? Are they temporary boroughs for insects waiting for “The Song” or have they left the ground?
Those are nymphal exit holes that they dig in the spring of the emergence (or summer before). They don’t wait for other adults to sing.
They will emerge when temps reach approximately 65 degress Farenheit.
6) By the way, how do they make those perfectly round holes, anyway? There is no apparent mound of soil like ants make.
They “push” the soil in with their 2 front claws like a cat kneeding on a blanket. If the soil is wet enough they do make small mounds of
dirt called “chimneys”.
7) Other than nets, is there a way to protect valued trees from the damage or repel the cicadas from them entirely?
The best solution is covering your tree with netting or cheesecloth. No other means will work efficiently.
8) Other than a food bonus for those birds and animals that eat them, are the Magicicada beneficial in any other known way?
They aerate the ground with their numerous exit tunnels & their decaying bodies will “fertilize” the soil with loads of nitrogen.

Hope this helps,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 6, 2008 [AT] 2:11 pm

Hello again from Mashpee, MA. I last posted on April 22, after several days of very warm weather reaching mid 70’s. Since then, the number of holes has about doubled to as many as 1 every 8 inches (20 cm) in wooded areas as observed by raking away leaves and pine needles. The number elsewhere is about half that. I do not see as many in open areas of lawn or in lawn beneath individual trees, partly because the holes are simply harder to see in grassy areas. So far, the droning has not begun. The weather has been cool, around 45 at night and 65 days, and there were several days of spring rain. I did find a few white nymphs while picking up some construction wood cuttings I had left on the ground in the back yard last year.

Now, I have some questions for the experts:
1) How deep underground do the larvae live for the 17 years?
2) What is the life cycle? That is, how long as egg, larva, pupa (nymph?) and adult?
3) What does each stage do, where, and for how long?
4) Why do the eggs cause the unsightly goiter-like damage to some tree and shrub limbs?
5) What are the holes in the ground? Are they temporary boroughs for insects waiting for “The Song” or have they left the ground?
6) By the way, how do they make those perfectly round holes, anyway? There is no apparent mound of soil like ants make.
7) Other than nets, is there a way to protect valued trees from the damage or repel the cicadas from them entirely?
8) Other than a food bonus for those birds and animals that eat them, are the Magicicada beneficial in any other known way?

Your responses will help me as we tolerate this, to say the least, annoying visit again, although I will be reminded that at my age, it might be nice to have it happen again!!

Andy E

Comment by Andy — May 5, 2008 [AT] 8:58 pm

I just read my last post. Sorry, I meant 2004 for Brood X, not 2000.

Comment by Lenny — May 5, 2008 [AT] 7:35 am

I went searching for nymphs today around Lenoir, NC in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. No holes and no nymphs found. There are reports of nymphs being found close to the surface in Asheville but I haven’t heard any other reports for western North Carolina. I was on Long Island in 2000 when Brood X was a bust. I’m so happy to hear that Brood XIV should make a strong showing on the Island this year. I’ll keep checking for some action in western NC.

Comment by Lenny — May 4, 2008 [AT] 7:43 pm

Hello all,

2 nymphs are still alive. They do not yet seem ready to emerge yet as evidenced by their lack of pigment on their prothorax. Will keep you posted. May go out to find more sites on Tuesday.

Comment by Elias — May 4, 2008 [AT] 7:33 pm

Hi Roy,

Your guess is as good as mine on the meaning of the smaller and larger dots on earlier maps (I don’t have the 1940 study to look at). I’ll bet that at least some of the time they meant exactly what you suggest — differences between counties in the number of places reporting emergences, rather than differences in average emergence densities between counties. Either way it may be worth maintaining the distinction between counties with lots of records and counties with few.

Comment by David Marshall — May 2, 2008 [AT] 12:29 pm

Thanks Dave for the explaination of “heavy” vs “light” emergences. When I made the Brood XIV emergence map I was basing it primarily on the 1940 US Department of Agriculture brood study & the county records contained within it. I also used the 1988(Simon)revised map that Marlatt had made in 1907. I assumed that the smaller “dots” were areas with fewer satiated areas within the county but I could be mistaken. On future maps I may not have heavy or light designations.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 2, 2008 [AT] 9:27 am

Re: heavy versus light emergences:

Judgements about the density of the emergence are important for sorting out normal, on-schedule emergences of self-reproducing brood populations from the occasional off-schedule straggler emergences that sometimes occur (especially one or four years off).

These straggler emergences often get included accidentally in the records for the brood they happened to emerge with.

The important thing to know is that stragglers, when they occur, rarely do so in numbers that can “satiate” all of the predators. In contrast, normal brood populations come out by many thousands to hundreds of thousands per acre, satiating predators and allowing the individual cicadas to reproduce despite their “predator foolhardy” behavior.

So if you see evidence for only a handful of cicadas at a site (e.g., only one or two calling, or say less than a hundred in an acre), you can be reasonably sure that those cicadas are either (1) stragglers from another brood that is found at that site, (2), cicadas that were blown in by storms from a normal emerged population nearby, or (3) the very last dregs of a normal population that is dying out at that site. For those of us trying to work out brood distributions, it is important to distinguish between these clearly low-density situations and clearly normal-density emergences.

There is no way to accurately measure density without counting emergence holes or adults systematically — how do you quickly determine in a repeatable fashion if there are only hundreds and not thousands per acre? — but at least we can specifically note when an emergence appears to involve only very small numbers, in which case we have good reason to suspect that the population is not “self-reproducing”.

As a general rule of thumb, I think one can use the chorus sound as a guide to judging the extremes of population density. If the weather is warm and sunny, and the date is appropriate (i.e., the cicadas are supposed to be all out and mature), and you hear only isolated songs with no continuous background chorus sound, the emergence is much lighter than normal density, a “sparse” or light emergence. In such a situation, you will be able to hear the individual cicada males singing far away from you, e.g., in the tops of the trees.

If you hear a constant background chorus that drowns out the songs of all individual males except those very close to you, you are observing a population that is probably dense enough to reproduce itself.

There will be intermediate situations that will be tough to classify, and in those cases I avoid a judgement if there is no more detailed density information available. I just call those “intermediate” density. Fortunately, most populations will fit the “sparse” or “dense” categories (once the cicadas are all out). This convenient fact comes back to the basic need for periodical cicadas to satiate predators, and the fact that very very large numbers (thousands per acre or more at least) appear to be needed locally to accomplish that.

Again, these judgments depend on context — you have to know what the time, date, and weather conditions were in order to make use of the information.

Comment by David Marshall — May 2, 2008 [AT] 7:13 am

Hello all,

My two cicada nymphs are so far surviving in captivity. I am keeping them inside the house with a hope of accelerating their development. I wonder if anyone has tried to raise them indoors for their entire lifecycle. Hopeing to reproduce Matt Bergers findings. The are resting horizontally in their little burrows. Does anyone have any detailed information regarding towns in New York where the cicadas will come up. So far I have Dix Hills, Ronkokoma, Setauket, Stony Brook and Islip.

Comment by Elias — May 1, 2008 [AT] 4:28 pm

Thanks for the reply Roy. What does “heavy emergence” vs. “light emergence” mean? It’s like this: Imagine reading one random weather forecast from the past 365 days and a from a random city. The only thing written on this forecast is that the forecaster says that it will be “warm”. What does that mean? It could mean 65 degrees in January in Anchorage. Or it could mean 120 degrees in August in Phoenix.

I’m trying to get a sense of reference. Does “light emergence” mean 5 cicadas/acre or 5 trillion cicadas/acre? There must be a definition out there somewhere.

Comment by Kaman — May 1, 2008 [AT] 1:52 pm

Hi Jenny,
South-central Kentucky is well within the boundary of Brood XIV so I suspect that there will be areas near you with a heavy emergence. Ask neighbors that have lived in your area for over 17 years if they experienced a large emergence back in 1991.
I haven’t personally read any study on bright colors attracting cicadas but there might be one out there so don’t count out the possibility.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 30, 2008 [AT] 6:38 am

Hello,
I lived in Nashville during the emergence in 1998 (I believe that was the 13-year cicadas?). I now live in South Central KY and saw an article in yesterday’s paper stating the 17-year cicadas are due any day. The Nashville emergence I lived through was HUGE! Will this 17-year emergence be like that? The map shows a heavy emergence in my area…

Also, has there been any study on cicadas being attracted to bright colors? I seem to recall be “attacked” more when wearing bright colors last time!

Comment by Jenny — April 30, 2008 [AT] 5:50 am

Hello Elias,
I managed to keep a nymph alive for weeks back in 1987 when I built my first nymph terrarium during Brood X that year. I didn’t have as much luck in a jar back in 2004 as the soil was too wet & all the nymphs drowned (I think). I can add water daily to keep the soil moist in my current terrarium & allow enough drainage as not to over saturate the nymph’s burrows. I cannot prove this but I believe that nymphs take up water direct from pools in the soil so a root isn’t necessary.

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 29, 2008 [AT] 7:36 pm

Hello Roy

Thanks for your reply. I am utilizing a plastic jar as a nymph terrarium and observed similar behaviors. This is a first for me. My only question is, do the nymphs require feeding (e.g. proximity to a tree root) during this time before emergence?

Thanks again,
Elias

Comment by Elias — April 29, 2008 [AT] 7:18 pm

Hi Kaman,
That map is based on older data & may not be extremely accurate. There should still be scattered heavy emergences in your county & your best bet to find the heavier locations is to talk to folks that have been living there since before Brood XIV emerged in 1991. There is a combined effort this year to re-map Brood XIV so that the map will be much more accurate & up to date.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 29, 2008 [AT] 6:36 pm

Hey Elias,
Check out the comments section of “Nymps Digging In The Dirt” https://www.cicadamania.com/cicadas/cicada-nymphs-digging-in-the-dirt/#comments & it explains how I built a nymph terrarium. Here is link for a photo of the finished product: http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/sbpstudios1/artificial_burrows.jpg

Hope this helps,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 29, 2008 [AT] 6:30 pm

What is the definition of “Heavy Emergence” vs. “Light Emergence”? Does anyone know the density range accociated with these terms (#/yd2 or #/acre) I’m trying to get a sense of how large this emergence (2008) is expected to be in my area. What is the expected density in the Cincy/N KY area compared to the 1991 and 2004 infestations that hit this area? (I remember watching the news in 2004 about all the cicadas) I realize it’s a craps shoot with all the variables, but I’m just trying to get a general sense of things.

I’m a recent transplant to the Midwest after living most of my life on the West Coast, which don’t have these critters. I’m in Alexandria, Kentucky (a Cincy suburb). According your the B-XIV map, I see that my county (Campbell)is expected to have a “Heavy Emergence”, yet the next two counties to the east of me (Kenton, Boone)isn’t highlighted at all. (Look at the three northern most counties in KY on the map-nothing, nothing, heavy). What’s interesting is that the counties immediately north, south, east, and southwest of Kenton and Boone counties are”Heavy Emergence” counties, including mine. The expected B-XIV emergence “flowing around” these two counties reminds me of how water flows around a rock in a stream.

Comment by Kaman — April 29, 2008 [AT] 4:13 pm

Made a trip to Otsego Park today in Dix Hills, Suffolk County, NY. Today is 4/29/08 and it was rainy with an outside temp of 50 degrees F. By turning over a few logs in the woods, multiple exit holes were uncovered. A few mud turrets were seen too. Captured 3 immature nymphs. They are completely white with dark maroon eyes. I saw two additional nymphs move very quickly underground when I uncovered their tunnels. Does anyone have info on keeping the immature nymphs in captivity? I retained 2 specimens, one male and the other female. Looks good for the upcoming Long Island emergence!!

Comment by Elias — April 29, 2008 [AT] 4:03 pm

Hi Charleen,
It looks right now like the cicadas will start emerging about the middle of May & be in full chorus probably by the last week of May/1st week of June. If you live on the east side of I71 you will see heavier emergences with only scattered cicadas emerging west of there.

Thanks for posting,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 27, 2008 [AT] 4:05 pm

when will the cicadas be in cincinnati

Comment by charleen — April 27, 2008 [AT] 3:55 pm

AFTER READING THESE IT WAS A NYMPH.

Comment by DENISE — April 24, 2008 [AT] 8:18 pm

WE FOUND THIS STRANGE BUT MY CHILDERN 10,9 &7 BURROWED IN THE DIRT/MUCH UNDER OUR SWINGSET. WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. WE RESEARCHED AND RESEARCHED. WE KEPT IT FOR A WHILE (IT SEEMED HALF DEAD) WHEN WATCHING FOX NEWS IT SAID THESE WERE RETURNING THIS YEAR TO THE CAPE. WELL WE FOUND THIS INSECT ALREADY. IT DID NOT HAVE HUGE DEVELOPED WINGS YET IT WAS IN THE YELLOWISH STAGE. IT WAS BIG

Comment by DENISE — April 24, 2008 [AT] 8:15 pm

Hi Roy,

Thank you for responding to my question. I am in the Franklin Twp area and am a transplant from NH. So, I am interested in seeing if they emerge here. Jackie

Comment by Jackie — April 24, 2008 [AT] 4:43 am

May = April, sorry!

Comment by David — April 23, 2008 [AT] 12:33 am

Hi. I had a scare about 20 minutes ago. A saw a fully grown, giant (largest I’ve seen) Cicada in the middle of my bedroom floor. I have no idea how it got in, because I have screens on all windows and it wasn’t warm enough to keep the windows open anyway. The bedroom is on the second floor too! My main reason for the scare was that I thought they only come around in August and this is middle of May! I live in Northern New Jersey, across from NYC.

Comment by David — April 23, 2008 [AT] 12:32 am

The return of the 17 year Cicada to Mashpee
Submitted to Mashpee Enterprise

My wife and I live in Mashpee, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. We moved here in 1980. Our first cicada experience was exactly 17 years ago, in the Spring of 1991. My Father-in-law was visiting us from Germany for only the second time, I am certain that the experience left him very happy to return to the Fatherland! The creatures began emerging, it seemed, simultaneously, but actually over three or four days. They quickly shed their shells, leaving great piles in some areas as they morphed into the winged adult stage. Now, as a veteran of the experience, I see the holes beginning to reappear, but only in small areas of my property. It may be another week or two before they emerge en-masse! I have two cherry trees that barely survived the last onslaught, I know of no defense, so I will simply write them off this time. The noise will be so irritating that, in spite of the fact that I have diminished hearing, we will probably try to travel away from the infested areas as often as we can. The bugs are about the size of the last two joints of a little finger and, as for flight and sight, well, in spite of their bright red eyes, they don’t seem to fly by sight, nor avoid anything. They will bump into nearly anything in their path. Now, here is the good news: Although the females are able to pierce thick bark on trees with an abdominal saw-like device, to deposit eggs, they can not bite and do not attempt to puncture humans. I suppose that one could be injured if you swat them so just pick them off or have a friend help if they get in your hair. There is no reason to panic. Friends and I experimented with, and cleaned up after, thousands of them in 1991. I have not done so, but I see that there are a number of recipes on the internet and that some people regard these as a true delicacy. If you do gather them for cooking, follow the instructions carefully and be sure they came from an area that has not been treated chemically for other grubs or insects.

I do regard this as an amazing event by a remarkable creature but I am thankful that they can wait 17 years between visits!
Andy Eliason, April 2008

Comment by Andy — April 22, 2008 [AT] 8:26 pm

Hello Jackie,
The old records from 1940 list the city of Compass, townships of Brandywine, Highland, Uwchlan, West Caln, West Nantmeal, & West Sadsbury in the emergence area. Keep in mind that these are outdated records & cicadas may not emerge there now. Please report here if you do see some this year: https://www.cicadamania.com/cicadas/periodical-cicada-brood-xiv-14-will-emerge-in-2025-in-thirteen-states/.

Thx,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 21, 2008 [AT] 5:56 pm

Hi Daniel,
You may be on the very southern edge of the emergence area. A 1940 study indicated that the northern part of Davidson county saw an emergence. Let us know if you see any this year.

Thanks,
Roy

Comment by Roy Troutman — April 21, 2008 [AT] 5:55 pm

Does anyone from here know what to expect in Southeastern Pennsylvania? Specifically the Chester County area?

Comment by Jackie — April 21, 2008 [AT] 9:57 am

Anyone know what to expect for brood xiv in the Nashville Tennessee area?

Comment by Daniel — April 21, 2008 [AT] 9:49 am

When pulling weeds in my woods in Frankfort Kentucky (Franklin County) April 20 I found a nymph within an inch of the surface.

Comment by Charles Wrigh — April 20, 2008 [AT] 4:03 pm

I just noticed a bunch of holes at the Stop N Shop in Ronkonkoma on Long Island. I dug down a little with my hand to see if I could see anything and I saw my first nymph! I’m so excited!!

Comment by Jennifer — April 18, 2008 [AT] 12:38 pm

I just checked out my friend’s yard on Lodge Street in South Setauket. Seeing large numbers of round holes, I borrowed a shovel and unearthed a couple of dozen cicada nymphs, with their typical red eyes. I am going to try and keep them until they molt. I have a number of pictures to post. I actually saw one at the top of its burrow. It was a very warm day, about 80, unusual for Long Island so early in the year.

Comment by Andrew J Popper — April 17, 2008 [AT] 4:41 pm

My friend in Satauket LI has just dug up lots of nymphs and his yard is peppered with small round holes especially under a large oak tree. He is on Lodge Lane north of rte 347 and near Arrowhead Lane. I am going to CA for three weeks so i hope I hope I not miss the emergence.

Comment by Andrew J Popper — April 16, 2008 [AT] 5:23 pm

Comments (1)

Filed under: Annual | Brood XIII | — Dan @ 1:01 am

Although this post compiles Annual cicada sightings from 2007, is some Magicicada Brood XIII talk in the July-May comments. Comments are in reverse order.

I also live in an area of Australia where cicadas are hatching in droves. We’ve pulled dozens of casings off of the house alone, and today — so far- nearly a dozen have hatched. I’m rescuing lots off of my truck tyres. We have a rare type here, called the Orange Drummer. I’ve posted some pics on Flickr:

Comment by Jodi C. — November 26, 2007 [AT] 9:09 pm

Hi, I live in cicada heaven, which is in the Blue Mountains,west of Sydent in NSW Australia. Cicadas are found of all types and species. Any day in summer you can hear a chorus of cicadas which have been measured at over 150 decibels. You can literally walk up to any tree and pick them up off the trunk! Birds just fly up and eat them in front of you, but there are still cicada nymphs emerging in bright daylight (normally this only happens at night!) I think it has something to do with the unseasonally wet and cold weather we have been experiencing this summer. But anyway, I have loads of pics if you want to contact me: kevin [AT] padrepio.org.au
Blessings!

Comment by Fr Kevin Lee — November 15, 2007 [AT] 11:10 pm

It’s October. It has reached 92 degrees today (Aurora, Illinois) and I heard many, many cicadas.

A few days ago I also heard one in Naperville, Illinois.

I was actually surprised. But, I would understand since it is awfully warm out.

Comment by Daniela Barrios — October 7, 2007 [AT] 4:52 pm

A photo of a Masked Devil cicada that flew into my living room last night (in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales):
http://www.facebook.com/ph​oto.php?pid=341705&l=b46a1​&id=715264364

A shell I found a week ago:
http://www.facebook.com/ph​oto.php?pid=326996&l=2efbd​&id=715264364

Cheers!

Comment by Andrew Sweeney — October 3, 2007 [AT] 10:25 pm

Dan posted some of my videos of a singing cicada in Sacramento, CA recently. I also took still pictures of the cicada while shooting the video. Here are the links to the still shots:
http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/misc/?action=view&current=cicada6originalsizepic.jpg

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/misc/?action=view&current=cicada2rightside.jpg

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/misc/?action=view&current=cicada5originalsizepic.jpg

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/misc/?action=view&current=cicada1originalsizepic.jpg

All I know is that it is some species of Okanagana.

Comment by Phoebe — September 14, 2007 [AT] 2:31 pm

I am not in anyway an expert ha ha , when it comes to cicatas , but from the pictures I have looked up I beleave I have found a common every year cicata its still emerging frome his exoskeliton ,I found him lieing on the ground on a sidewalk I knew he had fallin off of his resting spot and I knew if i left him their hed get step on or torchered by a human or something els so I plased him om my balcony and im worried he isnt emerging like normal , he is half way out and just stoped , I guess what Im trying to find out is how long would it normaly take the tibian cicada to leave the exoskelito ? hours , days ? or is it suposed to take a wile ,,, he obviously isnt in mutch ah hurry to go …. some one please help me understand this prosses better id be most gratfull to learn

Comment by edith — August 31, 2007 [AT] 12:05 am

I live just outside Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and recently found a beetle that I’ve never seen in this area — someone suggested it might be a cicada. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to snap a picture, but haven’t seen any on your site that look like this. Do cicadas live in this area, and if so, would they feed from a Mountain Ash tree? My mountain ash trees seem to have some disease or pest they’ve never had before, and these bugs are also new.

Comment by Michelle — August 28, 2007 [AT] 1:46 pm

I live in Sacramento, CA. I have seen cicadas in trees several times in the past week, and I hear them all over the place. I took a few videos of them. You can see the best one here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey5nMtPBjNs

I have several other videos, but YouTube’s search function hasn’t been working properly since July 25. When you search by “Date Added”, hardly any newer videos show up, including all my latest cicada sightings.

I also took a still picture of the cicada featured in my video link: http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/misc/?action=view&current=cicadainSacramentoCA7-25-07.jpg

Comment by Phoebe — July 30, 2007 [AT] 3:21 pm

Heard a strange noise. looked on the front screen. Found an incredibly strange insect I had never seen before. Finally figured out it was a cicada. We are in Northeast PA, and I think these are the 17-year deals. Crazy.

Comment by Eric — July 25, 2007 [AT] 7:14 pm

Hi guys,
I’m in Albuquerque for a conference, and last night around 8:30 heard what sounded like cicadas in a tree…where I grew up (Delaware) cicadas only call on hot afternoons. Was I really hearing cicadas? Or some other critter?
Thanks…

Comment by Melissa — July 20, 2007 [AT] 5:51 am

Hi Lindsey,
Those sound rather neat. If you can get a picture, post on this website and that could help identification

Comment by david — July 14, 2007 [AT] 4:09 pm

We live in Krum, Texas (near the Dallas/Fort Worth area) and for the past two years I have noticed some very tiny cicadas which come up from under our shrubs to sit on the porch screens. They are a mottled grey camouflage color, and measure only about 3/4 inch! They can almost be mistaken for horseflies. They do “buzz” like other cicadas if startled off the porch screen, but I don’t know what their particular song is like. I would like to know what they are, if anyone can tell me.

Comment by Lindsey Williams — July 14, 2007 [AT] 9:40 am

Hello all,

It has become very warm here in New York. For some reason the Tibicens are taking a while to come up. Possibly the unusually cool days may have delayed the emergence. I heard a Tibicen chloromera finally sing this AM. Caught an emerging nymph the night before, but none last night. The teneral adult is living amongst oak branches I have provided it and I am waiting for it to mature. Interested in seeing how long one could be kept in captivity (my record was 12 days for a periodical species) and if they would sing as well. (Had a septendecim that sang, the cassini did not). No T.lyricen heard as of yet. If anyone knows of any other species that inhabit the NY area let me know (Queens County and Long Island)

Comment by Elias — July 10, 2007 [AT] 7:49 am

Hello Dan,

Just recently purchased 25 cicadas rom Illinois. Unfortunatley due to the intervening Holiday (7/4), all dies except one. She is a septendecim female and still lives to today! I never knew periodicals could be found in July!! Here in Nassau county yesterday I heard a Tibicen Canicularis dsing at dusk and this morning in QUeens a Tibicen chlomera sang as well. Found an emerging nymph yesterday and placed him with the Magicada. Never thought I would see these two species side by side!!! Its been a great year for cicadas. Now its time for the Tibicens to take over.

Comment by Elias — July 9, 2007 [AT] 8:38 am

Amanda: if it’s a Tibicen cicada, then it’s perfectly normal. Tibicens emerge every year.

Comment by Dan Mozgai — July 3, 2007 [AT] 7:00 am

Apparantly one cicada is confused. We aren’t supposed to have a brood here within a couple of states this year, yet we found one hanging out with the June Bugs tonight. We are just outside Memphis, TN in North Mississippi. Not sure what’s up with that? TN is supposed to have a brood next year, maybe he came up a little early?

Comment by Amanda — July 2, 2007 [AT] 8:47 pm

Here in south Oak Park, Illinois, we just heard our first Annual Cicada, a Tibicen pruinosa singing about 45 minutes before sunset. Last year we heard our first T. pruinosa on June 27, although for several years before that we did not heard them until early July. We have been feeling seriously deprived of Periodical Cicadas in our neighborhood. We have to drive a few miles west, to the Des Plaines River floodplain, to see them in large numbers. At least we seem to be a bit ahead of the game with the Annual Cicadas!
Eric, Ethan, and Aaron Gyllenhaal
Kid’s Cicada Hunt

Comment by Eric Gyllenhaal — June 26, 2007 [AT] 6:12 pm

have there been cicada sightings in elkhorn Wisconsin? i’ll be there for a week and want to know how to prepare.

Comment by Peri — June 16, 2007 [AT] 7:37 pm

Interesting, I haven’t seen or heard(thank God) the little critters, but my man was driving to Tinley Park and while in traffic had the radio up quite a bit. He heards this high pitched sound, turned the radio off rolled the woindow down and he said it was like an invasion of millions of crickets. I laughed because 2 weeks before that I told him :The Cicadas are coming…” lol

Comment by Laurie and Mike — June 15, 2007 [AT] 10:44 pm

There’s plenty of cicadas in California, but they’re annual cicadas — they type that emerge every year in small numbers.

Comment by Dan — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:46 pm

I don’t know what to make of it… this week, here in Santa Barbara, CA, I’ve heard that lovely, shrill singing of the cicadas. Not many of them & haven’t seen any, but I can hear them up in some trees. I travelled extensively through the South and lower Great Lakes in the summer of 2004, so I’m more than familiar with that distinctive sound. I wasn’t aware they lived in southern California, especially right on the coast like this… never have heard them before. Fluke of global warming or something? 🙂

Comment by C. Campbell — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:42 pm

Over Memorial Day weekend we were at Railroad Park Campground, near Castle Crags, just south of Dunsmuir, California. We saw dozens of cicadas molting out of their nymph stage. They were mostly on the site marker posts for the campsites, but were also found on camp chairs, picnic tables and bicycle tires! I got a ton of photos of the emergence of the adults and the expansion and drying of the wings. I would gladly forward photos to someone who could identify the variety.

Comment by Rusty McMillan — June 11, 2007 [AT] 5:35 pm

P.S. SORRY, I LIVE IN CRYSTAL LAKE ILLINOIS.
LAURIE STEWART AGAIN!

Comment by LAURIE L. STEWART — June 11, 2007 [AT] 12:52 pm

HELP!!! I’M JUST TRYING TO FIND A MAP SHOWING WHERE THE CICADAS ARE. I WANT SO TO SEE THE MIRACLE OF THEM IN PROGRESS. I MAY NOT BE HERE IN 17 MORE YEARS. I FIND IT QUITE A SPIRITUAL EVENT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH,

LAURIE STEWART

Comment by LAURIE L. STEWART — June 11, 2007 [AT] 12:51 pm

Timberon, NM — After a brief email conversation with someone from this site, and sending him a photo of one of our local cicadas, it has been determined that the cicadas in the mountains of South Centeral New Mexico are Platapedia. Perhaps the ones in Santa Fe are of the same Genus.

Comment by Scott M. — June 10, 2007 [AT] 5:26 pm

I live in the suburbs around chicago and there were so many cicadas on one of my plants that it became smothered… I CAN’T WAIT FOR THESE GROSS BUGS TO GO BYE-BYE!!!!

Comment by Plant Luver — June 3, 2007 [AT] 11:44 am

I live just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico and about a week and a half ago i was taking a walk in the woods and i noticed holes about an inch in diameter all over the place. I then noticed that they were housing some sort of beetle, but i didn’t know what kind. Well about three days ago i went outside and heard the forest alive with that unmistakable cicada song. The trees were crawling with them. I’ve never seen them this far west before and am wondering what kind they are?

Comment by Antonio mora — June 3, 2007 [AT] 11:16 am

I found thousands of cicadas up and down Chickaloon Drive in McHenry, Illinois. Some are up in the trees, under the trees leaves, and more are hatching as I write!! IT was fantastic and the niose was deafening!

Comment by Kathryn — May 30, 2007 [AT] 5:46 pm

I was camping in the Catskill Mountains of NY State (specifcally at Mongaup Pond in Livingston Manor)this Memorial Day weekend and cicada exoskeletons were all around. I heard they were Chicago area and was surprised to find them. We also had balck flies!!

Comment by Sonya — May 29, 2007 [AT] 8:24 am

My name is Kailey. I am 10 years old and live in Indiana. I just went outside in my backyard and counted 244 cicada moltings. And some live ones too.

Comment by Kailey — May 24, 2007 [AT] 8:49 am

Lake Forest, IL….First Cicada sighting Brood XIII at garden-goddess.blogspot.com

Comment by Carole Brewer — May 14, 2007 [AT] 7:18 am

We have an outdoor wedding planned in Lemont on June 16th. If the cicada’s emerge on May 22nd, what are we in for as far as “uninvited guests” to our wedding.

Comment by tryingtokeepasenseof humor — May 6, 2007 [AT] 10:53 am

Hello everyone. Long time, no see… Just wanted to share sometime indirectly cicada related that you may find of interest. I’m sure if anyone is a gamer, then you’re familiar with one of the most popular games currently on sale. Check out the “GEARS OF WAR” for the Xbox 360. You’ll learn of the big “Emergence Day” event within the game’s storyline. The enemy you’ll be fighting are called “Locusts” that actually come from the bowels of the earth! However, you’ll soon discover that these “Locusts” are not the little critters we know and love. Check it out. You may find if amusing like I did. Plus it is also a really fun game!!!
Check out http://www.gearsofwar.com

Comment by Les Daniels — January 5, 2007 [AT] 3:00 pm

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood XIII | — Dan @ 1:01 am

These questions come from the old General Cicada Questions message board. They are from 2007, so there is a good chance there are Magicicada Brood XIII questions interspersed. The questions and answers are in reverse order. URLs found in comments are old and likely do not work.

Tim,
I know the American species usually last 4 to 6 weeks. Rain won’t kill them, but it will silence them. And Australia doesn’t have 17 year cicadas — you’re just having a particularly hearty crop this year.

Comment by Dan — December 3, 2007 [AT] 9:05 pm

hi,

cicadas have invaded all of our gum trees on our property, it started about 5 days ago they just started up it’s strange because we have never had them before, The sound is horrific and they only stop at night then start up again about 9 am.

I live in Victoria, Australia in the north east and was wondering when will these things die ?
Does rain kill them ?
Am i experiencing a 17 yr cycle thing ?

thank you for your time

Comment by tim — December 3, 2007 [AT] 1:11 am

Hi.

I really new to the realm of cicadas and am really here just to ask a single question (though I have had fun perusing piccies).

I’m in Adelaide, South Australia, to the south of the Adelaide Plain, at the base of the foothills of the Adelaide Hills. For the first time in my memory, this year, we have had an abundance of cicadas of one particular type in the area. Calling from the tree tops in suburbia are these loud single click calls. And there are plenty of them. We’ve even seen a few flying around. The clicks occur all day during warm weather, but increase at dusk during those lovely warm summery evenings we get here.

I tend to associate the sound with coastal sand dunes and tend to think that this is where I’ve heard them before…just never near my house. (I live approximately 3 to 4 miles from the beach).

Now I can give you a pretty lousy description from a chance sighting one afternoon. The cicada we saw was black with orange or red eyes and an orange stripe on its abdomen. Sorry for the vagueness, but it was a chance sighting. If I had anything between my ears I would have grabbed the camera, because the identity of these insects have been bugging me ever since.

Now I’m hoping that someone can poke me in the right direction to identifying this cicada. As far as I can see online, there are very few cicadas in South Australia compared to the other states (Queensland seems to be a noisy place cicada-wise) so I’m hoping the search can be fairly narrow (in a huge family such as this one).

Any help greatly appreciated.

Best wishes,
Gumnut
(determined to discover that bug’s identity)

Comment by Gumnut — November 24, 2007 [AT] 6:29 pm

Sure it is okay for your kid to keep a cicada as a pet, though it won’t last long in captivity.

Comment by Dan — November 21, 2007 [AT] 6:02 am

Is it ok for my mature 12 year old daughter to have a cicada as a pet?

Comment by BJ — November 21, 2007 [AT] 1:31 am

Cicadas and Moonlight—

I too am an observer. Tell me if anyone else noticed that the Cicadas gravitate toward the moonlight when they come out of the ground for their first walk on the surface. The moment they emered from the ground, there was a uniformity, almost like soldiers, when the walked up our hill. The cicadas found on the trees and telephone poles were on the moomlit side…always. Anyone notice this as a pattern?

Comment by lynn — October 12, 2007 [AT] 4:54 pm

Lauren: red this FAQ https://www.cicadamania.com/faq.html#a15

Comment by Dan — September 5, 2007 [AT] 5:17 am

NYC has killed so many insects spraying for “west nile”!

It’s a total scam!

Comment by Billy — September 4, 2007 [AT] 11:42 am

Today I noticed that this is the first year I have not heard one cicada… and I strongly believe that NYC has killed them & alot of other vital insects necessary to our eco system… how can we stop this destructive spraying which is mainly to make money!

Comment by Billy — September 4, 2007 [AT] 11:41 am

My daughter would like to know how the cacada make it’s noise. Thanks

Comment by Lauren — September 4, 2007 [AT] 8:08 am

andyru712: yes, it’s called the New Forest cicada. http://www.ukbap.org.uk/ukplans.aspx?ID=216

Comment by Dan — September 3, 2007 [AT] 8:13 am

please can anyone tell me if england has cicada. i am having trouble finding any info!

Comment by andyru712 — September 3, 2007 [AT] 6:29 am

Some co-workers and I have been marvelling at the buzzing of the cicadas in the small forested area outside of our workplace. We hadn’t actually seen one until the other day when one appeared on the outside of the building. It did not move however and stayed there for three days. I figured it probably died so i nudged it gently with a stick. It fell to the ground where I gave it another poke and it moved its leg. Okay, so it is not dead but probably dying. A day later it was back on the wall. It had traveled about two feet on the ground and three feet up the building. What is it doing? Is it going into some sort of hibernation? For reference it is late August in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thanks

Comment by Ben — August 20, 2007 [AT] 11:23 am

I am noticing a steady decline in the amount of cicada calls I hear daily. Recently they did aerial spraying of pesticides to kill the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. Is it possible that the pesticide is killing the cicadas, or is it normal for them to start dying off in August?

I live in Sacramento, California. Our cicadas seem to be Okanagana-something(rimosa?).

Comment by Phoebe — August 19, 2007 [AT] 1:23 pm

our litte buddies are gonme 🙁 🙁 what an incredible natural event….what a ethereal sound and so harmless…..I will miss them until next time…

Comment by Bill — August 16, 2007 [AT] 9:58 pm

The Cicadas have invaded NJ early according to the charts. These past few weeks we’ve noticed them and also holes in our yard (which we didn’t realize were from them-we thought they might have been moles or the like.) We’ve had enough problems trying to grow grass lately, and now we have these holes…what a mess! We had trees removed last year and I guess they’re feeding on the roots that are left.Looks like we’ll be having a project in the spring fixing up the damage. My dog & I have already hurt ourselves in the ruts. Glad they won’t be around for much longer.

Comment by Carmel — August 15, 2007 [AT] 8:09 am

Debbie — no they won’t hurt your house plants — cicadas like trees.

Comment by Dan — August 15, 2007 [AT] 5:02 am

A cicada landed on my leg on my back porch. I caught it and brought it inside to be able to show my grandkids, but it got away. Will it hurt my house plants? Will it lay eggs in them? I can’t find it anywhere.

Thank you, if you reply. I’ve been searching for someone who may be able to tell me.

Sincerely,

Debbie Nickerson

Comment by Debbie Nickerson — August 14, 2007 [AT] 10:37 pm

Hello, first I’d like to say, I never knew so many people liked Cicada’s. My question is this:

“Are there any rumors or legends about Cicadas?”

In times could they be seen as a bad omen? a good omen?

Comment by Nymph — August 8, 2007 [AT] 8:58 pm

Why hasen’t the editor of this site seen fit to post the news article (submitted & received by editor)that included a photo of the Cicada powered airplane my son & I built & tested?
Also, you might want to read an Internet site on Grasshopper Glacier in Montana & the giant gresshoppers that are found frozen into it!
Dick

Comment by Dick Bolt — August 2, 2007 [AT] 9:21 am

Hey Scott,
The photo on the front page are individual eggs taken from a small eggnest in an ash tree branch. Apparently cicada eggs get moisture from the live branches because these took about a week to dry up after being removed.

Thanks,
Roy

Comment by Roy troutman — July 28, 2007 [AT] 5:18 am

Are the eggs in the photo shown on your website indivdiaul egges, or is each one a sac/cluster of eggs?
Thanks for a great website!

Comment by Scott Williams — July 24, 2007 [AT] 1:00 pm

Hey…i have one of these little gems …i have the shell…and the bug…I live in Ontario Canada….Hamilton…
I am 45 years old…and have never seen one…im thrilled to finaly see what all the fuss is about!!

Comment by Nancy — July 21, 2007 [AT] 6:45 pm

Cicada Mania: I just wanted to say thanks and ask you one question is the magicicadas the cicadas that only come to north america?
– Thanks in advance,
Courtney.

Comment by Courtney — July 16, 2007 [AT] 10:31 am

Alex:
You found a magicicada over there? I could hear but not see any and didn’t find any exit holes; nothing. Just heard the singing, re-re-re-re-re-reeeeeee.

I live not too far from there and we have had the same type for about a week or two now. I’m enjoying the singing! =O)

Comment by Caerann — July 13, 2007 [AT] 9:46 am

Hey John,
What you ae seeing is the damage done by cicada females that have laid their eggs into each branch. They use a sharp needle like appendage called an ovipositor that will cut into a twig & deposit eggs. The act of piercing a branch will weaken the structure & sometimes stop the flow of sap causing broken branches & browned leaves.

Hope this helps, Roy T.

Comment by Roy Troutman — July 10, 2007 [AT] 1:40 pm

All the trees in our area, and we are next to a forest preserve, have large tips turned brown and are dead. The large dead branches fall from the trees onto the street and lawns, this especially during the storm of yesterday.
Some say the cicada have sucked the sap from these tips. What, in fact, is causing the tips to die like this?

Comment by John Powers — July 10, 2007 [AT] 8:41 am

Seems like the Kimball/Elston area is a late bloomer, huh. I found a lone one on the sidewalk near Kimball and Montrose today. Scurried up my arm looking for a place to emerge from it’s shell.

Put it in a fish tank with climbing twigs, and just as I finished it’s home the little thing checked out the branches and found one to settle on. It immediately began emerging.

Wow. I spent the last couple of hours watching it’s transformation.

Nature is wonderful. This is what life is about!

Now I must find a safe place with other cicadas so the cycle can continue.

Who still have some in their yard? Want another?

Comment by Alex — July 7, 2007 [AT] 8:59 pm

They are still plentiful and very active in Blue Star Memorial Forest Preserves on Lake Avenue in Glenview as of today, July 3rd. They seem to be a later group than those in Schiller Woods as there are barely any dead bodies in the Glenview preserve. Hurray!!!! Had much fun playing with the little darlings. =0)

Comment by Caerann — July 3, 2007 [AT] 2:21 pm

Is it possible our 17 Year friends are just emerging in the city near Kimball and Elston? I heard but didn’t see some kind of cicadas today, July 2nd in 3 or 4 very tall trees.

Cheerio then.

Comment by Caerann — July 2, 2007 [AT] 7:44 pm

I found a bug on the sidewalk in my backyard this evening, and it caught my attention b/c it looked just like a cicada. I thought they only came out every 17 years, stayed for a while, then died off. He was huge! Bigger than the average bettle and he was just slowly walking around. He seemed to be following the flashlight as we stared at him in aww. He looked very old didn’t appear to have any wings. Is it normal for them to still be around since the last time they were here? And if so, do they loose their wings and just walk around?

Comment by Briana — June 29, 2007 [AT] 9:15 pm

hey i am a student going into 9th grade and i have to find 6 legged bugs and if i get a rare one i will get an A+ and i think they will be around for a lil while longer

Comment by randie potter — June 29, 2007 [AT] 4:34 pm

I’m in Oak lawn and have only spotted a small handful of cicada’s by my house and it was only for one day.We had a storm that was blowing in from the south all day last week on tuesday the 20th and that’s the only time they were here.I took pictures,held them,and was just excited to see them again.I was only 4 years old the first time I experienced them way back in 1973 at Brookfield Zoo and at that time I was horrified of them.Now at 38 I’m fascinated by them but have to travel to other areas to find them.Does anyone know if more will emerge in Oak Lawn before they are gone?

Comment by Bob — June 28, 2007 [AT] 7:36 pm

I was surprized to see an cicada in Lillooet British Columbia this year, I never seen one before but maybe they could have been here all the time…. I would think i would have noticed them before as it was pretty big 26mm long. I have pictures and I will try and post at least one on this site.

Comment by Randy James — June 27, 2007 [AT] 10:43 am

I live in central Oak Park. I walked around the neighborhood on Memorial Day weekend several times in order to determine whether the nymphs were emerging. I saw one newly emerged adult cicada on 25 May on 200 block of N. Kenilworth-and then nothing for a couple of weeks. Now, in the past two weeks, I’ve seen quite a few cicadas-mostly confined to the parks, though-just a few in the neighborhoods. I wonder why the late-emergence here in Oak Park? River Forest and Maywood lie immediately to the west and they’ve had them for some time-now rapidly dying off. I think cicadas are fascinating as bugs go but I can empathize with folks who have to deal with that constant buzzing.

Comment by Rick — June 27, 2007 [AT] 8:44 am

Cathy,
Do a Google Image search “Cicadas Eggs”. There are a bunch of photos.

Comment by Lucy — June 26, 2007 [AT] 8:39 am

Many of the trees near me have brown leaves. I have read it’s because the females have laid eggs in those branches but why would the leaves turn brown? Do the eggs kill the tree branches? I would love to see a picture of the eggs in a branch but can’t seem to find one.

Comment by Cathy — June 23, 2007 [AT] 4:45 pm

Are all of the cicadas out or are there any areas that are still waiting for them to come out?

Comment by Peggy — June 20, 2007 [AT] 3:35 pm

Some of you will be happy. I just came back from the Lagrange woods. As I turned from joliet rd onto Lagrange rd, there was nothing but silence. I drove through the entrance into the woods, and to my surprise, there were only a few pockets in the woods, where the cicadas were still singing. There were many on the ground that were dying. I actually had 1 cicada drop on the hood of my car backwards on his back. I did try to turn him over on his feet so he could fly away, but he could not even stand. But the whole time he was watching me as if to say thanks for trying. Remember,we are ALL Gods creatures.

Comment by rob — June 20, 2007 [AT] 12:37 pm

Jill — Gerry Bunker says “An aggregation of cicadas.”

Comment by Dan — June 19, 2007 [AT] 1:42 pm

I know this group of cicadas are known as Brood XIII, but do groups of cicadas have a name like “gaggle of geese”, “murder of crows”, “pack of dogs”, etc.?

Comment by Jill — June 19, 2007 [AT] 12:34 pm

Living in the western suburbs near Lombard, cicada heaven. Work near Elmhurst, more cicado heaven.

Any idea when they will be gone? I am tired of running to the car and avoiding outside. I’ve had them landing in my food, on my shoulders, hit me in the eyes. I don’t mind the yearly ones, since they seem to stay in the trees.

Any idea? I know they are a wonder of nature, but enough already.

Comment by LL — June 18, 2007 [AT] 11:25 pm

In most places, the cicadas will die off by early July. The southernmost Illinois populations are already beginning to wane.

Comment by Dave Marshall — June 18, 2007 [AT] 8:52 pm

Is there any way I can get rid of these things? I own a 16 acre area in Wisconsin, and nearly all of it but our large yard is trees. Swarms of them make noises so loud I find it impossible to go outside because I get horrible headaches, and they swarm all over when I am out. How long until they naturally leave the aera (south WI)?

Comment by frank — June 18, 2007 [AT] 12:54 pm

I was amazed when a 17 year cicada landed on my leg. I have not seen any cicada’s in St. John until today, June 17, 2007

Comment by Sherry G. — June 17, 2007 [AT] 5:17 pm

At our Cub Scout Webelos overnighter, my son decided to spear, roast and eat a cicada. He told the other boys that it tasted like peanut butter. This encouraged other scouts to try them, including one boy who put one on a smore and ate it.

Comment by Colleen Gammon — June 17, 2007 [AT] 12:45 pm

Are female cicada’s bigger then male’s?

Comment by Diane — June 15, 2007 [AT] 5:08 pm

how long have the 17 year cicada been around northern illinois doing their ‘cycling’?

Comment by mike t — June 15, 2007 [AT] 1:20 pm

Just Arrived I live in Berwyn,il. There were none at all until today June 14 flag day. I travel these roads everyday,but today I was surpised when driving right by mcneal hospital,I saw several fly past. Then you could hear them. They are not as loud as in other areas, but I think they got a late start because it was so quiet.So this may extend their welcome far past july 1st.If Svengoulie reads these messages, then maybe he will do a show on Cicadas in Berwyn.

Comment by rob — June 14, 2007 [AT] 2:16 pm

WHEN WILL THEY BE GONE? So many people have asked and no answers. I’ve heard everything from 3 weeks to 10 weeks. It’s a total nightmare where I live and causes me great anxiety.

Comment by Cathy — June 14, 2007 [AT] 6:47 am

Patty,
Try this link. It shows maps where they’ve been sighted:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/broadband/chi-cicada-map-html,0,1315785.htmlstory

Comment by Lucy — June 14, 2007 [AT] 5:36 am

I am in Aurora IL and have not seen a single cicada! I’m looking for an emergence map that shows abundant sightings as close to home as possible … Any suggestions?

Comment by Patty — June 13, 2007 [AT] 8:18 pm

When will they stop flying?!? I am fine with them cozied up in their trees but I can’t wear a windbreaker, hood pulled tight, for another 90 degree day. I think they’re cool and I like looking at them and learning about them, but… how many more days someone give me a countdown for my own state of mind. By the way… I live in Lombard (emerged May 21 in force in my yard) and I work in Hinsdale (cicada mecca) I need a break. Thanks and buzz on boys, buzz on.

Comment by Jenny — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:42 pm

Perhaps with so many cicadas overcrowding certain trees, they move away from the competition to have a chance to get noticed and get the girl, so to speak. Who knows?

Comment by Lucy — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:37 pm

Thanks Lucy. That’s what I was thinking too. It’s just weird. It seems more than just wind-blown randomness. There’s a lot, but not hordes. Almost like they’re purposely migrating. And I’m noticing increasing amounts everyday. At a time where I expected them to be dying, they seem pretty lively overhere all of the sudden. Thanks for responding.

Comment by Dan — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:28 pm

I watched the “Return of the Cicadas” documentary a few weeks ago, and it said they can be blown around by strong winds/rain. We had a couple of really windy days a week of so ago; maybe some ended up in trees away from where they were “born? Or maybe they move to trees that are not so conjested. Just a guess.

Comment by Lucy — June 13, 2007 [AT] 4:12 pm

I work in Wheaton and live in Aurora. Both locations are ‘newer’ developments, where I didn’t expect to see Cicadas. Only since June 11th, have I started seeing/hearing Cicadas. I now see them constantly at work and they are buzzing in the trees all over by my house, and everywhere in between. I know they did not ’emerge’ here, but alas, here they are. I thought they didn’t fly very far. I’m wondering if anyone has any thoughts as to how/why they’ve arrived seemingly everywhere I go now. Any know?

P.S. I will miss them when they’re gone.

Comment by Dan — June 13, 2007 [AT] 3:59 pm

I just came back from the lagrange ill forest preserves. While I was driving down lagrange rd, I decided to turn in to the forest preserves. Although while driving in the area it was very loud,it was almost like a horror movie on tv when I turned into the woods.There must be millons in the woods.I plan on going back several times to hear and see this part of nature.I suggest if you can,go see and hear for yourself.It is truly a remakable part of nature and earth.PS dont be afraid because they are not.

Comment by rob — June 13, 2007 [AT] 1:05 pm

When is the madness going to end?? I have dead cicadas all over my patio and sidewalks yet there seem to be three times as many flying around then before. Everytime I leave my house and walk, more like run to my car I have to go through swarms of cicadas. For those of you who keep complaining about not seeing any you would have a different viewpoint if you had to live with it everyday and have fly into your face, hair, grocery bags, car, etc..

Comment by Kelli — June 13, 2007 [AT] 9:07 am

i just finally saw some cicadas in my neighborhood not to many but the sound was loud from what i heard i did not see them come out of the ground are they just flying near my house or are they getting a late start on it cause i heard they should be starting to die off soon

Comment by kev — June 12, 2007 [AT] 7:48 pm

I live on the North Side of Ottawa, Illinois, and I’ve seen only one cicada! He [or she] was on the ground on the side of my house. Marseilles, on the other hand, is full of them! I am so jealous. Where are they? Will we even get them here, or what? I’m not completely sure if there are cicadas on the other sides of Ottawa, though. I’ve heard the answer is no. Anyone enlighten me?

Comment by Courtney — June 12, 2007 [AT] 9:50 am

hey this rebecca i just wanted to know how long do cicadas live?

Comment by rebecca — June 11, 2007 [AT] 10:35 pm

I am so jealous of all the folks that have cicadas in their town. Wheaton has virtually none. I feel so left out. We actually went to Glen Ellyn to import some to our trees. I’m so sad…

Comment by Kirsten — June 11, 2007 [AT] 8:39 pm

at camp i saw a bout 1 thousang ciadas on one tree, it’s crasy

Comment by megan — June 11, 2007 [AT] 6:42 pm

at camp i saw a bout 1 thousang ciadas on one tree, it;s crasy

Comment by megan — June 11, 2007 [AT] 6:42 pm

Can Cicadas be born, well, mutaded like siamese twins? like a 2 headed cicada? or born without wings or somthin. or 15 legs??

Comment by Elijah — June 9, 2007 [AT] 8:16 pm

Jordan — I keep hearing they should be gone by July 4th.

Comment by Andie — June 9, 2007 [AT] 9:42 am

A couple more weeks.

Comment by Dan — June 9, 2007 [AT] 9:39 am

i live in Illinois. how long will the cicadas be around?

Comment by jordan cin — June 9, 2007 [AT] 9:37 am

I have a bunch of dead cicadas on my patio. Are these cicadas dead from other causes or are they the ones who have already mated? How long does it take for a cicada to die after it mates? I really, really hate these things but on the other hand I feel they should really live it up since it’s the last few weeks of their lives!

Comment by Andie — June 9, 2007 [AT] 6:09 am

Patti — they certainly don’t like cold, and torrential rains pouring into their holes. I hope they make it up to Milwaukee.

Comment by Dan — June 8, 2007 [AT] 10:10 am

Hey Cicada Guy — Love the website. I check it daily here at my corporate headquarters. We are so anxious for the cicadas to hit our town (Milwaukee). We had wicked weather last night. Heavy rains, winds and tornados all around us in the suburbs. Do you think this will keep the cicadas from visiting us? Is is possible they can die off before they ever get a chance to live?

Comment by Patti — June 8, 2007 [AT] 6:23 am

Put them up on Flickr!

Comment by Dan — June 8, 2007 [AT] 4:48 am

i have great pictures about cicada, i want to share them, how can i do that here?

Comment by Merci Yangco — June 7, 2007 [AT] 9:05 pm

It is just past dusk and I just returned from inspecting the fence pickets in my back yard. In years past the annual cicadas have used the pickets as much as the trees to pop out of their shells. But, alas, still no activity in northeast Oak Park. All the conditions for emergence have been met including temperature, moisture and expediency (time is running out). Does anyone know if the subterranean nymphs sometimes bump into one another down there and actually communicate? Might they be saying “two more days to D-Day” (actually yesterday June 6) or “the big break is tonight, pack your bags”?

Comment by Joseph Brady — June 7, 2007 [AT] 7:04 pm

I need to record the sound of cicadas somewhere near New York City, ideally somewhere accessible from public transportation. Any suggestions on where to do this?

Thanks.

Comment by Tom — June 7, 2007 [AT] 6:51 pm

I LIVE IN AN OLDER WOODED AREA IN ALGONQUIN IL…HAVENT SEEN 1 CICADA YET…WHATS THE DEAL ?

Comment by JAMES — June 7, 2007 [AT] 3:08 pm

We had a great emergence of Cicadas on our property in Midlothian on 5/23-24, but today 6/7, there appears to be a second emergence greater than the first! Scads of them on the trees and VERY active in the air. I know they are affected by tempurature and it’s hot today, but there are more cicadas today than in the last 3 weeks. Does anyone know what’s up?

Comment by Colleen — June 7, 2007 [AT] 2:21 pm

I too am terrified of them. I have daily panic attacks becuase they are EVERYWHERE. I live in Brookfield where they seem to live too. Can you tell me when this madness will end? Also, when will I stop seeing new ones? I cant handle it much longer. Though I found out if my fiance turns the sprinkler on….I can run to my car and I havnet been nailed yet.

Please, when will they stop?

Comment by Sue — June 7, 2007 [AT] 8:54 am

Do we have an end date for these little buggers? I’m terrified of this whole “phenomenon.” I live in a wooded area and there are massive amounts. They are all over the sidewalks, the trees right outside my door, my car etc. They fly and land on me, I’m having anxiety attacks, this is a nightmare.

Comment by Andie — June 7, 2007 [AT] 8:12 am

This morning on my way to work, i was driving with my window half way open, when all of a sudden i feel something hit me on the head. I looked to the backseat and happened to find a Cicada. The little fracker hit me on da head! lol….

Comment by Miguel A. Beltran — June 6, 2007 [AT] 4:22 pm

Depends on how old the plumb tree is. Older trees do just fine — in fact fruit trees are know to produce more fruit the following year after a cicada emergence.

Comment by Dan Mozgai — June 6, 2007 [AT] 3:17 pm

Texas, and most states, get annual cicadas every year. Texas has plenty of cicadas.

Comment by Dan Mozgai — June 6, 2007 [AT] 3:16 pm

In my Mothers’ purple leave plum tree there are little holes in straight lines going around the trunk and up several of the larger branches, are these cicadas, and will they kill the tree, if so how can we stop them? My Mother and Father planted that tree when we were small, now he’s gone and we are grown, she would hate to lose the tree

Comment by cassandra riddell — June 6, 2007 [AT] 3:03 pm

Here in South Texas, we comment about cicadas every summer. I saw what I thought was one a couple of days ago, but it doesn’t look like the cicadas I’ve seen on this site, and since they arrive every summer without fail, I am wondering whether or not they truly are cicadas. What can you tell me about their occurrence in South Texas, specifically San Antonio?

Comment by Christine — June 6, 2007 [AT] 1:57 pm

I BELIEVE IF THEY ARE NOT OUT YET I THINK THEY ARE NOT COMING

Comment by JOE PEPETONE — June 6, 2007 [AT] 8:51 am

As of June 5, I have only seen one cicada shell on my daily run throughout Northeast Oak Park. I mistakenly thought the full moon would pull them out, but I was wrong. In the last few days it has been either too cold or too rainy. Why OP is two weeks behind the western burbs and one week behind the north shore, I do not know. Maybe it is the collective concentration of people in Oak Park trying to will them into action. Then again, it may be Oak Park’s heavy clay soil that I suspect may be providing a cooler than ideal 64 degree emergence trigger. These are all just guesses.

Comment by Joseph Brady — June 5, 2007 [AT] 7:04 pm

THe cicadas emerged Sunday evening May 27th in our backyard in Glenview. We could see them come out of the grass and watch as the grass moved with them. We watched them crawl up anything including my leg as they began their ascent. It was truly amazing to see them crack their shells an transform before our eyes. THe next morning HUNDREDS were on hostas, tree trunks, fence posts, our deck. They crawled and practiced short flights. This ritual continues even tonight, eight nights later. The numbers may be slightly fewer but all in all, we can’t believe SO many keep appearing!!!!!!!

Comment by Sharon TIerney — June 4, 2007 [AT] 8:11 pm

Cicadas are prone to fungal infections. Sometimes the fungus expands until the abdomen falls off. I’ve seen walking cicada heads quite a few times. Male abdomens are also pretty much hollow, so that makes the situation more likely.

Comment by Dan Mozgai — June 4, 2007 [AT] 7:48 am

We were at The Grove in Glenview this past Saturday with our kids. We found about a dozen cicadas in the same location without bodies, just heads. They were alive and walking, and they were fully coordinated. I’m not talking about muscle twitches after an insect it killed, I’m talking fully alive cicadas walking with full motor coordination. They might have been able to fly, too, although I didn’t see them fly. They looked perfectly healthy and their wings were flawless, but they had no abdoman or thorax at all. We asked the experts at The Grove. They said that they had never seen cicadas like that, and said it must be a mutation of some sort. To me it didn’t look like they were born without bodies, and it didn’t look like an animal or insect ripped the bodies off because the wings were not torn up. It looked like they had simply dropped their bodies. You could see into their heads through their necks. There was dried light brown stuff that sealed the neck hole. The hole looked identical in all of the cicadas we found. Does anyone know if this is indeed a mutation or something else…perhaps a disease or parasite that makes the bodies fall off?

Comment by Amy Warlick — June 4, 2007 [AT] 6:27 am

Sugar Grove Il here,
about 40 miles west of Chicago. I have not seen a single cicada as of yet. Even went to the forest preserve [bliss woods] not a darn cicada in sight. Are they not coming? I was planning on serving them to my inlaws for dinner this weekend, hee.. hee!

Comment by Deb — June 1, 2007 [AT] 11:43 am

Hey…um….Buster, just wait until the cicadas die off in a few weeks. You will get plenty of stinky “cicada mulch” then. BTW if anyone on the board fishes the nymphs are great fish bait. The kids & I caught a few dozen catfish with them several years back.

Comment by Roy troutman — June 1, 2007 [AT] 11:18 am

IF THEY ARE NOT AROUND BY NOW DOES THAT MEAN THEY ARE NOT COMING TO MY AREA

Comment by JOE PEPETONE — June 1, 2007 [AT] 9:36 am

Dan:
I wrote a couple of days ago, thanks for your comment regarding cicadas in Texas. You said Texas does not have 13/17-year, can you tell what species (Dallas), problem being our condo has an open (wrought iron gate) facing a creek, one can literally hear right through the garage area up 2-3 levels, sounds coming through walls, earphones do not work. My reposed question, isn’t it unusual to hear 24/7? Also, how long before these non-13/17-hear species cease noise (most always hot, as you know, in Texas)…thanks again.

Comment by Pat — June 1, 2007 [AT] 7:19 am

I don’t get it. I live in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. The neighborhood is loaded with Cicadas. I went to the Forest Preserve (untouched for 40 years) and not one. Why?

Comment by Mitch — June 1, 2007 [AT] 7:15 am

I live in Roscoe (on the Wisconsin border, north of Rockford) and we have thousands and thousands of cicadas. We do live in the woods with many older oak trees. There is probably a 2 to 3 inch ring of “cicada mulch” around most of the trees, not to mention the driveway will need to be shoveled soon. The kids & dog are having a blast.

BH

Comment by Buster Hymen — May 31, 2007 [AT] 2:24 pm

I live in the south end of Glenview Illinois and there are 10′s of thousands of ciadias around our house. Not as many on the east side of our street as on the west side and even a few blocks away there are very few. It’s worse for us this time than last. The neighbors tree has so many at the base, that you could shovel them up into a small bucket. They are crawling up anything mostly dark… but even lighter objects, too. They seem to be selective where they choose to sit. Our two evergreen shrubs in front have few, while the small baby evergreen tree only 10 feet away is packed with the bugs on every spare spot. They started popping out a few days ago. So, I think they’ll be other reports coming soon from northern Illinois.

Comment by diane — May 31, 2007 [AT] 11:38 am

My blog below is about Cicada Powered air planes, not paper cicada look-ah-like planes!

Comment by Dick Bolt — May 31, 2007 [AT] 9:51 am

I like Cicadas. We had them here (Eastern MD) in 2004.None reported in Western MD as I remember.
I & my son built cicada powered air planes & got into the local newspapers with photo. I did engine tests (throwing cicadas forward to see if they flew & how hard)first & had kids collecting for me and working as if a science fair was going on. As I remember, females flew down & males flew up when released. So I chose only male engines. I built several 1 engine & two engine planes. Planes were from dollar store balsa cheep.I super glued the engines to the wings! I never got much out of flights. I guess if your but was glued to a board, you would not want to fly either! As I will not be alive next time around in 15 yrs, it might be another to hitch them correctly to fly! It was done with house flys, so why not cicadas.
*** in Bowie MD

PS, I have photos stored from 2004 somewhere.

Comment by Dick Bolt — May 31, 2007 [AT] 9:29 am

cicads are some wired creatuures!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Myarra — May 30, 2007 [AT] 11:23 am

I wish cicadas were flooding my front porch! I haven’t seen one yet!

Comment by Anna in plainfield — May 30, 2007 [AT] 8:22 am

As of 5-29 at 12 noon no sightings yet on ten hundred block of Mapleton. Not many in the general area either, but pockets in River Forest.

Wednesday and Thursday will be the big days. The attraction of the moon, big right now, but full as can be on Thursday (5-31)may play a big part, but also may be a coincidence.

What do you think?

Have counted 2 to 3 mud patch holes per sq ft in between bricks on patio. But maybe these are from real big worms.

Comment by joseph brady — May 29, 2007 [AT] 10:43 am

Is it true that there are no cicadas, annual or otherwise, native to the Pacific Northwest?

Comment by Melanie Wilson — May 29, 2007 [AT] 9:24 am

I live in Huntley, IL and I have not seen one cicada yet!!
I am very sad becasue my daughter is 2.5 years old — the same age I was at my first Cicada year in 1973ish — Does any one know if they will be coming to McHenry Co??

Comment by Karen L — May 29, 2007 [AT] 8:11 am

Cicadas are flooding my front porch. Can anyone tell me of their dislikes. Something I can use to prevent them from infesting my home.

Comment by Cheryl Ferguson — May 29, 2007 [AT] 5:40 am

Wildlife should be seen, heard, but not fed by humans.

Comment by Dan — May 28, 2007 [AT] 9:07 am

Actually, Lake Michigan is probably cleaner than it used to be. In the past few years the gulls have moved inland. They can probably find more food in parking lots and garbage dumps than by Lake Michigan. I’ve even seen people feeding them in the parking lots. That’s probably why they are more abundant in the neighborhoods this year than 17 years ago.

Comment by Sue — May 28, 2007 [AT] 8:52 am

Texas doesn’t have periodic/17/13 year cicadas, but you do have other species. They should be making their presence heard soon enough if the weather stays hot.

Comment by Dan — May 28, 2007 [AT] 12:07 am

Are cicadas hitting Texas this year? If so, are these the 13-year or 17-year brood? Have never heard them here before. The noise has been truly incessant today, especially (hot, muggy) after recent storm. Have heard for the past two weeks (24/7), please advise your prediction how much longer before noise may cease, and isn’t it unusual to hear 24/7? Thanks.

Comment by Pat — May 27, 2007 [AT] 11:39 pm

I wonder why the gulls aren’t haging out by the lake? Maybe the lake is so polluted now, that they have to go inland for food — unfortunately for the cicadas.

Comment by Dan — May 27, 2007 [AT] 10:38 pm

The cicadas have been out in my neighborhood for a week now. We have had an enormous number of seagulls coming and eating them. Flocks of sometimes 50 gulls and more come down the street stopping to devour whatever they can. I know there were not this many gulls 17 years ago. Will this increase in the gull population affect the number of cicadas 17 years from now?

Comment by Sue — May 27, 2007 [AT] 5:57 pm

That’s a good question. They lay their eggs in the branches of trees. The females have an instrument called a terebra that that they use to dig out a slit in the branch and that’s where they lay their eggs. The eggs hatch and the cicada larvae flop to the ground, and start burrowing. They don’t die from the fall because they have a low terminal velocity — like cats and other small creatures.

The egg laying in the branches is what kills the branches.

Comment by Dan — May 26, 2007 [AT] 3:56 pm

You have a great site. I found it very informative.

I have been trying to find out where they lay their eggs? Do they climb trees to eat, then return to the ground to bury their eggs? Or are the eggs left in the trees and the larvae crawl down and into the ground?

I aplogize if you answered this question already. I looked and looked and looked and didn’t see anything about this.

Thank you.
Von

Comment by Von — May 26, 2007 [AT] 3:36 pm

kgmoney1 [AT] aol.com

Please don’t kill cicadas in order to find out if they’re sick. There’s plenty of dead ones lying around, you could dissect those instead.

Comment by Mike — May 25, 2007 [AT] 12:12 pm

I went out to my car and found a baby cicada sitting on the trunk. So i let it crawl on my finger and brought in side.

Comment by anita — May 25, 2007 [AT] 8:45 am

My husband and I were in Lombard a couple of days ago and saw many Cicada holes and a couple of live ones. I am out in Carol Stream and live behind a park and pond with many old tree, but not a single Cicada or even a hole yet from what I have seen. I am starting to doubt if we are going to get them in Carol Stream at all. I hope we do, I have been telling my daughter about it for weeks. Anyone know of an emeregence in Carol Stream or if they even emerge here at all?

Comment by Jess — May 24, 2007 [AT] 2:36 pm

Hi everybody,
I am a college student doing research on the 17 year cicada. I am trying to find out if the cicadas are parasitized by anything like pin worms, nematodes, or anything like that. I have collected some nymphs and dissected them to see if I can find any parasites. I have not found anything yet, but I plan to catch some adults as soon as they emerge. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about cicadas and parasites. If you do anything that may be able to help my research please send me an e-mail at kgmoney1 [AT] aol.com Thanks to all and have fun with the cicadas.

Comment by Kenny Glassman — May 24, 2007 [AT] 1:53 pm

I live in deerfield Illinois. I was walking around looking for cicada shells (in my yard) to look at in my microscope when I heard a buzzing noise. I looked over and saw a upside down cicada flapping its wings like crazy. I picked it up on a stick and took it over to a tree. Immediately, it started crawling up the tree until I couldn’t see it, so I climbed up myself (I made sure not to step on any other cicadas). Then, I saw it stop at nearly the top of the tree and then started laying its eggs! It was so cool!

Comment by Ethan — May 23, 2007 [AT] 6:15 pm

why do they come into certain areas? I haven’t seen any yet in my niegborhood but I know they are there.

Comment by Katie — May 23, 2007 [AT] 5:58 pm

why do they come into certain areas? I haven’t seen any yet in my niegborhood but I know they are there.

Comment by Katie — May 23, 2007 [AT] 5:58 pm

We’re aware of cicada in Arizona, but people rarely ask about them or contribute content, so there isn’t much mention on the site. You might disagree, but they aren’t as exciting as periodic cicadas. There is some Arizona info buried on the site, including this link http://bugs.bio.nau.edu/hom*optera/azhom*optera.htm
that lists dozens of species with pictures.

Comment by Dan — May 23, 2007 [AT] 4:49 am

I live west of Phoenix in Arizona in the desert. There is no mention of cicadas here even though we definately have the cicada visits. Annually.

Can you tell me why they don’t mention any in Arizona?

Their verticle burrow holes are very noticeable. Along with their music.

Our trees did suffer quite a bit of damage the last couple of years from them. My brother lost a number of small ones, where ours were larger ones. There are many trees here in the desert(palo verdes) for them.

I do not wish the cicadas any harm, but it you have a tree you would like to save from harm, I found a method that works. At the area where the bark is disturbed and sap is flowing, I use a stick to scrape of as much as possible. I then spray the area with a spray paint. The cicadas or other insects do not return to the spot and the tree is saved.

Thank you!

Comment by Lisa Bilinski — May 23, 2007 [AT] 12:09 am

I’ve never heard of them damaging conifers, but if they’re desperate enough, they might.

It’s safe to mow. The emergence in Michigan should be minimal.

Comment by Dan — May 22, 2007 [AT] 5:47 pm

Maybe 100 decibels or so.

Comment by Dan — May 22, 2007 [AT] 5:46 pm

how loud are they? like all of them together not just one?

Comment by Jenna — May 22, 2007 [AT] 4:26 pm

i live in the corner of southwest michigan, but have been out of state for a week. when i go home, the lawn is going to need tending- is it safe for me to mow? will i disturb 17 year cicadas beneath my lawn? will i harm them or start a swarm? when is it safest to mow?

Comment by kayla — May 21, 2007 [AT] 9:28 pm

Can Cicadas damage smaller conifers, or is it only small deciduous trees that we need to protect?

Comment by Angie — May 21, 2007 [AT] 7:42 pm

Cicadas drink tree fluids, and they do metamorphize. The final stage (instar) of their metamorphosis is called imagination, which is when the nymph becomes the adult (imago).

Comment by Dan — May 21, 2007 [AT] 5:31 pm

What do cicadas eat?
Do they have metamorphisis?

Comment by hailey — May 21, 2007 [AT] 4:32 pm

Hello Kristina,
I have a decent sound byte you can use of a Magicicada cassini. I also have cicadas chorusing but don’t have good recordings of the other 2 species. e-mail me [AT] sbpstudios [AT] gmail.com.

Comment by Roy Troutman — May 15, 2007 [AT] 1:20 pm

My 7 year old is doing a project on cicadas for his 1st grade class. Is there a good sound byte of the cicada “songs” that he can play?

Comment by Kristina — May 15, 2007 [AT] 11:51 am

Hi Matt –

The key words in that text are “serious noise”. There will still be cicada sound after the choruses start to decline, perhaps still loud by many standards. It will be more like a month (after things first get loud) before things seem normal again. Those words are only a rough estimate.

It really depends on where you are too, in part because the chorusing centers tend to slowly shift location. If you get stuck with a really dense Magicicada cassini chorus in your backyard, in a tree right outside your favorite window, it will be longer than average before things seem quiet again.

Comment by David Marshall — May 14, 2007 [AT] 8:45 am

I’ve seen one specific reference about how long the cicada Brood XIII noise will last only 2 weeks (even though the cicadas may be around for longer than that). Can someone confirm? I’d like to know if the noise lasts longer or shorter so I can make travel plans, because the noise will drive me nuts after the novelty of it wears off.

Here’s the reference:

http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/michigan_cicadas/Periodical/magiFAQ.html

and an excerpt:

“How long will the cicadas be out in my yard/neighborhood/city?

About 4-6 weeks after they first start emerging. Most individual cicadas live only a few weeks, but since they emerge over a period of two weeks or so the whole event lasts longer. The serious noise will get going about a week and half after you first notice them and will last about two weeks more. After that things get a lot quieter.”

Comment by Matt — May 11, 2007 [AT] 5:14 pm

Do you know exactly the next emmergence or brood of magicicada in Illinois? Is it about 25 of May or later..
Thanks a lot for your answer

Comment by Gerard — May 3, 2007 [AT] 7:39 am

are you supposed to paint the exterior of your home during the cicadas? Will they spoil the paint job by attaching to the house? I would so appreciate an answer to this question!

Comment by iz reidy — April 30, 2007 [AT] 3:37 pm

They’ll aerate the areas around the trees, so you could still have the non-shaded areas done.

Comment by Dan — April 25, 2007 [AT] 2:13 pm

I was thinking of having my yard aerated this year, but since this is the year for cicada’s in my area, I wonder if I still need to. Will they do a good job of aerating the soil or should I hire someone to do this for me? Will this damage them if I do decide to aerate?

Comment by Beth in Chicago — April 25, 2007 [AT] 1:45 pm

My 10-year-old daughter has chosen the periodic cicadas as her school project subject. What she plans to do is attempt to calculate the number of cicadas that will emerge in our town. I am helping her with her math model, but she/we need a little help.

She needs to find the average number of cicadas that live under a single tree and a single bush. Also, the survival rates during the 17-year dormancy.

Any information source for this would be greatly appreciated.

Comment by scott johnson — April 24, 2007 [AT] 12:16 pm

Sir,
We intend to visit Chicago during June 2007. Please let us know whether we can joy our stay there? Whither Cicadas affect our stay & feel discomfort?
r.srinivasaraaghavan

Comment by R.SRINIVASARAAGHAVAN — April 17, 2007 [AT] 6:05 pm

the cicada is a japanes bug.

Comment by khalid — April 17, 2007 [AT] 8:53 am

I had a large tree removed down to the roots about 8 years ago. Will the cicadas still come out of the ground and, if so, where will they go?

Comment by Joe — April 10, 2007 [AT] 10:41 am

It’s 2 months away…we’re about to be hit in June with the 17 year breed here in the Chicago area. I plan to take many pictures and post them on http://www.seventeenyearcicada.com
This will be the third time I can remember seeing these creatures (I was four years old the first time and can’t recall 🙂
So stay tuned.

Comment by John — March 31, 2007 [AT] 3:55 pm

False alarm on cicadas in Fayetteville,NC. I went over to see what I could find, and it turned out to be thousands of frogs mating.

Comment by Laura — March 25, 2007 [AT] 9:51 am

March 25, 2007
I am in Fayetteville, NC and last night the buzz/chirping started across the lake. I’m walking over today to see if I can spot some cicadas.

Comment by Laura — March 25, 2007 [AT] 7:52 am

I have found in March 2007 a died couple (M & F) of cicada from the root of plant in desert of Thar(Pakistan)
http://www.colourthrophy.8m.com
rehman_azeemi [AT] yahoo.com

Comment by Anjum — March 22, 2007 [AT] 3:22 pm

hello all 5 pieces cicadas of 2 speces are avail able for reserchers contect rehman_azeemi [AT] yahoo.com

Anjum

Comment by Anjum — March 22, 2007 [AT] 3:15 pm

Cold blooded. All insects are cold blooded.

Comment by Dan — March 12, 2007 [AT] 7:59 pm

I have a question and answer sheet that i have to do for science and i was wondering if Cicadas are cold or warm blooded

Comment by Ari — March 12, 2007 [AT] 7:19 pm

The same questions on the life cycle and lifespan. please check FAQs on this website for ALL the answers

Comment by david — March 8, 2007 [AT] 6:52 pm

How long do cicadas live and what’s there lifecycle?

Comment by bob — March 5, 2007 [AT] 4:12 pm

That question again… Cicadas are cicadas and locusts are grasshopper. They are not the same.

Comment by Dan — March 1, 2007 [AT] 9:40 am

Are cicadas and locust the same or are they different and if they are how so?

Comment by billy — February 28, 2007 [AT] 5:57 pm

The advantage is predators don’t have time to adapt to their behavior.

Comment by Dan — February 25, 2007 [AT] 3:13 pm

What possible survival advantage can a 17 year life cycle have?

Comment by Chris Gladstone — February 25, 2007 [AT] 1:31 pm

hi all cicada lovers do you need any audio vedio or dry cicada of many speces for resersh only reserchers will be oblized
rehmany2k64 [AT] yahoo.com

Comment by Anjum — January 17, 2007 [AT] 1:10 pm

hi all cicada lovers do you need any audio vedio or dry cicada of many speces for resersh only reserchers will be oblized

Comment by Anjum — January 17, 2007 [AT] 1:08 pm

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood XIII | Magicicada | | Periodical — Dan @ 1:36 pm

This page represents 171 sightings, comments and questions about the Brood XIII emergence in 20007. The next emergence happens in 2024.

Jennifer — what you have isn’t Magicicadas, but another species like Tibicen. Tibicen emerge in late summer and not in broods.

Comment by Dan — August 10, 2007 [AT] 9:21 am

I live in Pleasant Grove, Alabama near Birmingham. We’ve evidentally got a large brood of cicadas here. I heard them in the trees the other day while out for my walk. It was deafening. I had no idea what they were. Last night one flew in the house and scared me half to death. I did a little research and found out what this bird-sized insect was. Now I am fascinated.

Comment by Jennifer — August 10, 2007 [AT] 8:41 am

Hello JK Fuller

I live in New York and could send you a dead specimen of a cicada if you so desire! Are you looking for a Periodical Cicada or Tibicen species?

Comment by Elias — July 10, 2007 [AT] 5:00 pm

I forgot to mention, I am in the middle of Dallas — Fort Worth metroplex in Texas.

Comment by Shelley — July 7, 2007 [AT] 9:01 pm

ok — I think I have cicada’s in my yard. I realize this is a board for cicada lovers, and I am not. I don’t go kill things, because I believe they are here for a purpose. However, they are scary the crap out of me while I am trying to weed. I realized today that the gigantic junebugs were only the shell of a bug… and that got me to thinking — where is the live one? I don’t know how to post a picture, but I do have two… is there someone I can email? I think if I knew what they were… then they wouldn’t be so scarry. Thanks — sunriseh2o [AT] yahoo.com

Comment by Shelley — July 7, 2007 [AT] 9:00 pm

Anybody aware of any Cicada groups around Chicago that might be expected to still be around in the next 5 days or so? I’d love to get one last look at a good-size group before they disappear for the next 17 years!

Comment by pat — July 6, 2007 [AT] 11:49 pm

They are still plentiful and very active in Blue Star Memorial Forest Preserves on Lake Avenue in Glenview as of today, July 3rd. They seem to be a later group than those in Schiller Woods as there are barely any dead bodies in the Glenview preserve. Hurray!!!! Had much fun playing with the little darlings. =0)

Comment by Caerann — July 3, 2007 [AT] 6:31 pm

The cicadas are ebbing but still going strong in the forest preserves just east of O’Hare. Here’s some of my photos:

IMAGES ARE MISSING.

Comment by ramon — June 30, 2007 [AT] 12:53 pm

Can anyone send me a (dead) Cicada?

A few years ago I took my wife, a California girl, to Virginia where she heard cicadas for the frist time and was completely facinated. We happened to find a great cicada specimin but I managed to let the birds get it and she was heartbroken.

Can anyone supply me with an American (I know I can get them from China on Ebay)?

Thanks!
(remove the zz from my email)

Comment by JKFuller — June 29, 2007 [AT] 8:03 am

You say it was fun, but you’re trying to kill off the next generation — some people…

Comment by Dan — June 29, 2007 [AT] 6:50 am

Hey,well.,looks like their pretty much gone,here on the west side of Wonder Lake.weekend of 6/16,they where still quite loud and active,but also dropping off the tree tops,by 6/20,they where dropping by the shovel full,and their sing was becoming much softer,by the weekend of 6/24,only the slightest sound,and dropping from the trees.Now 6/29 ,theirs no sound and only afew have dropped from the trees.now where left with the cleanup and hope they didn’t damage my English Oak,which I started from a acorn, to badly,The tree is on its 4th year,and it got alot of little slits,I’am hoping that by spraying small areas of the tree,it will kill the eggs.It was alot of fun while it lasted.

Comment by j.mayer — June 29, 2007 [AT] 3:13 am

I thought it was slowing down,but today I decided to go back to the Lagrange woods one more time. As I turned left on to Lagrange rd from joliet rd,I started hearing more and more Cicadas from both sides of the road while driving. I turned into the woods and there were many pockets of Cicadas still singing. I got out of my car and was watching them fly everywhere. One Cicada landed on the top of my hand, then we watched each other for ten minutes and he flew off to join his friends. If you have time,go see for yourself because 17 years is a long time to wait. They are also still strong at the forest preserves at Harlem av and Joliet Rd.

Comment by Rob — June 25, 2007 [AT] 6:53 pm

Are they dying yet? I have had enough of them in River Grove,Il.

Comment by Kathy — June 25, 2007 [AT] 10:33 am

Well they are pretty much gone in Brookfield, the din and the chirping have drastically stopped.

You can see the evidence of the egg-laying by the browning of the trees all over the place.

I still see a few stragglers here and there, but they are few and far between.

I believe Brookfield was one of the first emergence areas so not suprizing they have checked out here early.

Comment by Pablo — June 22, 2007 [AT] 5:17 pm

If your around the forest preserves on harlem ave and joliet rd, they are still singing loudly. I posted yesterday on the Lagrange woods, but put it in the question section. It was very quiet with only pockets of Cicadas still singing. Maybe they were one of the first to emerge.Last week, it was very much louder.If anyone seen todays wgntv news at noon,then you heard what Tom Skilling said about Cicadas. I sent him an email,but I know it will never get answered.

Comment by rob — June 21, 2007 [AT] 6:52 pm

In my area of Wheaton it’s definitely much quieter over the past few days.

Comment by Lucy — June 21, 2007 [AT] 10:38 am

cicadas really seem to be dying off. Has anyone else noticed this? Not nearly as loud or prevalent….

Comment by jb — June 21, 2007 [AT] 7:09 am

Sorry for the last two entries (shows I dont know what im doing). Here are the links to the pic and the video:

Comment by Maria — June 18, 2007 [AT] 11:04 am

Sorry, I didnt tell you we were there Saturday and Sunday June 16/17.

Comment by Maria — June 18, 2007 [AT] 10:20 am

We were at Lake Geneva at Aurora University and the Cicada were EVERYWHERE. When we got there, as soon as we opened our windows, WOW… what a sound!! I managed to get a couple of great pictures and even recording their song. Not sure how to post it on here, but would be glad to.

Comment by Maria — June 18, 2007 [AT] 10:17 am

I’m heading to Lake Geneva, WI, the weekend of June 23-25. Could anyone tell me a good place to look for the caicadas? I would really love to see them or at the very least see the remains of a hatch and hear the songs.

Comment by Sheilah — June 18, 2007 [AT] 7:01 am

Have all of the cicadas emerged already? I live in Grayslake and still haven’t spotted any. Is it possible the soil around here still isn’t warm enough for them to emerge?

Comment by Gramps — June 17, 2007 [AT] 5:36 pm

Saw a few dead ones in Wheaton this morning, although the trees were full of singing cicadas yesterday.

Comment by Lucy — June 17, 2007 [AT] 4:52 am

Palos Heights is crawling with these things. I can’t cut my grass without dozens of them dive-bombing my face and getting caught in my hair. So many are now dying around my trees that it looks like Cicada mulch. The smell isn’t pretty either. Their wings are pretty, but I’m not a big fan

Comment by Colleen — June 17, 2007 [AT] 3:52 am

June 16 — Northeast side of West Chicago — No sign of any cicadas here until yesterday (Fri June 15), we saw & heard a few Friday, lots more heard today.

Not sure where they are emerging from, there are no signs of exit holes anywhere, but it sure sounds like they are FINALLY starting to show signs of life around here, although not in the huge numbers I have seen elsewhere.

Comment by Dave — June 16, 2007 [AT] 4:42 pm

Found one in my yard in Georgia this week

Comment by Susan Williams — June 15, 2007 [AT] 7:16 pm

Today I was boating down the Cedar River near Atalissa, Iowa. When we reached a portion of the river near the Wiese Slough Wildlife Management Area, my friend and I heard the cicadas singing. We found a cicada floundering around in the river, pulled it out and let it fly away. After we got back to my parents cabin we could hear more cicadas in the woods but due to the horrendous amounts of mosquitoes we didn’t go and check it out. But I can definately say in this part of Eastern Iowa, the cicadas are out, although apparently not in the huge numbers they are in Illinois.

Comment by Joel — June 14, 2007 [AT] 5:47 pm

Here are some photos of one that literally followed me out to my car in the parking lot of Hewitt building 3OP in Lincolnshire. I walked past it, it turned around and followed me.. I picked it up and took it home in my car’s glove box and then proceeded to take photos of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/legoguy/tags/cicadas/

Comment by Andrew Keyser — June 14, 2007 [AT] 4:23 pm

Cicadas are all around Lincolnshire (esp. around the area of Hewitt buildings; they’re trying to get in through the revolving doors… unfortunately for them, it doesn’t work so well)

They’re also in Vernon Hills (near Westfield mall), and a VERY audible drone is coming from the MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve across rt. 21 from the mall.
This is somewhat close to the Old School Forest preserve (which I reported on last week)

Still waiting for them to show up in Gurnee next to the intersection of 45 & washington where my house is..

Comment by Andrew Keyser — June 14, 2007 [AT] 10:19 am

June 7, Large emergence in Big Foot Beach State Park (southern Wisconsin next to Lake Geneva). They emerged on the 7th and were still sitting low on the bushes the 8th and the morning of the 9th. As the day warmed up on the 9th they began to fly up into the trees. There was some singing, but it was not deafening yet.

I also visited a business park in Chicago, IL (Hewlitt?). Very loud with lots of fungus infected individuals.

Magicicada do not seem to sing as loud as other cicada species (as individuals). Is that true?

Comment by Douglas — June 14, 2007 [AT] 10:07 am

Valerie: its normal not to hear then at night. The only time you’ll hear them at night is if there’s enough artificial light present to made them think it’s daytime. It isn’t unusual to have small numbers of the insects in some areas.

Comment by Dan — June 14, 2007 [AT] 6:21 am

I live in south Wheaton. I hear the cicadas during the heat of the day but not at night. Is this normal? Also, there seem to be very few of them. I’ve only actually seen four bugs and I spend a lot of time outside.

Comment by Valerie McIntyre — June 14, 2007 [AT] 5:07 am

Coming into work this morning the side patio was littered with dead Magicicadas which I was surprised to see since we are in a fairly new industrial park, we’re at I55 and Weber Road in Romeoville. Do you think they emerged from this location or traveled here?

Comment by Mary B — June 14, 2007 [AT] 4:23 am

Well, I haven’t seen a single Magicicada until today. In Aurora,IL, they pretty much emerged today. I have only seen and heard Magicicada cassinis so far. No M. septendecim. Many of them are still very small. One landed on my neck and began to sing a song.

Comment by Daniela — June 13, 2007 [AT] 7:40 pm

You will not believe this. First of all, we live in Plainfield, in a subdivision that is only 10 years old. Yesterday morning, my 8 yr old son found a cicada at the bottom of the swimming pool. We got it out, it was stiff as a board, but my 6 yr old daughter wanted to keep it. We put it in a tupperware container, and this morning, IT WAS ALIVE! It sat at the bottom of our pool for at least 12 hours, and in a sealed container for another 12, and still lived!! We don’t know what to do with it, as it can’t move it’s wings enough to fly away. We don’t want any animals to eat it. These are amazing creatures!

Comment by Jill — June 13, 2007 [AT] 5:25 pm

I finally got to see some! One of the guys I work with brought some to work (in a cicada house) and they are so cool! Smaller than I imagined, but it sure made my day. I released them under a big tree, and they climbed right up and started singing.

Comment by Lucy — June 13, 2007 [AT] 3:56 pm

I am a long-time resident and nature photographer in Chicago, and remember the last invasion in ’90 (when I was 22). This time, it seems like there are even more.

I also drive a lot for work, and this gives me the unique opportunity to travel to/enjoy the surrounding suburbs. As the weeks have gone on, I noticed an increasing amount of cicadas until yesterday (the 12th), which I would estimate is the absolute peak for their numbers out in Elmhurst, where they are all over the downtown, and…

An incredible visual and auditory experience can be had if you head straight to the Des Plaines River Forest Preserves on Lake Ave., just east of River Road. There are tons, and the noise is so loud it is almost deafening.. after even 10 minutes of it, you almost have in your head what happens when you leave a loud rock concert!

I highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t experienced this relatively-rare nature phenomenon to get out and do it (and obtain photographic or video evidence)… for too many people simply take it for granted, and we won’t have this opportunity here again for 17 more years!

It is truly remarkable.

Thank you.

Comment by Bob Collins — June 13, 2007 [AT] 5:37 am

Brookfield is infested with them, went for a bike ride in the forest preserve near the zoo and the noise was deafening.

Comment by Tony — June 12, 2007 [AT] 2:09 pm

I live in Ottawa, Illinois and I’ve seen only one! Ottawa is near Marseilles, which is full of them, so I’m thinking the little guy (or girl) got lost. Here’s a picture of my little buddy sitting on my hand:

IMG NO LONGER EXISTS.

By the way, can anyone give me any information pertaining to Ottawa’s cicadas, or lack thereof?

Comment by Courtney — June 12, 2007 [AT] 9:59 am

check out the forest preserve just south of the tollway and the cumberland exit. The noise is so loud, that even with the car windows rolled up, ac on, and in traffic, you can hear the cicadas as you drive on the nw tollway! They are very active here, flying low.

Comment by S.Jensen — June 12, 2007 [AT] 6:26 am

They might be — they might be running out of steam.

Comment by Dan — June 11, 2007 [AT] 8:50 pm

New question Dan. I noticed today that the cicadas are flying lower than they have been the last few weeks. Are they wearing out? I really don’t want to get covered in them so I run to my apartment!!

Comment by Michelle — June 11, 2007 [AT] 7:34 pm

Tons of cicadas near the Purdue-North Central campus in Westville. Other than the area in Valparaiso at the intersection of US 6 and state route 49, not to many other spots in Laporte / Porter counties in Indiana.

Comment by Tbone — June 11, 2007 [AT] 4:53 pm

I was driving on Lorraine Rd. in Wheaton and, finally, heard the cicadas singing. It wasn’t deafening, but I hope they’ll be more the warmer it gets this week. I’m so anxious to see one.

Comment by Lucy — June 11, 2007 [AT] 4:18 pm

Sat JUN 09 2007 LOTS of cicadas flying across North Ave in Elmhurst between York Rd & Rt 83, also southside of I290 on the way to Oak Park & on Irving Park Rd in the Forest Preserves in Schiller Park. Even with the windows up, the noise is deafening.

Comment by PlantLust — June 11, 2007 [AT] 12:40 pm

I live in an old section of Lombard and they are out in force here! The noise is ear-splitting! For awhile it seemed as though it wouldn’t be as heavy an infestation as in 1990, but then the heat hit—and so did they! Some have even managed to crawl inside the netting I put on some of my shrubs. Amazingly, they are also out in the parking lots at Wannemakers on Ogden and the Trader Joe lot, also on Ogden!

Comment by Pat — June 11, 2007 [AT] 10:19 am

The forest preserves along the Desplaines River in Schiller Park are loaded with cicadas now. We went to a parking area on Irving Park Rd right along the river yesterday. The sound of their calls was louder than I’ve heard it yet and the trees are loaded with them flying among the branches and over the road. One even flew into our car window while we were driving! I think he was kind of mad that we wouldn’t let him out until we stopped the car near a tree (we didn’t want him getting hit by a car in the heavy traffic). He kept buzzing while we held him until we let him fly away.

I have a question about the sound they make. When we hear it in some areas where it is the loudest we actually hear two pitches. One is the buzzing that you expect to hear and the other is a higher pitched buzz sort of like the sound a jet makes when it is off in the distance and coming towards you. Is this change in pitch the sound of the cicadas coming from a distance? Or is it an echo of the sound? Or is one species making the lower sound and one species making the higher sound?

Comment by RH — June 10, 2007 [AT] 10:47 am

Rykk’s photos below are of a Pandora Sphinx moth.

Comment by T. Paul Wrobel — June 10, 2007 [AT] 3:51 am

Hello,

I saw this yesterday at work here in Virginia Beach. I walked back to the office and took this picture with my camera phone before it moved too far away. It looks just like a cicada, except the wings are solid, not clear and veiny. I’m posting both my original picture and my amateur attempt to brighten it up. The green is a very bright green, and the dark green is very dark. It also had it’s wings splayed out instead of backwards.

If it is a cicada, what kind is it?

IMAGES NO LONGER EXIST.

Comment by Rykk — June 9, 2007 [AT] 11:30 pm

The woods are loaded with them at Rt 6 and Old 49 north of Valparaiso,IN but not much else to the west. I did hear one for a short time in my tree in the front yard, but it was soon silent and no exoskeletons in my yard. Strange how they can be loaded in one area and absent in another adjacent area. Too much development I guess.

Comment by Dan — June 9, 2007 [AT] 9:02 pm

OH my gosh in the burbs of chicago in a forest preserve near the last exit on the tollway. by o’hare airport, ,MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF CICADAS!!! (literally im not kidding) my freind was right next to me and i had to yell for him to hear me 2 feet away over the 90 decible sound of cicadas. there were literally clouds of them. I cought about 200 in this bucket and let them go at a local forest near my house. you can see the whole life cycle!!! the nymphs, the mating, the shedding skin, a jet flew over and they got louder to OVERPOWER THE JET ENGINE 150 FEET ABVOVE US!!!! when we left my ears were aching from the sound. anyway you got the messege. lots of cicadas! TOLL WAY NEAR O’HARE!!! ROLL WINDOWS DOWN AND LISTEN> THEYRE IN SOME WOODS> THERES SO MANY YOU CAN SEE EM FLYIN AROUND!!!

Comment by Elijah — June 9, 2007 [AT] 7:20 pm

If you go straight west on 290, go to Elmhurst or Villa Park, you won’t have to do any hunting, they are everywhere here, i can’t find a way to get away from them in Villa Park.

Comment by jb — June 9, 2007 [AT] 4:51 pm

Hi, anyone know where the best place to go cicado hunting is? I’m new to the chicago area and want to see these bugs. Willing to drive out the ‘burbs, but unsure where to go. Thanks for any tips.

Comment by Amy — June 9, 2007 [AT] 11:49 am

Reporting about 10 (ten) Cicadas spotted in the Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL.

Pics up on flickr, here:

Comment by Andrew Keyser — June 8, 2007 [AT] 8:34 pm

I just wanted to report that I’ve heard cicadas in the forest preserves on Thornton Lansing Rd in Thornton, IL
as well as Lansing, IL in the area of Stony Island Ave.
I drive through Homewood, IL every day on the way home from work
and it’s quite noisy so I do know what they sound like.
They’re not swarming but I did feel like I wanted to
roll the windows up in my car as I was traveling
down 183rd St in Homewood.

Comment by Judy W. — June 8, 2007 [AT] 1:42 pm

Thanks Dan for for the answer, the drone is back again! I started out terrified by these little fellas and now I’m kind of taken by them, how weird is that!! I’m still kind of scared of them, but don’t tell anyone!! I still visit this website every day despite my reservations.

Comment by Michelle — June 8, 2007 [AT] 11:41 am

Yes- they need to dry out and be reasonably warm to sing.

Comment by Dan — June 8, 2007 [AT] 10:07 am

It’s so weird, all of the sound of cicadas is gone after the storms last night. I live in Downers Grove and we have a large amount in the trees outside our apartment. This morning there is no droning sound and I looked out the window and it looks like they’re all hanging on the trees sleeping or something. Anyone knows what’s up?

Comment by Michelle — June 8, 2007 [AT] 8:45 am

I live in Lombard and they’re HORRIBLE!! I think with today’s heat they decided to be really active. They are flying all over the place. The trees are full of constantly moving cicadas. I cannot safely make it to my car in the driveway. Neither the front or rear entrance is safe. A few rogue cicadas have made it inside by riding on my husband’s shirt and shoe. Ugh. My mom is in La Grange and we argue about who has it worse. My husband works in Oak Park and seen very few. I don’t mind the noise, I just can’t stand them flying all around.

Comment by Ellen — June 7, 2007 [AT] 10:10 pm

I live in a heavily wooded area in Lisle, not far from the Arboretum. We haven’t seen ANY here. You might hear a single one up in a tree now and then, but that’s it. I’m wondering if they are going to miss us, or if they will be here late. Anyone out there with answers????

Comment by Robin — June 7, 2007 [AT] 7:54 pm

West Nile Virus spray? Maybe. If they sprayed when the cicada were out and laying eggs. Normally pesticide is inert by the time in gets deep into the ground where they live.

Comment by Dan — June 7, 2007 [AT] 5:15 pm

We live on River Road — across from Schiller Woods in Schiller Park Illinois along the DesPlaines River….17 years ago the cicadas were so heavy in the DesPlaines — Oak Park area along River Road…they sounded like hail hitting the window when you’d drive through the woods…this time…nothing….we’ve seen a few half dead ones crawling on the ground — and on trees….but nothing at all like last time…is it over? Did they skip us? What gives? I know they sprayed the woods very heavily the past few years because of the West Nile Virus hitting alot of locals — I’m wondering if this coulda’ killed ’em off….any input would be appreciated.

Comment by John Vilona — June 7, 2007 [AT] 11:39 am

This morning on my way to work, i was driving with my window half way open, when all of a sudden i feel something hit me on the head. I looked to the backseat and happened to find a Cicada. The little fracker hit me on da head! lol….

Comment by Miguel A. Beltran — June 6, 2007 [AT] 4:25 pm

Oh my gosh they are everywhere! Massive amounts, we’re talking thousands upon thousands in Villa Park. They are flying into my car while driving and swarms flying about everywhere.

Comment by Sheri — June 6, 2007 [AT] 11:01 am

live in Crystal Lake and have been looking for 2 weeks, if they aren’t here already will they never be here, do i need to do some searching in other areas or just wait longer? Anyone know anything?

Comment by stephanie — June 6, 2007 [AT] 10:21 am

They truly are an incredible phenemonom of nature….none to very few in Libertyville but are in numbers in Lake Forest and I went to the western suburbs Saturday and it was unreal…..literally trillions in Western Springs Hinsdale La Grange The Morton Arboretum etc…..thye have to be sen and heard to be believed !

Comment by Bill — June 5, 2007 [AT] 10:55 am

Okay, I’m trying to find the miraculous wonder and intrigue that you guys have been delighting in with these cicadas.

Although it’s been facinating reading about them, as I travel through Chicago’s Beverly area on my way to work and see legions of cicadas swarming tree’s to my left and to my right, up and down both 99th and 103rd street I know in my heart what is true.I will probably still raise my car windows with the sincere belief that if one of these things were to touch me I’d go into cardiac arrest, pass out and ultimately die.

Forgive me.

Comment by Melissa — June 4, 2007 [AT] 6:07 pm

Another fantastic site to view the magicicadas is the campus of Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL. We had a wonderful time with the kids listening and watching all phases of cicada life!!! Very scenic, easy to park and walk around. Check it out!

Comment by S.Jensen — June 4, 2007 [AT] 4:44 pm

hey,
incredible,thousands upon thousands flying thruout the trees,sing,kind of a bummer cleaning up after the empty shell casings.7:30 PM the backyard was boiling with another batch of nymph’s.W. side of Wonder Lake.Il.

Comment by j.mayer — June 4, 2007 [AT] 2:57 am

Amazingly I just heard an (unmistakable) septendecim from my backyard here in Bloomington, Indiana (south central part of the state). Is this a Brood XIII cicada way out of its territory or a Brood X straggler (3 years late)?

Comment by Mike Gasser — June 3, 2007 [AT] 8:14 am

JUST UPDATED my site. Check it out. Lots of images of the Midwest magicicadas.

http://www.seventeenyearcicada.com

PS Please put a link on your homepage.

Comment by John — June 2, 2007 [AT] 11:45 pm

We went to Goodrich Park in Naperville, IL today and my what a sight! We were driving to another location to see the cicadas but as we drove past Goodrich we heard the deafening buzz of the cicadas even though we had the windows rolled up and music playing. We got a few pictures that I uploaded on Flickr, but I have to say that several hours later my ears are still ringing! I’m thrilled I got to experience this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8466803@N04/

My fave pic:
Comment by Tonya — June 2, 2007 [AT] 8:25 pm

Went to McKinley Woods in Channahon today to see the cicadas, and lots of exit holes and shells, but they’re all way up in the trees so on the way home, near the I&M Canal and Rt. 6 heard the unmistakeable buzz and pulled over only to be surrounded by many Magicicadas! I gotta tell you that they get kinda ticked off when you try and pick them off a branch and let you know so. I think they know they’ve got a job to do and don’t detract them from it!
What a beautiful work of art this insect is and what a shame they’re with us only once every 17 years.

Comment by Mary B — June 2, 2007 [AT] 5:35 pm

I live in Alsip, IL and I haven’t seen any cicadas yet, but I can hear them in the woods along the Cal Sag Channel.

Comment by Julie B — June 2, 2007 [AT] 2:26 pm

Sugar Grove, Il

I have not seen a single cicada as of yet in my area. Even went to the forest preserve [Bliss Woods], not a thing. When do we giv up looking for them?

Comment by Deb — June 1, 2007 [AT] 11:39 am

IF THEY ARE NOT OUT BE NOW JUNE 1ST DOES THAT MEAN MY AREA WILL NOT GET THEM?

Comment by JOE TEPE — June 1, 2007 [AT] 9:17 am

A friend of mine spotted two cicadas at the McBride Raptor Center outside of Iowa City, Iowa last night.

Comment by Joel — June 1, 2007 [AT] 6:18 am

I volunteer at the Macbride Raptor Center in Solon, IA, and spotted at least 2 cicadas in the woods there last night. I almost stepped on one, but was careful to navigate on my way to the nature center. I’ll keep my eye out for further sightings.

Comment by Dawn — June 1, 2007 [AT] 6:16 am

Nothing so far in the Cary area. Does anyone think the weird weather this year has anything to do with the inconsistency? Haven’t seen or heard one at all.

Comment by TJ — June 1, 2007 [AT] 5:38 am

I was at the Rogers Lakewood park in Valparaiso and saw thousands upon thousands of shedded skins at the bases of trees and clinging to the lower branches. Saw a few unsuccessful emergences stuck dead in their shells too. Many, many gulls were picking through the grass and eating them. Hopefully the gulls didn’t make a dent in the adult numbers as I don’t think gulls this far inland is a natural thing….they are scavengers.

Comment by Dan — June 1, 2007 [AT] 4:04 am

one of these SOB’s fell in my orange juice cup this morning. they’re getting out of control. i can’t wait til they’re gone. how much longer do we have to deal with them?

Comment by jb — May 31, 2007 [AT] 1:29 pm

Highland Park, IL
Went outside this morning and there was no mistaking the cicada’s chorus that greeted me. There definately emerging on a consistant basis in our area, but if it’s going to be anything like it was in 1990, I would have to say that the majority of them are still underground. Can’t imagine how loud they will be when the rest of them arrive! Looking forward to it though, as I think it is a very cool sound.

Comment by DV — May 31, 2007 [AT] 8:47 am

hey,
day by day where seeing more,our backyard,as hundreds of empty shells,with more showing up every day.incredible yet odd,they showed up on 5-24,by sat.5-26 we could here them in the distant s,everyday it sounds a bit closer / louder yet our trees are silent,yesterday the sound appeared to be a couple blocks away,yet our trees and the neighbors are silent,has anyone else came across this?i know their still in the trees,when the birds land on the branches,the cicada’s scatter,odd.i have also noticed cicada’s with deformed wings or have died while shedding their shell. W.side of Wonder Lake.

Comment by j.mayer — May 31, 2007 [AT] 7:19 am

I’m way up in northern IL, in the easternmost corner… Has anyone seen or heard any up near me (Winthrop Harbor/Zion area)? I’ve taken my son to Van Patten woods on several days over the past couple weeks, but we’ve only found mosquitos!

Anything up near us???

Comment by Linda — May 31, 2007 [AT] 6:11 am

The emergence is on just east of Portage, IN. Just when I thought we wouldn’t get any, I heard a lone cicada in the tree a few doors down. I was working in my garden and noticed the ground just under the surface was riddled with holes a bit bigger around than a pencil. I have yet to find some skins, but they will turn up. I remember them here as a kid in 1973 and am glad they have not been wiped out by development.

Comment by Dan — May 30, 2007 [AT] 7:20 pm

I posted in the wrong spot!! They are the Magicicada cicadas up in McHenry! They are on Chickaloon Drive, and some can be found on Curran Road. Once you turn onto Chickaloon, start looking at the trees, amilboxes, telephone poles, whatever… they are on it!! Once you turn onto Chickaloon, if you drive about 1 block, you will start to see them. There are newly hatched ones, the “ghost” ones, and adults are flying, singing and buzzing around! There are so many empty shells littering the ground as well! It was an awesome spectacle of nature!! This was at 6:30 pm today, 5-30-07!

Comment by Kathryn — May 30, 2007 [AT] 5:51 pm

I haven’t seen any in Chesterton, Indiana or in the Indiana Dunes. I wonder if the sandy soil keeps them away. But yesterday (May 29) after work I drove to the Moraine Nature Preserve just south of Highway 6 and just east of Calumet Ave. (Old 49). As I approached my usual parking spot, I spotted empty skins on the trees, a hopeful sign. I parked at the edge of the forest and the beginning of a prairie, stepped out, and immediately heard the hummmmm. It wasn’t deafening, but it was very apparent and it seemed to come from all directions. A few steps from my car and there they were in all their buggie red-eyed glory: perched on trees, climbing up blades of grass, and, pretty quickly, climbing up me. I’m used to the skittish annual cicadas, so was a bit surprised (despite all I’d read) at how docile these little critters really are. What an amazing the force of nature! I’m definitely coming back here again to enjoy the “show.”

Comment by Steve — May 30, 2007 [AT] 12:11 pm

If you get a chance to see the cicadas shedding their shells, don’t miss it. Its a beautiful sight! It happens sometime between 9 pm -11 pm, maybe also as late as midnight. We don’t have cicadas naturally in our backyard, but we saw a yard where all of the trees had their trunks wrapped in plastic to keep the cicadas from climbing them, so we took about 30 of them home, let most of them go on a tree in our backyard and kept a few in a terrarium. It was amazing watching them come out of their shells! They are completely white except for 2 little black stripes on the top of their heads that look like bushy eyebrows above their red eyes. Their wings are shriveled up little stubs but after they are totally out of the shell, their wings start to unfold and they look like they are wearing white lace wedding dresses as they spread out their wings to let them dry.

The heaviest gathering of cicadas that we’ve seen so far is in La Grange and Countryside, but I’ve heard that Brookfield Zoo has a lot of them too.

Comment by RH — May 30, 2007 [AT] 7:25 am

They are emerging in Franklin Park as of a couple hours ago. It’s like hundreds came out of no where. I have not seen any in Melrose Park, Northlake,River Grove. Oak Park or Forest Park.

Comment by Franklin Park IL — May 29, 2007 [AT] 9:37 pm

Northbrook. I think I might have begun to hear the cicada’s songs this morning. Maybe?! I was sitting on my porch and, suddenly, all the squirrels and chipmunks started acting totally nuts! I then noticed a sort of background humming noise that seemed to be getting louder. I dunno…maybe it was a truck! The cicadas are in full force a couple blocks over and are now coming out in droves every night in my block.

Comment by Shelly — May 29, 2007 [AT] 7:32 am

My parents live in Forest Park and as of Saturday the cicadas had not yet emerged. People I know in Western Springs and Park Ridge have both had emergences already.

Comment by Bruno Cattivabrutto — May 29, 2007 [AT] 7:07 am

I live in wilmette and have a seen a few dead carcasses on the sidewalk so far. I grew up in a ciccada-free location, though we did have gang violence. any idea how much of this is going to hit wilmette? I haven’t heard of any wilmette/evanston/winnetka sightings. do they come to the lakefront as much as western suburbs?

My wife is really terrified and she was 13 the last time around and she describes the ciccadas like a zombie movie — crunch, crunch, crunch.

Comment by briand — May 28, 2007 [AT] 7:10 pm

their threw out are neighborhood now,early mornings,backyard has youngster that cracked out during the nite,we can hear them afew blocks away ,but not a sound is coming from our backyard yet.Wonder Lake,Il.

Comment by j.mayer — May 28, 2007 [AT] 7:18 am

Saw a ton of shells yesterday on trees and lightposts driving through part of River Forest (Forest Park?) by Chicago Ave and Thatcher.
Went back today to the nature center at the forest preserve at that intersection, and saw alot of adults hanging out, and empty shells. More of them than I’d expect had deformed wings. Got to see one of them hatch out of its shell, a recently hatched one with unfurled wings, still white, and another nymph getting started. Took a lot of pictures, which I’ll send along. They are so cool! This is my first time seeing the magicicadas. Where I grew up in Detroit we only ever got the annual ones.

Comment by Melanie — May 27, 2007 [AT] 8:05 pm

I have seen lots of cicadas in my neighborhood. This evening my husband and I were out on the driveway and yard around our house and we saw dozens of nymphs coming out of the grass, crawling across our driveway, heading for trees. I went to look for molting nymphs in my neighbor’s garden, and eureka! I saw several in various stages of molting, including one with new wings, another with growing wings, and another literally hanging from its shell. I felt something on my leg while I was standing there, and saw nymphs crawling up my leg!
In the mornings, we see newly grown adults just resting on our house and our deck. They are easy to pick up and I brought a few to school the other day to show my students.
I expected lots of cicadas here (Des Plaines), because seventeen years ago they were very prevalent when I lived just two blocks from where I live now!
However, I haven’t really HEARD them yet!

Comment by Katy Berman — May 27, 2007 [AT] 8:05 pm

We saw thousands at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. It’s fair to say the ground was crawling with them.

I’m sending a few pictures to the webmaster.

Comment by Bob Aldaz — May 27, 2007 [AT] 3:48 pm

I didn’t actually see any cicadas, but while driving through Elmhurst & Glen Ellyn this afternoon their unmistakable singing was very loud.

Comment by Lucy — May 27, 2007 [AT] 1:09 pm

I drove to Illinois from Detroit this morning to photograph the cicadas. I didn’t find the numbers I was hoping for but did see a few hundred. I found them in DuPage county at Fullersburg Woods, Maple Grove and York Woods Forest Preserves but the majority were on trees in the Hinsdale business park.

Comment by T. Paul Wrobel — May 26, 2007 [AT] 9:01 pm

I haven’t seen a single Cicada. I Live in Michigan City, Indiana. I was really looking forward to at least hearing a few. Per the Brood 13 map, we are supposed to be getting some, anyone know?

Comment by Michael Hodge — May 25, 2007 [AT] 10:22 pm

Well, I guess Naperville is not old enough for the cicadas. I grew up in Downers Grove and we had many many Cicadas as a kid. Too many corn fields around here. I have not seen one cicadas. Where have all the cicadas gone?? 🙁 🙁

Comment by Ray — May 25, 2007 [AT] 8:29 pm

I live in Flossmoor and I have been in this area all my life, so I’ve seen the ’56, ’73, and ’90 cicadas but I have never seen so many seagulls eating cicadas! It’s amazing! They fly down the street in large groups of about 50 birds and devour any cicadas on the ground or on the bottom of the tree trunks.

Comment by Sue — May 25, 2007 [AT] 5:16 pm

We’re in Elmhurst. They first showed up on the morning of the 23rd. There were 11 on our small tree in the front yard. Today, the same tree has over 100! But we’ve got a lot of big trees in our backyard, and holes every 6 to 8 inches in the lawn, and none have emerged there yet, so I think three’s plenty more to come… yikes!

Comment by Mike — May 25, 2007 [AT] 12:05 pm

For those of you that are missing out, come to Villa Park, there are thousands. Most still in shells but in a few days they will all be out. It’s going to be a nightmare, like a Hitchco*ck movie.

Comment by Sheri — May 25, 2007 [AT] 10:49 am

I found a newly emerged adult cicada coming out of it’s shell this morning in the 200 block of North Kenilworth in Oak Park. This is the first live cicada that I’ve seen this year. I brought it home to let my cats observe and one of my cats, Dino, ate it.

Comment by Rick Pavia — May 25, 2007 [AT] 8:35 am

New Lenox, IL
Finally got a nice showing at dawn (much to our surprise). Our 7 year old old was able to bring in the largest nymph we found getting ready to crawl up a tree along with an adult (in seperate jars) to school. Never seen a crowd of kids gather so fast to check them out! 🙂 3 year old also enjoyed showing the neighbors a nymph she’s going watch shed.

There were approx. 75 around around our elm tree and many shed skins on most trees we observed in neighboring yards.

Comment by Chrissie — May 25, 2007 [AT] 8:26 am

Highland Park, IL
It has begun… just before dusk last night we spotted several shells near the trees in our yard. Went back outside after dark and you couldn’t walk in the grass without stepping on them. It was quite an amazing site to see all of them navigating their way through the grass towards the nearest tree.

Comment by DV — May 25, 2007 [AT] 7:20 am

we now have 25/30 open shells in the backyard,and around 15 crawling around the house,hope this isn’t all will see.

Comment by j.mayer — May 24, 2007 [AT] 3:19 pm

Elmwood Park, IL.
Saw 3 shells on trees yesterday. Saw about 20 live cicadas on sidewalk at about 10 p.m. They seem to bask in the light of the streetlamp. Saw many shells on the sidewalks in E.P. while driving to work this morning!

Comment by Sandy — May 24, 2007 [AT] 8:56 am

I live in Highland Park. Last night we found 3 cicadas crawling out of their holes. With the warm weather we have been having, I was sure that the major emergence in our area would have occurred last night, but it didn’t. Still waiting…

Comment by DV — May 24, 2007 [AT] 7:00 am

Unfortunately, we won’t see any in Wilmington, even though I live along the river with huge old trees. My neighbors told me the cicadas don’t like Wilmington 🙂
Guess I’ll have to travel back to my old neighborhood in Westchester to visit with the grandkids of the cicadas I saw back in ’73.

Comment by Mary B — May 24, 2007 [AT] 6:36 am

I’m also still (impatiently) waiting in Lisle. I practically live in a forest, and I haven’t seen ONE here!

Comment by RG — May 24, 2007 [AT] 5:24 am

I want to see the Cicadas. No sign of them in downtown Naperville yet. Is tonight the night?

Comment by Ray — May 23, 2007 [AT] 9:22 pm

They’re here…..on Glenview, at least. I walked out the back door this morning — there were cicadas and shells everywhere. On the deck, the patio and all of the plants. I turned around and walked right back in! Our neighbor’s lawn had so many in it is looked like the lawn was moving. And I understand the big emergence isn’t until tonight and tomorrow. Ughhh!

Comment by Clare — May 23, 2007 [AT] 1:12 pm

Saw my first-ever magicicada on the Dominican University campus in River Forest just a few minutes ago, on the patio near the library. Haven’t seen any others yet, on campus or at home in Franklin Park.

Comment by Christine — May 23, 2007 [AT] 11:32 am

There were 11 on our tree yesterday. Today, my wife (who was in England in 1990) says she’s trapped in the house… They’re everywhere!

Comment by Mike — May 23, 2007 [AT] 10:28 am

They have just started emerging in Des Plaines, IL. Some shells on sidewalk and saw about 20 on one tree while walking dog. However, not everywhere YET!!
Very exciting!

Comment by Jan — May 23, 2007 [AT] 9:53 am

Noticed first shell on my driveway this AM. Belvidere, IL. I’m in a new sub division without any old trees so this guy had to travel more than 2-3 blocks.

Comment by B.Cihak — May 23, 2007 [AT] 7:35 am

They’re everywhere! Naperville, IL. I spotted thousands in the grass while I was walking my dogs.

Comment by Ben — May 23, 2007 [AT] 7:20 am

I was in the backyard yesterday,05-22.planting some day lillies,dug three small holes,about 8 deep,found five,young’ins just under the surface,west side of wonder lake,il.

Comment by j.mayer — May 23, 2007 [AT] 3:33 am

They were out, just as predicted, this morning in Elmhurst.

Comment by Kristi — May 22, 2007 [AT] 6:32 pm

We live in Orland Park and went on a cicada hunt last night and were able to find 6! By the time we were going in the house, they were coming out. We could hear the lava rocks in front of our house shifting as they emerged from the ground.

Comment by Kristen — May 22, 2007 [AT] 9:33 am

Thank God! I have not seen them… Lake Station, IN

Comment by Conni — May 22, 2007 [AT] 9:19 am

The last emergence I have seen of Brood XIII was in 1956 (moved from NW Indiana in ’71). I will be back in the Crown Point, IN area the second weekend in June and am looking forward to meeting the Great-grand children of the Magicada I met in 1956.

Comment by Richard Berg — May 22, 2007 [AT] 9:14 am

My students just took a field trip around our school to see if we could find any. We didn’t! We can’t wait. We are in Joliet, Illinois.

Comment by Jill Kelley — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:59 am

I wish you guys would stop whining about the cicadas. They are beautiful creatures that only grace us with their presence every once every 17 YEARS! I, for one, can’t wait to get home from work so that I can sit outside and take in the beauty of these lovely creatures.

Comment by jt — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:54 am

Lots started coming out yesterday and today here in Crown Point, IN. All stages. I grew up in Downers Grove and remember my dad shoveling them off the sidewalks with a snow shovel last time they emerged. Was curious to see if we’d see them here, and sure enough, our woods are full : )

Happy watching!

Comment by Crown Point IN — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:52 am

My wife just called to tell me the cicadas are really starting to come out in Villa Park. She was taking my son for a walk and saw them beginning to cover the trees. I don’t think i want to come home from work today.

Comment by jb — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:40 am

There are several in our backyard in Homewood (south suburbs) flying around. We saw the first two adults here Saturday, when it was 52 degrees! They almost seemed to have come out early by accident, they were pretty sluggish. I can’t wait to see the emergence really get going here, we had a LOT last time.

Comment by Vera — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:33 am

Cicadas are so cool! I love finding them in my backyard and I love holding them. How do U know when they r gonna come out next? I totally love there colors and sounds they make so many of my friends hate these things but I don’t see y they aren’t harmfull!! See ya

Comment by Shawna Baker — May 22, 2007 [AT] 8:26 am

Sheri, I’m sorry that you don’t like these things. I find it simply amazing that they do this every 17 years. I wonder how long they’ve been doing this and how they got started. Millions of years??? Anybody know???

I lived in Cicero for the ’73 Cicada emergence. We really didn’t have any coming out of the ground or on trees where we lived. However, we did have a massive swarm one day that was like a black cloud that came through. A friend & I were playing wiffle ball when it happened, so we spent an hour swatting Cicada’s…kids!!!

I live in Westmont. I saw a bunch Sunday in our back back yard. A cold rain put the dampers on them and I saw NONE yesterday after work. NOT SO TODAY!!! They’re coming up out of the ground all over my yard. They’re on trees. They’re coming out of their shell, spreading their wings, and are white at first. I can only imagine the invasion when I get home from work tonight…looking forward to it.

Comment by Mike from Westmont, IL. — May 22, 2007 [AT] 6:56 am

My dog and I saw a few shell casings on our morning walk in Elmhurst, Illinois. Also, she found a still-blonde one in the grass — and ate it!

Comment by Ellen — May 22, 2007 [AT] 5:44 am

My daughter counted 13 in downtown Geneva, IL yesterday (Sunday) while working. 12 shells and 1 flying.

Comment by Bob Aldaz — May 21, 2007 [AT] 7:41 pm

Found a few on a sunny construction fence near my home in Elmhurst, IL — Saturday morning (5/19/2007).

Comment by Vincent Hradil — May 21, 2007 [AT] 10:58 am

None near the Kishwaukee river yet, but expect many as there are forest lands and parks with old trees. Looking for them in Dekalb county.

Comment by Debb — May 21, 2007 [AT] 10:48 am

Saw about 3 doxen cicadas while walking the dog this morning. I’m sure there’s more to come.

Comment by BonnieH — May 21, 2007 [AT] 9:33 am

I moved to Wilmington, IL, just over two years ago and live in a 50+ year old house with 50+ year old trees along the Kankakee River near the Des Plaines Conservation Area. I am sooo looking forward to having the cicadas in my yard, but I’m not sure if I’ll get any. I remember them from the spring of 1973 in Westchester and our yard was covered with them. I hope to see them soon (keeping my fingers crossed).

Comment by Mary B — May 21, 2007 [AT] 7:33 am

I went golfing today (Sunday May 20th) and as I went searching through the woods for my ball, I saw a Cicada sitting on a leaf near a small oak tree. The golf course is located near Henry, IL about 35 miles north of Peoria, IL…

Comment by Derek Scott — May 20, 2007 [AT] 8:33 pm

We live in a home built in 1923 with oak trees all over our front lawn just as old. While gardening on the 5th & 6th of May I noticed wholes appearing in the ground and saw a couple of dead cicadas sitting in them. By the next Monday I had counted over 100 holes in the ground. Today May 20th I saw 4 cicadas already. I think we are getting them WAAAAAY earlier then most, or so it’s sounds like.
Lombard, Illinois

Comment by Kimberly — May 20, 2007 [AT] 7:41 pm

We recently moved to MI and was wondering what parts of the state will see the Cicadas. We had them in WV and they totally freaked me out. We are in the middle of Michigan. Is there any way to check and see when they plan to attack our area? Thanks!

Comment by Carol — May 20, 2007 [AT] 7:39 pm

It’s not cool Mike, it’s terrifying, I’m already starting to hyperventilate. How can you guys be so calm about this, oh yeah, you’re guys. Personally, I don’t want cicadas getting caught in my hair and sticking to my clothes, in the car, etc..

Comment by Sheri — May 20, 2007 [AT] 7:10 pm

I live in Westmont, Illinois. The Cicada’s are coming up in sunny areas. My back backyard is LOADED. I see some coming up here and there in the areas of my property that are mostly shady. The birds are having a treat. And I’m seeing variety of birds that I rarely see going after them. Pretty cool!!!

Comment by Mike — May 20, 2007 [AT] 2:15 pm

A single Magicicada flew into me while I was gardening in my backyard this afternoon in Wheaton, IL. There are no obvious cicada chimneys in my yard, so I’m not sure where he/she came from.

Comment by Cheryl — May 20, 2007 [AT] 12:57 pm

Emergence has begun in Palos Heights, IL. The Forest Preserve accross the street is loaded with cicado. They have already shed their exoskelton and are everywhere. It’s great.

Comment by Sandy — May 20, 2007 [AT] 12:40 pm

Emergence has begun in LaGrange. As of this morning (5/20), we have a sprinling of split shells and adults in various parts of our yard. Expecting many more over the next couple of days. They look great on the salvia and iris!

Comment by Rene — May 20, 2007 [AT] 10:59 am

Mari, In 2004, we had set up 15 sites with different orientations such as south sunny, south shade, north shade, …. The cicadas emerged at the south sunny sites before the shady locations. Also, once the emergence started it continued for several days.

Comment by Gene Kritsky — May 20, 2007 [AT] 6:05 am

On a walk this evening we saw cicada nymphs emerging in Brookfield, IL south of the tracks and west of Prairie Ave. but when we crossed north of the tracks and east of Prairie into Kiwanis Park there were no nymphs emerging. Can the ground temperature be that different just blocks apart?

Comment by Mari — May 19, 2007 [AT] 9:54 pm

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 17 years cidadas. The Magicicadas began emerging in my yard this morning in Flossmoor, IL. I am located about 25 miles south of Chicago. I live in an older area of Flossmoor and expect a large number to emerge. It’s pretty exciting!

Comment by Sue — May 19, 2007 [AT] 7:51 pm

I thought I was the only cicada nut around! I’ve been talking about these criters since I was pregnant with my first child, summer of 1974. Driving throught Elmhurst in a VW beetle with a manual-control sunroof was quite exciting…expecially down Poplar where there is a canopy of old huge trees over the street. Seventeen years later, I was walking near Elmhurt Hospital when the cicada emerged. Seems like they covered the grass as they marched in unison toward tree trunks. As I recall, each hole was only a few inches from one another. Eventually, every tree trunk in town was litterally covered with cicada. My daughter was a highschooler. Now she’s teaching biology and working toward her PHD. Hope I can plan having the grandkids over at the “special moment” when the cicada emerge again in Elmhurst.

Comment by Kathy — May 18, 2007 [AT] 10:07 pm

I am moving this weekend to the western suburbs of Chicago. I am expecting to see lots and lots of them. I have asked a neighbor of mine if I can borrow her cats for a few weeks. The kitties will have the time of their life with the lil guys. I have their songs playing on my computer all day. Driving my co-workers absolutely nuts.

Comment by Erin — May 17, 2007 [AT] 1:34 pm

We have found a few nymphs while gardening (Northbrook, IL) but have not seen any chimneys yet… they are supposed to arrive May 22. I am obsessed with cicadas!

Comment by Kristina — May 15, 2007 [AT] 11:55 am

snapping off chimneys may decrease their viability.

Comment by Dan — May 14, 2007 [AT] 1:17 pm

As i mow my lawn i have no way of avoiding the chimneys, i step on them and crack them all over the place. does this mean they will die before they emerge?

Comment by jb — May 14, 2007 [AT] 1:06 pm

I say not to snap them off because you don’t want to prematurely expose the nymphs. The tunnels protect from from weather and predators.

Comment by Dan — May 10, 2007 [AT] 2:59 pm

David — the posts from California and Sharon, PA were from last year.

Dan, why shouldn’t we crack off the top of the mud tunnels? I haven’t seen any to do it, but I’d like to know why we shouldn’t (so I can pass along to the kids I work with). Thanks!

Comment by Robin — May 10, 2007 [AT] 2:52 pm

The California cicadas are from an entirely different genus (probably Okanagana) that emerges each spring. They are not periodical, although they are dark-colored with orange like Magicicada. They should not have red eyes.

The Sharon, PA emergences are interesting because there is not supposed to be brood XIII there — if those really are periodical cicadas then they are perhaps very late Brood VIII cicadas?

Comment by David Marshall — May 10, 2007 [AT] 7:35 am

Don’t crack off the top!

Comment by Dan — May 9, 2007 [AT] 4:47 am

We have the empty holes. We have some holes that raccoons seem to have dug up. But I can’t find a cicada anywhere. I’m starting to think its aliens. Where have they gone?

Comment by Kath — May 8, 2007 [AT] 10:29 pm

We’re in Downers Grove, IL. Our entire yard is covered with these little mounds of dirt. If you crack the mound off, you’ll see the cicada sitting there staring up at you. And where there are not mounds, you can scrape the top half inch of dirt off and find tons of holes! We’ve got them EVERYWHERE!!!

Comment by MW — May 8, 2007 [AT] 7:15 pm

It’s actually beneficial to your lawn because they’re aerating it for you! People pay landscaping services $100s of dollars for aerating — the cicadas will do it for free!

Comment by Dan — May 4, 2007 [AT] 7:21 am

Does anyone know if these “chimneys” in my yard will affect my grass? I am 26 years old and don’t really remember the last cicada emergence. I’m in the midst of preparing my house to sell and I’m afraid that these cicadas will ruin my lawn before we sell.

Comment by jb — May 4, 2007 [AT] 6:53 am

After a month of searching, we finally dug up a Periodical Cicada nymph in our own garden in Oak Park, Illinois! We posted information and a photo on our blog: http://cicadablog.saltthesandbox.org/

Thanks to all the other folks who found cicada nymphs and burrows and inspired us to try again.

Eric

Comment by Eric Gyllenhaal — May 2, 2007 [AT] 9:01 pm

Thank you JB in Villa Park — I live in Homewood, south of the city and I was totally upset yesterday when I saw about 30 or more 1/2inch holes in my back yard — as you noted they are like aerations! Didn’t even cross my mind they could be cicadas. I’m still hoping so, as I’m reading about cicada wasps (eat the cicadas) leaving these type holes also.
What an interesting spring/summer we are going to have!

Comment by CJ — May 2, 2007 [AT] 8:33 am

I’m in Wilmette, IL. Was gardening yesterday (Monday) and lifted a path stone. Underneath were about 17 fat wiggling cicadas right under the surface of the stone. Lifted another stone, same story. Also found them in the compost pile. I have also noted some exit holes near the foundation of the house under the shrubbery on the north side.

Comment by Martha Hellander — May 1, 2007 [AT] 9:41 am

I’m in Villa Park, IL and noticed that my lawn had finally been aerated. Upon further inspection, they had not come to aerate yet, but my lawn was full of mounds of dirt and holes. I’ve learned that these cicadas are on their way up. My front yard is FULL of these things.

Comment by jb — April 30, 2007 [AT] 6:21 am

I’m in Chicago Western suburbs, and I was working the garden. There were 10 that I saw less than 1 inch below the surface and I was working in a 6 inch diameter circle. Lots of holes in the dirt as well. I was working in a southwest facing garden, and the sun was very warm today. These guys are raring to go, I think!! I brought me son out to see it and he thought it was totally cool.

I don’t know if I’m ready for them quite yet. I’m supposed to be camping in a few weeks, as well as kayaking. I may have to bring the dental floss!

Comment by HueyGirl — April 28, 2007 [AT] 10:25 am

Ok i just found a magicada! Full size as my daughter was playing with it! lol. I am in Delavan Wisconsin so they are defiently here!

Comment by Jennifer — April 25, 2007 [AT] 8:38 am

A cicada is the fruit of the land. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sautee it. There’s, um, Cicada kebabs, cicada creole, cicada gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir fried. There’s pineapple cicada and lemon cicada, coconut cicada, pepper cicada, cicada soup, cicada stew, cicada salad, cicada and potatoes, cicada burger, cicada sandwich… That’s, that’s about it.

Comment by Jerry — April 24, 2007 [AT] 1:06 pm

Great news Rene!

Comment by Dan — April 24, 2007 [AT] 10:12 am

Today, while gardening in a friend’s yard in SE Elmhurst, I noticed several nickel-sized holes around me. I peeked into one and saw two red eyes staring back at me! This part of her garden is mostly barren, dry clay in a full-sun location. There were no chimneys, just exit holes. I found a dozen of these holes in a 5 x 5 area and the residents were all about 4-6 from the surface. In a spadefull of soil, I found many more active magicicadas near the surface and I carefully replanted them.

Comment by Rene‘ — April 23, 2007 [AT] 8:02 pm

Eric — looks that way to me. Looks like a nymph and a mud chimney.

Comment by Dan — April 10, 2007 [AT] 4:28 am

Hi, Dan,

Thanks for all your work spreading the word about cicadas!

My kids and I are trying to beat the late spring rush by finding the earliest periodical cicadas in the Chicago area. Could you help us out by (1) confirming that the live nymph we found last weekend was annual, not periodical, and (2) telling us if you think the burrows we found this weekend are early examples of perioidcal cicada burrows?

The photos are on this page:
http://www.saltthesandbox.org/cicada_hunt/PeriodicalHunt2007.htm

Thanks,

Eric

Comment by Eric Gyllenhaal — April 10, 2007 [AT] 3:37 am

Hi Im from St Charles, MO. I have a bunch of dead cicada’s on my front porch. I hear them day and night in our trees.

Comments (0)

Filed under: Magicicada | | Periodical — Dan @ 1:29 pm

Comment by Brandi — August 27, 2006 [AT] 7:02 pm

I am from Sharon, Pennsylvania. My cat has brought 2 Magicicadas in my house . We have been hearing them sing the last few days . They were big and black with clear wings .

Comment by Sherry Vanditta — August 14, 2006 [AT] 3:31 pm

I live in Sacramento, California. In the past two weeks my cat has been bringing in cicadas. There have been about 10 of them so far. I’ve had three “delivered” in the last two days. I’ve done a little research on the web and this doesn’t appear to be the norm. I don’t see any outside, but pretty sure I hear them up in my huge tree. None of my neighbors hve this problem either.

Isn’t this unusual? They look like they are Magicicada cassini or Magicicada septendecula. Any enlightenment will be appreciated.

Comment by Bea Maurer — July 24, 2006 [AT] 10:22 pm

Our location is 38.2 N, 86.2 degrees W. This is a little neighborhood off of Blanton Lane and Dixie Hwy in Louisville, KY. This morning I was cleaning my pool and I heard a splash in it. This poor creature had landed in it. Not sure what it was, I got it out and came in to check on the web. From what I found on cicadamania.com,it must be a straggler. My cam is not working so no picture can be taken. I will try to get a pic before I let it go if anyone is interested. I hear them occasionally at night, but first time I’ve actually seen one since I was a child. My grandson has found shells over the past 2 yrs, but we never found one till now. Just thought I’d let ya know for those who are interested.

Comment by Donna Denson — July 8, 2006 [AT] 7:32 am

June 17, 2006
Our dog found a Okanagana rimosa cicada in our backyard. This was in Edmonton Alberta Canada off the revine in the Capilano area. Very cool never seen anything like it. A black star with an orange circle just behind its head on a plate of some sort. It has since been taken to the University 0f Alberta; Strickland Entomological Museum.

Comment by M. Valgardson — June 22, 2006 [AT] 10:57 am

Some very late notes on brood xxiii in central Mississippi, May, 2002.
In the Jackson, MS area tridecassini was probably the most numerous species, with tridecim next, and tridecula a very distant third. M. tridecassini is the one that makes a ticking sound followed by a buzz like a weedeater revving up. There were so many that the sound was really deafening, and the intensity would rise and fall, like waves crashing on a beach. I think that each species aggregated with its own kind, but I have no proof. The much quieter tridecim—the one with the “pharaoh” song was in smaller groups. I noticed that very early in the morning, before the sun came up, the tridecims were singing, but none of the others. I also noticed that when I was going home on my bicycle after dark, my bicycle light elicited buzzes and partial songs from a few of the cicadas as I went by. The rather scarce tridecula were in small groups, and they tended to be where the trees were not tall—basically in fields where the trees were just moving in.
In 2003, 2004, and 2005, each May, I heard a few tridecassini stragglers singing. Before the big spring 2002 brood, I heard one tridecassini that jumped the gun in October, 2001!

Comment by Paul Krombholz — September 20, 2005 [AT] 9:34 pm

August 23, 2005

Went out on my deck this morning to enjoy a cup of coffee. When I went to sit down I had a visitor resting on my chair. It’s the first Cicada I’ve seen up close since the 80s. I’ve heard them humming in the trees all summer. They’re loud and they’re here in Rocky Hill, CT.

Comment by Marilyn — August 23, 2005 [AT] 6:30 am

I am in Rockville, MD and we had a HUGE emergence last year — HUGE. I didn’t realize that there would be any this year but I have been hearing the buzzing sound for a little over a week and wasn’t sure what it was. Well, when 2 were swarming around me last evening, I then realized it. I found 3 dead ones on the ground today while gardening and as I type this, every once in awhile, there is a “knock” on the window from one when they run into the glass. Nothing like last year but there are definately some in this area!

Comment by Susan — August 22, 2005 [AT] 10:38 pm

A friend of mine also has them in Mansura, La.
I had taken pics, but I think I deleted them, will try again

Comment by iluvmykhalil — August 15, 2005 [AT] 4:13 pm

8/15/05—-There are alot in Princeton, Illinois.
I have seen one on my porch about every other day. There dead skin or what ever you call it, well let’s just say in my front yard I found at least 20 of them, it feels like we are infested with them, ok maybe I am over exaggerating. I don’t like them, they are big, ugly and scare me!

Comment by iluvmykhalil — August 15, 2005 [AT] 4:10 pm

I saw 2 Magicicadas in Camden, NJ in 2 days. On August 12th, I saw a dead one laying on the walkway in front of Cooper Hospital. Then on August 14th I saw one on the screen of my front door in Cramer Hill, NJ. When I opened the door it tried to fly away but banged into the post and into the grass. Very big insect!! I have alot of trees in my yard and live close to a wooded area so if I see one on one of my trees, I will try to take a picture. It’s hard though since I am afraid of insects. Also,on my way to Wildwood, NJ I heard them singing the entire way through the Atlantic City Expressway on August 13th as well.

Comment by M Casiano — August 14, 2005 [AT] 9:15 am

The Cicadas are here un the Upstate of South Carolina. I live in a little town southwest of Greenville SC called Honea Path. We have Oak and Chesnut Trees and the are singing wonderfully all day like I used to hear them in Southern France.
Now here I need an expert for answers? I heard the same noise last year. Not quite as prominent then this year but still I could hear them well every day.
This year I have been looking around and found some dead Magicicadas.
I am a little lost about this 17 year cicle. How could I have heard some last year and this year.
Are they other types of cicadas that live every year and make a similar noise?
Also as I go about enjoying these wonderful creatures of nature I hear being closer some high pitch singing less loud and frequent?
I would be thankful if anybody can give me more information. Suggestions of site with information and an excellent book about cicadas.
I feel in heaven, romantic and this wonderful noise while reading a book under a tree is an awesome feeling.
Edmond Schafeitel
Honea Path SC

Comment by Edmond Schafeitel — August 14, 2005 [AT] 8:38 am

The Cicadas are here in Charlotte, NC in droves. I am on the southwest side of Charlote, near the SC border. The oak trees are ringing loudly. Now the starlings are showing up in flocks for the buffet. I have never been glad to see starlings until now. I didn’t see any Cicadas in my neighborhood last year, and if they were here, there weren’t very many of them. This is the third time I have witnessed them during my lifetime.

Comment by Dr.Volts — August 14, 2005 [AT] 6:16 am

I saw one two days ago, and I squished them in between my toes, ohh how I love the feeling. Anyone know when more are comming in, I did this two times so far, there blue eyes, turn red when you moosh them!

[Moderator: don’t moosh cicadas.]

Comment by Ceerie — August 13, 2005 [AT] 8:09 pm

Seattle WA, Aug 8, 2005, 2 pm 80 degrees.
I had to have my wife tell me what the hell that noise was. I have never seen or heard anything like this before, though i only moved to Seattle in 1988.
I grew up in eastern Montana, and have never heard them.

Wierd!!!

Comment by lloyd — August 7, 2005 [AT] 8:35 am

Cicadas are buzzing heavily in Narberth, Pa. Actually spotted a live one on a chair in my yard. Found several shells in a tree and on the ground. Thought they only emerged every 17 yrs? Although their sound is soothing to myself, my young child is terrified of their noise. How long should we expect them to be around? Thanks!!

Comment by Heather G. — August 6, 2005 [AT] 4:22 pm

I know nothing about cicadas but they are in my yard. I live in Waukesha WI and they have been here for a couple of weeks, yet a friend who lives 1/4 mile away does not hear them in his yard. We only hear them at night as soon as the sun goes down they start singing and are quite loud. Tonight they are not as loud and it doesn’t sound as if there are as many as there have been in the last few weeks. Are these what you call stragglers? I found 1 shell in our driveway but did not realize what it was until I started ready about them on you website

Comment by gundi davis — August 5, 2005 [AT] 7:40 pm

Location: Boone, NC, right on the TN/NC/VA border. Last year I eagerly awaited Brood X, but was terribly dissapointed. I might have heard 2 at my home, at the most. While rafting on the Nolichucky River in TN (2004), they were deafening! This year, my home is surrounded by them. We have been having some unusually hot weather breaking a long standing record by hitting 90deg last week, maybe that’s why they are so active. I have been stalking the woods with my camera trying to get a pic, but they are everywhere except for where I am! Camera shy little suckers….

Comment by Shannon K — August 1, 2005 [AT] 9:36 am

I live in Freeport, NY (Long Island) I have about 10 shells in front of my home with a new one on my front door everyday. I also see the holes in the dirt. Don’t expect me to take pictures I am deathly affraid of insects of all kind. The noise is annoying..

Comment by Tiarra T. — July 28, 2005 [AT] 10:38 am

I’ve been hearing the very distinctive sound for several weeks now in nothern Virginia. Thought sure it was cicadas. I believe we have them in large numbers. Last night, the cat brought one in the house. We were able to get it out, but there is no mistaking that it was a cicada.

Comment by Dawn W — July 23, 2005 [AT] 7:28 am

A brood has emerged in Central Texas, the top of the bug looks like the face of a grasshopper, smiling. I guessed it was a cicada, heard about it, never saw it. Recently we have been seeing bizarre looking bug shells around the home, now I know what it was. Our kid spotted it clinging from it’s recently hatched shell on our screen. They sure are not scared, didn’t fly away and moved pretty slowly when nudged. No wonder they are hard to see. Ours was a light green with transparent wings that were brown tiped, so it blends in WELL witht the tree. The nymph phase seems to be universal looking ashy brown/tan. We are in Copperas Cove, TX, north of Austin.

Comment by James G — July 22, 2005 [AT] 8:43 am

I LIVE IN ENOREE, SC, IT’S JULY 20TH. I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE AROUND 11:30 PM AND SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A GREEN BUG ATTACKING ANOTHER BROWN BUG. LOOKED CLOSER AND WAS AMAZED!!! IT WAS A CICADA EMERGING!!! I SAT AND WATCHED FOR WHAT SEEMED AN ETERNITY. ABOUT 30 TO 40 MINUTES LATER A BEAUTIFUL, LONG WINGED CREATURE APPEARED. I’VE NEVER FELT CLOSER TO NATURE. I’M GOING TO CHECK AND SEE IF IT HAS FLOWN AWAY YET…NOPE…IT’S STILL JUST SITTING THERE ON IT’S OLD SHELL. I MUST GO TO SLEEP NOW.

Comment by Shay C — July 20, 2005 [AT] 9:06 pm

Yeah, yeah. I know I’m late with this.

I’m a PGRC member, and on a Saturday Morining run in late May (the 28th, I believe) I’m certain I heard a lone, Brood-X cicada somewhere in the middle of Greenbelt Park (Greenbelt, MD).

Comment by Tim Holtz — July 18, 2005 [AT] 7:05 pm

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Wow, we’ve never seen these before but in the last 24 hours we’ve found two of these guy’s (or gals) perched up on the brick wall directly outside the front door. The first one had a very long abdomin, even longer wings, and generally light brown all over.
Today’s find looks much more like the photos we have seen. It has a very large/wide green/brown head, green collar, green and mostly light brown wings, and brown body with a dark stripe going almost the entire lenth of the underside.
What a racket they make! Very interesting.

Comment by James Fyvie — July 14, 2005 [AT] 11:31 am

I live in Perth County (Ontario Canada) and have just heard quite a few in the tree outside my window. It is somewhat soothing to know that they are here again.

Comment by Cathy — July 12, 2005 [AT] 6:35 pm

I heard them a few days ago (just one or two), then silence due to rain and cooler weather here in Bayside, Queens. This mornining was warm and sunny and heard the same one or two once more. Pretty early for these parts I think. I usually do not hear them until mid august. I hope that does not mean they will be plentiful cause I hate them!!

Comment by Mindy — July 10, 2005 [AT] 1:06 pm

Today, while out walking my dogs, I heard the definite music of cicadas. I couldn’t tell you what kind they were as they all sound alike to me.

I’m in northwest Nassau county (Long Island). Has anyone else heard them around here?

Comment by Marilyn — July 9, 2005 [AT] 12:20 pm

It saddens me with the extinction of brood XI. I bet if you looked on old trees you my be able to see the scars from a cicada brood that no longer exists. Perhaps we could have done some sound mapping to see if there where any existing chorusing areas left. Who knows, maybe there is small pockets left.

Comment by Matt — June 29, 2005 [AT] 3:53 pm

I live in Jacksonville, Florida and we are cursed with Cicadas. In Jacksonville they don’t come out every 17 years, 7 years, or 3 years. They show up every year! Their “song” sounds like a high voltage power line. I am not aware of any studies but my guess is Cicadas are a major cause of depression and anxiety. I hate them.

Comment by Randy Ross — June 25, 2005 [AT] 7:01 am

Found a mature female Brood X straggler yesterday (15 June 2005) in Falls Church, VA. We had huge numbers last year, especially on the 50-yr-old maple tree in our yard, but I didn’t realize there would be 1-year stragglers. Haven’t heard any singing in the neighborhood so far.

C

omment by Pete Jennings — June 16, 2005 [AT] 1:57 pm

They are back this year (2005) in Forest Park Ohio! YUCK!! Thankfully not in the same numbers as last year. I estimate I’ve seen about 50 shells in the yard. Thank goodness I haven’t seen any of them flying around. I can hear them in the trees. Last year, I would barely leave the house and when I did, I did it in the evening. Hopefully I will be in a cicada free town before they come out again.

Comment by Linda — June 15, 2005 [AT] 5:09 pm

The search for Brood XI is on. The “lost” brood was located in CT, MA and RI but hasn’t been seen in over 50 years. Unlike the massive Brood X which we all heard about last year, this was a small and vulnerable brood. John Cooley from UConn and I would like to enlist the help of anyone in these three states. Sorry Midwesterners, but any periodical cicadas you see are probably stragglers from Brood X. Especially if you had them in large amounts from the previous year. To fully understand our problem, you have to read the original location descriptions from 50 years ago. Basically, all that is written is a county reference such as “Hartford County.” Street locations, landmarks or any other points of reference just aren’t listed too often or may even have changed. It will be different for the next generation thanks to the GPS, but for now we have some legwork (and cyberwork) to do. Obviously, the best case scenario would be to have a live specimen. But lacking this, we ask if you could please ask your older relatives or friends if they remember anything detailed. Someone might have a journal page or photograph that could really help us hone in on a specific location. Even a memory, as long as it can provide times and locations, would be helpful. It’s already happened to us once, as a farmer was able to direct us to a previous location. (Sadly, there was a construction crew literally starting to build a house on it, but John and I think the cicadas were long gone.)
Counties that had records are Hartford in Connecticut. Bristol, Franklin, and Hampshire in Massachusetts. Providence (near Tiogue Reservoir) in Rhode Island. Brood XI’s expected cycle in the last century was 1988, 1971, 1954, 1937, 1920 and 1903. “No cicada” sightings or “negative records” are helpful from these areas as well. So if you are planning a hike in any of these locations in the next month and don’t see anything, shoot me an email. It may help us to cut down on places we need to search. Thanks for your help.

Mike Neckermann
castle10 [AT] charter.net

Comment by Mike Neckermann — June 10, 2005 [AT] 1:26 am

oh and i just wanted to say that i am in pierre part louisiana wwayyyyy down south about 30 min. southwest of new orleans it was a brite lime green color so fresh very very flimbzy!!!!!!!!!1

Comment by cody leonard — June 7, 2005 [AT] 9:40 pm

i w

i watched one crawl out of its shell tonite june 5 2005 at11.05 at nite
the wings were flopy and soft it climbed up my rocker i was sitting in so i put it on the brick wall and put an aqurium over it took some pics to

Comment by cody leonard — June 7, 2005 [AT] 9:35 pm

At Green Lane Park PA I went to the most popular Magicicada tree from last year. Saw maybe 20 or 30 shells on the ground. I wondered if they were left over from last year’s hatching but my daughter didn’t think shells would last a whole year. So we concluded that these must be Stragglers! I didn’t see any live cicadas though. However, a bit later I began hearing the call of one single Cassini among the trees!

Laura

Comment by Laura Woodswalker — June 5, 2005 [AT] 6:28 pm

I can hear 1 or 2 magicicada cassini singing in my back yard.

Comment by Matt — June 5, 2005 [AT] 7:52 am

Caught another magicicada on the same tree. Thats 3 on one tree. In Loveland Ohio.

Comment by Matt — June 4, 2005 [AT] 4:03 am

found 2 magicicada shells on a tree in Loveland, Ohio.

Comment by Matt — May 30, 2005 [AT] 7:14 pm

Stragglers in Pohatcong Twsp. (Warren County, NJ)! Heard them (decim) today and I was so excited although I would flip if we could actually see them here. Last year I heard a few but only saw large populations a bit South of here in Holland Twsp. Think I will ride down there tomorrow and see if I find any of our little friends buzzing around.

Comment by LPK — May 29, 2005 [AT] 7:21 pm

Great: take a photo and send email it to the site — if you can get a picture of a cicada next to a newspaper (for dating purposes) that would be awesome.

Comment by Administrator — May 29, 2005 [AT] 10:03 am

Hey, I know this sounds unusual but i found 11 magicicada shells on a tree in my grandmas yard in terrace park ohio

Comment by Mat — May 28, 2005 [AT] 11:11 am

Awesome. I’ll let you know (and everyone else) if I hear about anything in Princeton.

Comment by Administrator — May 11, 2005 [AT] 7:32 am

I have a friend in Silver Springs MD which had a fantastic emergence last year. He will be checking for any stragglers this week as warm weather is expected shortly. I may go to Princeton NJ in a couple of weeks myself.

Comment by AJay — May 8, 2005 [AT] 10:18 am

re: why they sing in summer

Date: Wednesday, Apr/27/2005

> If so, does >it mean that they mate only in >Summer? So what do they do in >Winter? — Som, Thailand Som, let’s just say they spend a lot of time “getting in shape” for mating season. — bissel spilkes, town, state

Largest Cicada?

Date: Tuesday, Apr/26/2005

Wow! This message board has been dead for awhile! I would like to know what the largest type cicada in America is. Here in Virginia, We have several species, some of which I don’t know the names of. First ones I hear each summer are the standard T. Pruinosa, always in old-tree neighborhoods. Next to be heard are my favorites, T Lyricen. Near the beginning of the season they are heard near dusk, but as the summer progresses, they’re heard all day. They have the sweetest, mellowist song: It starts like any other tibicen song, a rising buzz, then suddenly it changes to a soft whirring, like a rotating electric motor. A single specimen’s drums often go slightly ‘out-of-sync’, and you hear a harmonic beating in the whirring sound. Next to appear is the ‘morning cicada’, T. Chloromera <-spelled wrong! These are strange looking: VERY flat, wide heads, the most 'classic-looking' Tibicen type, powdered entiry bright white underneath, and with long, bend-down opercula. We also have the 'watch-winder', which looks outwardly like T pruinosa, but has uprasied ridges on the abdomen that meet and seal with the opercula, the chamber. Their song sounds like someone winding a clock. Later in the summer, appears (never very common) T Auletes, which I thought was the biggest. Their song has a hollow, sound, like a chorus of frogs, a long steady whistling drone, with a regular beating 'tocking' sound. These appear around here in old-tree areas, and often sing well after the sun has gone down. Latest cicada in the season, is a very small one, definately a Tibicen, has a very shrill scream that lasts for only 5 or 6 seconds. I've seen these in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where they're more common, but they also appear here in the DC area. Other unknown one that I've caught, have a song like a cross between T. Pruinosa, and T. Lyricens, and these are a bit smaller, similar color like Pruinosa, but have a black stripe down the powdered white underside of the abdomen, and black opercula. What American Cicada is the largest though? Fred -- Fred Berry, Virginia

why they sing in summer

Date: Tuesday, Apr/19/2005

Hi there. I’m fron Thailand and I wonder is it true that cicadas love to “sing” in Summer? If so, does it mean that they mate only in Summer? So what do they do in Winter? — Som, Thailand

Web de entomologia

Date: Tuesday, Mar/15/2005

web de entomologia ——entomology web in spanish http://jlmcsonora.tripod.com — Juan, Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, M�xico

More Japanese Cicadas!

Date: Wednesday, Feb/23/2005

These are my favorites! I spent many years studying and collecting them. From tiny ones less than an inch long, to those that are among the largest (and loudest) in the world (listen to a Kuma Semi, their unearthly song travels for miles and stands right out from among the millions of other cicadas singing all around you. In full swing its call sounds like an ominous, inhuman voice, very clearly saying the word ‘HISS’ quickly, over and over again! To this day, no other cicada song impresses me as much! This type and its close and equally huge/loud relative the Yama Semi have tremendous drumheads and exotically shaped opercula. From above they look like giant versions of our dogday cicadas, with very wide heads, but their bodies are polished shiney black with powdered white line behind the drumheads, and covered with sparse golden hairs/dust that easily rubs off. In flight, they are very fast and agile, looking all the world like small birds! Love my semi!! — Fred, Virginia

Howdy

Date: Wednesday, Feb/16/2005

Howdy Dan and all the rest of the cicada watchers! 8>- x — cicada x, In

Leonardo Milhomem – Brasilia, Brazil Cicada Photos

Date: Monday, Feb/14/2005

Quesada Gigas can also be found in the United States. It sings at dusk and has a very interesting sound I would descibe as a tea kettle or a long high pitched whine. The location and time I have personally heard them is mid July at the San Antonio Texas KOA. — Mike, Columbia CT

Comments (0)

Filed under: Annual | — Dan @ 1:01 am

Cicadas are emerging “down under” in Australia. Small species have been appearing for around a month, but the first emergence of the large “Green grocers” (Cyclochila australasiae) occurred around Sydney on October 14.

Comment by David Emery — October 23, 2005 [AT] 5:02 am

To Wes Phillips (Aug 21). Have been trying to contact you from Australia on your old email address(2003) about cicadas, but messages bounce back. Have you changed it, please?

Comment by david — August 30, 2005 [AT] 3:25 pm

Well make that two Tibicens now in Franconia, Virginia. Found one in my cellar well. Can’t wait until the next “17 year” cicada brood appears in our area.

Comment by Scott Dwinelle — August 29, 2005 [AT] 6:27 pm

I live in Los Angeles California. I am not sure what I saw but it looked like the cicada insect. I saw two yesterday. They caught my eye because I have never seen any insect like this in LA. It looked very similar to the cicada pictures posted in this web site; the differences are these were forest green and the body was slightly thinner. Has anyone reported seeing any in California? Next one I see I will take a picture. I do know we have had record rain fall for this year and there are a lot more spiders because of it.

Comment by Rick Rivera — August 27, 2005 [AT] 9:27 am

Saw my first Tibicen of the season the other day here in Franconia, Virginia. We really don’t see these to often. Usually one or two a year. Now Magicicada we get by the thousands!

Comment by Scott Dwinelle — August 23, 2005 [AT] 2:20 pm

i’ve a photo of a huge cicada…..cant’ find any other to compair to….ugh………can u help?

Comment by Carla — August 23, 2005 [AT] 8:32 am

I have never seen as many Cicada’s as we have had this year. Last year the buzz (pardon the pun!) was all about the Brood X, This year by far has been ALOT Worse. I am finding 10-20 shells of the molted Cicada’s every couple weeks. I have had at least 3 “Waves” of Molted and now singing Cicada’s. The Holes are starting to become Very apparent of yet another hatching and evolving. A couple weeks ago the noise was almost maddening. Just unbelieveable.

Comment by Pati — August 23, 2005 [AT] 7:42 am

This has been a great summer for cicadas in the Texas Panhandle area. My granddaughter Ashley and I made a trip down near Lubbock and found some of the smallest cicadas in this country. We found not only Pacarina puella, but also Beameria venosa. Beameria venosa is the smaller of these and to my surprise was a two-tone green color. We also collected numerous Cicadetta kansa near Fritch. Tibicen superba appears to still be the most common large cicada and we caught several of them this summer as well. Interestingly enough, I also caught some Microstylum morosum — the Giant Robber Fly which is a predator on cicadas. This is the largest fly in the united states, and some of the specimens we caught were an inch and a half long.

Wes Phillips

Comment by Wes Phillips — August 21, 2005 [AT] 4:31 pm

I thought is was some nuclear being. We don’t have insects that big in Eugene, OR. Let alone plated ones with huge tubular needles coming from their mouth. I could hear it from the back of our property. I placed it in a jar until someone suggested it may be a cicada. My children set it on the patio table and watched it for over an hour. We were able to see it “sing” but you couldn’t really tell the abdomen was even moving. What a pleasure

Comment by Kristin — August 17, 2005 [AT] 4:39 pm

I hear them continuously throughout the daylight hours here in the far northwest of Illinois. I’m about 45 minutes from the Wisconsin border. I was just wondering if anyone knew when they will quiet down and their “song” will end. It has driven me almost to the point of insanity!

Comment by Sara — August 17, 2005 [AT] 10:48 am

Hi, I just saw this website, because I was trying to do some research on Cicada holes. We recently moved to Shamong, NJ (dec of 2004), and
about a month ago, I noticed HUNDREDS of little holes in our yard. I mean literally TONS of them. I didn’t know what they were. We live in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, and I had seen lots of shells of cicadas this Spring, 2005. Then about 3 weeks ago, we saw a cicada crawling across our sidewalk to the driveway. We live in DENSE FOREST area. My front yard is a forest, and so is my backyard. I had listened to some Cicada sounds, on the internet, and then realized “THIS IS THE SOUND that I have been hearing for the past few weeks.
All I can tell you is that we have HUNDREDS of HOLES — fresh holes, that I didn’t see earlier in early Spring. I am now seeing brittle Cicada shells all over the place and especially in our front yard.

So, I assume that they have made MY HOME, their home — which is cool. My hubby took pics of the one that was crawling across the sidewalk. It was late at night, however. Is that when they come out???

Email me, if you wish, and I will send you pics of the holes, and of the Cicada we saw, AND some other pics of the shells that are all over the place.

Jolly Alaniz

Comment by Joleen Alaniz — August 16, 2005 [AT] 6:06 am

Caught a live Tibician in southeast Indiana (Aurora) this morning on our front porch

Comment by Eric — August 14, 2005 [AT] 7:45 am

August 13,2004
Southeastern Mass I found a Tibicen variety of Cicada. It was located on the side of my garage near large catalpa tree The first time I have seen a live cicada and I have lived in area for my entire life. Found while looking for food for pet Praying Mantis. I do believe she will like this special treat.

Comment by Chris — August 13, 2005 [AT] 8:33 pm

my 12 yr. old daughter found a cicada outside in our front yard at 10:oo tonight the 13th of aug., 2005 in grandbay, alabama. we looked at it for a while trying to figure out what it was, and i remembered my dad telling me it was a cicada when i was about 12 yrs. old myself. we released it.

Comment by joey heflin — August 13, 2005 [AT] 8:03 pm

Here in Detroit, we hear them every summer. It’s just not summer without them. I’ve found several moltings on the trees near my home, the garage, and even on the side of my home. My daughter actually scared the crap (to put it polite) out of me when she brought a empty shell in the house. The sparrows & wrens in the area, must love them. I’ve seen some amazing chases this year. A few chases were near fatal for the birds. Since the birds where concentating on the cicadas and not watching traffic they were flying into. Watching a bird chase a cicada is AMAZING.

I have to admit these are some ugly bugs, but I love their music.

Comment by kelly — August 7, 2005 [AT] 7:01 pm

When we were younger, about 10 or so, my brother and would get up early in the morning, ride our bikes around the Neighborhood looking for cicadas. That seems to be the best time to catch them drying their wings on the trees. We had many pets that summer!

Comment by amanda — August 5, 2005 [AT] 11:05 am

I hear them every summer in the trees here in southern wisconsin!

Comment by amanda — August 5, 2005 [AT] 11:01 am

The mystery in San Antonio has been solved. Edward G. Riley, Associate Curator in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M, identified the species we collected as Quesada giga. He believes this species to be the largest cicada in North America and it ranges from south Texas to South America. Their call is described as “metallic”. I can say first hand that that description is accurate, and they are certainly the largest cicada I’ve ever seen. Very interesting indeed.

Comment by Greg — August 2, 2005 [AT] 11:49 am

I caught my first cicada pet ever this summer of 2005. I found him in our pool and he was still alive. I put him in a container for 2 days and I named him Bob. About 1 week later I caught a girl cicada being attacked by a pray mantis. I nammed her betty.

Comment by Katy Czarnecki — August 2, 2005 [AT] 7:59 am

I caught a tibican in Aberdeen MD. I found a dead one infront of my apartment the other day. we have a ton of the model T cicadas in my edgewood MD apartment complex. last year there were none but the magicicadas were close by it sounded like an alien spaceship. though I ve never heard an alien spacecraft before LOL

Comment by Vince Matson — August 1, 2005 [AT] 6:25 pm

I’m 45-years-old and although long aware of cicadas I’ve never experienced them first-hand. Today, July 31, 2005 that all changed. Here now the details: At approximately 10:45 AM EDT in Woodcliff Lake, NJ my wife and I were parked in the Mack-Cali building parking lot. The sunroof to my car was open and I heard a very unusual and loud sound that appeared to be coming from a tree that we were parked under. Getting out of the car to further investigate I was first struck by how loud the sound was. At first I imagined it was some strange avian call and as I tried to spot this creature hidden in the dense foliage the sound would cycle in and out. Loud, then very loud, almost frantic, then moderating. This area of the parking lot was populated by a species of tree I’m not familiar with, but it had fruit very much like large green cherries. Further exploring the trees I finally spotted a cicada that I managed to close within about 3′ of before it found me too close for comfort and flew away. Candidly, these are not attractive insects *cough*, but the decibel level a solitary insect is able to reach is truly astounding. The buzz of this entire brood of insects was like nothing I’ve ever heard before although if you’ve ever attended an F1 automobile race, the sensation is not terribly dissimilar. Wow! Thanks for this site and for wading through this report.

Comment by John Smyth — July 31, 2005 [AT] 6:46 pm

For the first time in my life I was able to watch and photograph numerous cicada nmphs coming out of their exoskeletons and gradually gaining four, straight, green wings. They were on tree trunks and the long thorns of honey locust trees in my front yard in rural northwest Oklahoma. Dan from Cicadamania identified their species as “Tibicin” annual cicadas.

Comment by Mary — July 28, 2005 [AT] 10:02 am

My 8 year old son found a cicada this afternoon! After visiting your site and listening to a few of the songs, we think it is a Tibicen

Comment by Sarah — July 27, 2005 [AT] 6:12 pm

There’s been an emergence of an interesting species here in San Antonio, TX. It appears to be a Tibicen species of which several are common to this area. What sets this one apart is its shrill call. It’s a high pitched buzz or whine unlike the Tibicen chatter we’re used to in this area. I collected a few specimens with an entomologist this morning to determine the species and will follow up with a post when we key it out. If anyone else may be able to shed some light on this particularly shrill calling cicada please post up or contact me at ghammer [AT] tamu.edu.

Comment by Greg — July 26, 2005 [AT] 12:09 pm

I keep hearing Cicada’s in my area, not sure what kind it is, although I do know it’s of a tibicen type (yeah I’m not all that scientific) They are the most interesting insects I have come across…trying to learn more and I am ALWAYS looking to see them yet I can’t. We have many oaks and maple tree’s in our area and the buzzing sounds like there’s millions of them, yet I know that’s not the case. I love these bugs 🙂

Comment by Donna G — July 20, 2005 [AT] 2:13 pm

Concord,North Carolina — this morning found a dogday cicada. it was scary and amazing at the same time because i have never saw anything like this in my life before.
it died as it was coming out of its skeleton. it was the weirdest thing i ever saw.

Comment by lana B — July 12, 2005 [AT] 11:42 am

Central Illinois — not sure what species, didn’t even know what it was…after reviewing the web site, and waking my neighbor to see it, confirmed cicada wandering on the curb.

Comment by momma w — July 11, 2005 [AT] 6:37 am

Found 7 molting T. lyricen specimens in one of my favorite cicada walking spots on July 7th. As of today July 10th still not a peep out of them. I’m in Massachusetts.

Comment by Gerry — July 10, 2005 [AT] 4:16 pm

I heard about 1 or 2 Tibicen chloromera singing this morning around my house.

Comment by Matt — July 8, 2005 [AT] 6:51 am

Found my first live specimens of Tibicen lyricen here in Massachusetts on the 4th of July. They are not calling in the trees yet as of today (July 6th) but I did hear the call of a Tibicen canicularis in my yard on the 5th but I haven’t found any live specimens.

Gerry

Comment by Gerry — July 6, 2005 [AT] 9:37 pm

Found 3 shells and heard over 10 cicadas singing yesterday. I also saw one fly past us.

Comment by Matt — July 5, 2005 [AT] 2:50 pm

heard another!

Comment by Matt — July 2, 2005 [AT] 5:22 pm

I heard a tibicen linnei in Cincinnati this evening.

Comment by Matt — July 1, 2005 [AT] 8:49 pm

I finally heard my first tibicen last friday evening(June 26th) in southwest ohio. It was a T. linnei. I haven’t found any live nymphs or skins yet but am still looking. More updates to come.

Comment by Roy Troutman — June 26, 2005 [AT] 3:04 pm

Platypedia putmani, one of the western clicking cicada has emerged in good numbers in the foothills immediately west of Fort Collins, Colorado. More than usual are being heard on the west side of town. There is some debate, whether they are reproducing in town or migrating from pine and brushlands west of town. I’m begining to believe they have started reproducing within town.

Comment by Tim McNary — June 24, 2005 [AT] 7:57 am

Subject: 2005 cicada

While vacationing at disney guess what I heard. My first cicada of 2005.
(Hiero)
I heard them on 5/7/05 11:00 am. at Magic Kingdom also on 5/8 at Animal Kingdom, and 5/9 at Epcot. I did not hear any at MGM on 5/9. All days were mostly sunny with temps in the upper 80′s.

I am going to a meeting at Baltimore on may 18th. After the meeting im going to the same place I went last year in Annapolis were there was at least a couple 1000 Periodical Cicadas their in hopes of seeing and takeing home some stragglers. Bill

Comment by Bill Mister — June 2, 2005 [AT] 9:24 am

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 1:17 pm

Found nymph in shallow soil

Date: Friday, Nov/26/2004
Earlier this month (November), while digging for worms in the backyard, found a large nymph (almost certainly a Tibicen) in the soil. He was shallow, within five inches of the surface.
Eric, Missouri

thanks Lindsay

Date: Monday, Nov/22/2004
Thanks for that address change Lindsay.
I can also say that the cicadas in New Zealand are starting to emerge.
I have 4 species for the season so far.
Kikihia subalpina, Rhodopsalta sp, Amphipsalta strepitans and Maoricicada hamiltoni.
Things here are a bit behind you Australians, give us 1-2 more months and we will be fully into our season. Kees, Dunedin, New Zealand

Australian cicada website moved

Date: Wednesday, Nov/10/2004
Hi all. The website “Cicadas of central eastern Australia” has moved to http://doolot.sols.uq.edu.au/ins-info/ Please update your bookmarks. Southern Hemisphere cicadas will soon be in full swing. Extensive rain across the east of Australia should bring the big ones out over the next few months. Lindsay, Australia

just sayin hey

Date: Wednesday, Nov/10/2004
Just stoppin in to say hey and howz it?
See ya later… Cicada x, In.

About the microhabitat selection of the emergence of cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Nov/3/2004
Most papers study in the adult cicadas,e.g.,sound. Is there any study focusing on the nymphs emergence to eclosion? Lin, Y. H. , Taiwan

Because they don’t

Date: Saturday, Oct/30/2004
Cicadas don’t emerge in 12, 14, or 16 year cycles because they don’t. Occasionsional cicadas will emerge a year late or early, howeever for the most part they emerge in intervals which happen to be prime numbers. Cicada Mania, Cicadatown

cicadas

Date: Tuesday, Oct/26/2004
Why are there no 12,14,or 16 years locusts? tb, sc

found cicada

Date: Sunday, Oct/17/2004
sighted a green and black cicada, we thought it was dead or almost dead so we brought it home it was warmed up and is now crawling ang flying around, were not sure to release it just yet because of bad weather. -anonamous, canada, hamilton, ontario

Want that sound

Date: Tuesday, Oct/5/2004
If you’ve ever seen any Anime cartoons, you will hear that distinctive intermitant sound in the back ground – kind of 5 or 6 electric sounds, short, then a long one. I believe this to be a type of Cicada, but can not find any info with that sound. Do any of you know what makes that sound? Trent Kuver, Federal Way WA

NH sighting

Date: Thursday, Sep/30/2004
I have NEVER ever seen a Cicada before. Sunday there was a HUGE bug on the deck of my home where it remained for an hour or so and walked around and apparently flew away at some point………Did this guy take a wrong turn and wind up in NH? KP, Tuftonboro, NH

Cicadas in Il

Date: Sunday, Sep/26/2004
I found a cicada in our yard about a week ago. I had never seen one and have just found out through this sight. It was on our tree trunk, seemingly drying out it’s wings, and it’s old body was not far. I was going to get it, but I think the neighbor’s dog got to it first. Jay, Vaugh

Howz it.

Date: Monday, Sep/20/2004
Dan, hows your cicadas doing, are they still singing or have they all gone…in my area, I havent heard any since the first week of aug. Cicada x, In.

Thanks

Date: Sunday, Sep/19/2004
Thanks Cicada X and Laura from the Yahoo! magicicada group. Dan, Cicada Mania

Shells

Date: Friday, Sep/17/2004
If you did not get enough 17 year cicada shells, look on the underside of leaves. Up to about 2 weeks ago, I still found them clinging to the leaves. I am trying to get as many as I can before the leaves fall. I have collected many to show in my science classes for the next 17 years. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

It was a GREAT cicada season!

Date: Thursday, Sep/16/2004
Well, I was sorry to see Brood X go, but then the Annuals started coming out (Tibicen Chloromera), and it was an awesome season for them… more than I have EVER heard in my life. So many of them it almost sounded like a periodical cicada brood, the sound kept flowing like ocean waves. That’s why I got a minidisc recorder and became a Nature recordist. The crickets and katydids were phenomenal too. It must have been because of the abundant rain, more eggs hatched than usual. Whatever the reason, it was an incredible summer! But now, regretfully, the cicadas are gone. Fall Happens! Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

They say there is a monster underneath the bed…

Date: Wednesday, Sep/15/2004
Oh my GAWD!!! I had a cicada underneath my bed and I almost fainted from fright. They are HUGE. I wouldn’t mind if they slept for another 17 years. Maria, Montreal, Canada

welcome back!

Date: Tuesday, Sep/14/2004
Welcome back Dan, hope ya had a great vacation! cicada x, In.

CICADA

Date: Tuesday, Sep/14/2004
I HAVENT SEEN ONE OF THESE IN A LONG TIME ,FOUND IT IN MY SWIMMING POOL
9-13-04 IN CT LESLIE TEDFORD, MOOSUP,CT USA

cicada season

Date: Tuesday, Sep/14/2004
I arrived in Bhutan in summer and suddenly only last week the cicada sound was there from morning till late at night. I am told they herald the start of autumn. Is this true? kleen, bhutan

found cicadas in yard

Date: Monday, Sep/13/2004
A fifth grade student found two cicadas in his backyard. Since I have never seen one, I looked it up on the internet. I didn’t think that they were around her and especially in Sept. Sharolyn, Minneapolis, MN USA

Cicadas are everywhere

Date: Sunday, Sep/12/2004
The cicadas are all over. My cats are constantly bringing them inside! (which is okay since I’m doing a bug project for school!) Sara, Olathe, KS United States

What’s that noise?

Date: Saturday, Sep/11/2004
I just moved here from Southern California about two weeks ago (don’t ask why) and I don’t think I’ve ever heard or seen a cicada before. Is that what I’m hearing? At first I thought I was hearing a power tool or weed whacker from a distance but was told it was an insect and the person didn’t know what type. I also heard that from a Jamaican woman the when she heard them in Jamaica, it meant that the coming day would be hot. Is this true? Denny, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada

Hi

Date: Thursday, Sep/9/2004
Good to see you guys back.
Well its about another 6 weeks or so before us cicada enthusiasts here in NZ can expect to hear our first cicadas for the new season. I cannot wait, make the most of the time you guys have left in the northern hemisphere.
Kees Green, Dunedin, New Zealand

Cicada on my window!

Date: Thursday, Sep/9/2004
I know nothing about the Cicada but I went to go make lunch and noticed a hige insect on my window, I thought he looked like a locust so I checked online at pictures and came across the Cicada and it’s a definite match. He is massive! I looked at the chart stating when they should be in MA and this guy is about 4 years too early…he must have got lost somewhere along the way! Stephanie Joyce, Everett, MA USA

Back from Vacation

Date: Wednesday, Sep/8/2004
We’re back. Dan, Jerzey

cicada sighting

Date: Thursday, Jul/29/2004
I’ve lived in Washington state for 33 years and have never seen a cicada, (locust)until today! I had one land on the side of my face while weedeating. To say the least, it freeked me out. I’m not sure what species it was, but I know what it is.
I’m originaly from Texas, and lived with the noisy little creatures for 17 years. I can’t say, that I’m pleased to have them here. I have a small apple, cherry, and grape orchard. I know how distructive they can be. I’m also an organic grower.(no pesticides) So, for all of you who enjoy their presence. I won’t be spraying, and will be purchasing some net covers for my trees and vines.
I just thought I’d leave a sighting message, and see if anyone else in Washington has seen any locusts.(cicadas);>) Bo, Graham, Washington. USA

It isn’t over until the last cicada sings…

Date: Thursday, Jul/29/2004
I couldn’t believe it! I was eating a bowl of ice cream and latently listening to the chorus of dog day cicadas when in amongst them – all by itself – one little cassini calling. Unbelievable – but it was there! We had only 4-5 in the woodlot earlier this spring that I could count by their calling. It was a delight to hear that ratcheting sound one more time today. Hopefully, he’ll be there tomorrow. Michele, NW Ohio

Finally!!

Date: Wednesday, Jul/28/2004
I had given up, but today they are finally here! I think our weather has perhaps delayed them, it’s been very cool with lots of rain this month.

Our elevation here is approx. 3,400 feet, so that might have had something to do with it too.

I have only seen one so far, but their song is filling the forest! S, Boone, NC

Deer Tick = LYME

Date: Monday, Jul/26/2004
Ajay, I read your post and can’t stress strongly enough to you, to please, please, please get checked for lyme disease!!! The rash only occurs in 50% of people who were bitten by a tick. THe fever indicates an infection, which is probably the lyme bacteria. You MUST be evaluated by a “lyme literate” doctor. My daughter has been battling lyme disease for about 12 yrs now. She is only 22 yrs old. Don’t assume that just because the fever dissipated quickly that you are free from lyme. The symptoms could be varied, and can appear much later. It is best if treated early; late stage lyme can be very difficult to eradicate. Sorry for the alarm, but most folks don’t know enough about this devastating illness to know how to proceed. I hope you don’t have it, but don’t just assume you don’t. My daughter was treated at 10 yrs, and 12 yrs later still has it, even tho we thought it was eradicated then. Don’t mean to be an alarmist, but this has been a nightmare in my home. If you need further info, or want to discuss, email me.
“during my fruitless June cicada I brought back a deer tick from Connetquot State park which I extracted from my lower leg with difficulty. Last weekend I suddenly developed a high two day fever which exceeded 103.5. It vanished as suddenly as it appeared. With no rash, or joint pain I do not think it is Lyme but there are other tick borne diseases. I hope my LI cicada was not even worse than I suspected. — AJay, Stony Brook ” Marilyn, Great Neck,NY

lots “o” cicadas!

Date: Monday, Jul/26/2004
hey! theres tons of baby cicadas at my house in Arizona. atleast every morning I wake up and go to my back yard and find 5 to 6 baby cicada shells. Ive seen how a nymph is born into a cicada, it was pretty cool. sometimes i find dead cicadas with there wings preformed, the neighborhood cats might like the noise they make when you BUG em. Collin, Gilbert az ,america

LI cicada sightings!

Date: Monday, Jul/26/2004
I live in Great Neck, but currently go to school in Valley Stream. I hear them every morning as I walk to class from my car. Haven’t heard any in Great Neck though.

Marilyn, Valley Stream, NY

Brood X: the Next Generation

Date: Sunday, Jul/25/2004
I’m overjoyed–I finally saw some Magicicada Brood X eggs! I went to the groves and picked up branches with oviposit marks, that had fallen onto the parking lot. I discovered you have to break the branches open to see the eggs. They look like miniature grains of rice, hardly bigger than a grain of sand. I had expected them to really BE the size of rice grains–hadn’t seen them before because I never thought of breaking the twig open! I planted them in a bucket with dirt & water…now I’m hoping to see hatchlings in a few days or so. How exciting to be witnessing the next generation of Brood X! The cycle is completed!

Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

saw first cicada

Date: Saturday, Jul/24/2004
A cicada flew into our kitchen last night and spent the night on the window sill. This is the first one I’ve seen. Julie, Nashville, TN

They’re here!

Date: Saturday, Jul/24/2004
Saw several cicadas in the yard today. Can’t recall ever seeing them before. Incredible little creatures! Hope to get a photo of them soon so I can identify which exact species we have and find out how often they come topside. They look like little hunters dressed in green camo. They need some flying lessons though — seem about as coordinated as my wife. Joe, Karnes City, Texas

Ann

Date: Friday, Jul/23/2004
The hatching nymphs wont have any wings that are visible or even formed…as for photos of hatching eggs, I dont have any or know where to find some,, if you were asking about molting photos, I have plenty of those.
Howdy Dan, Im still around and watching your site for new stuff on cicadas. Im glad you have this site, its awesome. cicadax, In.

I’ve got at least one

Date: Thursday, Jul/22/2004
How common are cicadas in California? I found one in my back yard today (loud sucker!) and now he’s perched on high on top of a tree making his noise.

I didn’t see CA in the Cicada calendar. Mark, Los Gatos, California

where are they

Date: Thursday, Jul/22/2004
charlotte nc,,,, none at all yet. wondering if our weather the last few years delayed them dave, charlotte nc

A huge one fell into my pool

Date: Thursday, Jul/22/2004
My mom told me to come outside real quick, because the birds dropped something huge and buzzing into the pool. I took it out with a skimmer, put it in my killjar and now I’m waiting to add this one to my collection. Its body is about 3 cm long, a dark green color. I am officially creeped out! Ivanna, Warren, MI, USA

Baby cicada

Date: Thursday, Jul/22/2004
There’s a picture of a freshly hatched baby cicada on this page: http://www.hgic.umd.edu/cicadas/gallery1.html Dan, Cicada Mania Headquarters

Waiting for Hatchlings, and Remembering a Long Hunt

Date: Thursday, Jul/22/2004
I brought many egg branches back from Princeton and festooned the trees around my property in Stony Brook LI with them. I do not see any hatching yet, but I do not know what changes to look for. Sadly I suspect that this will be the only tiny Long Island emergence of Brood X in 2021. Perhaps there will be thousands but unfortunately, there must be millions to overcome the invasive bird predators. Wherever I am that spring, I will post the precise location and perhaps some rescuers will arrive with bird proof netting to provide small safe havens.

I am sorry that I did not save far more dried specimens for my display. They dried so nicely that with a little red nail polish I think they will look almost alive. I even have one female decula. While I hear a few Tibicens outside, they just are so less interesting than the Magics. Meanwhile, during my fruitless June cicada I brought back a deer tick from Connetquot State park which I extracted from my lower leg with difficulty. Last weekend I suddenly developed a high two day fever which exceeded 103.5. It vanished as suddenly as it appeared. With no rash, or joint pain I do not think it is Lyme but there are other tick borne diseases. I hope my LI cicada was not even worse than I suspected. AJay, Stony Brook

Nymphs Hatched from Eggs: Clarification

Date: Wednesday, Jul/21/2004
cicadax, In. pointed out that “only when they emerge and molt for the last time will their wings be fully formed.”
That’s exactly the stage I saw—maybe my earlier message wasn’t clear—nymphs hatched from eggs prior to heading downward for the next 17 years. Here in Maryland, we are in that stage about now. Do you know of any photos of this stage? Ann, Chevy Chase, MD

No Brood X’s live in Texas

Date: Tuesday, Jul/20/2004
As an FYI: only cicadas belonging to the genus Magicicada arrive in Broods. There are no Magicicadas in Texas, so there are no Broods in Texas. Plenty of other species of cicadas though… Dan, Cicada Mania Headquarters

Cicada Brood Unknown

Date: Tuesday, Jul/20/2004
Played golf Sunday in Universal City, Tx (Sub of San Antonio), the cicada singing was so loud it hurt my ears. I really mean that they were really loud. Guess since we’re in the 95 plus temps now, they are in full glory. During the day time hours today in the city, I can hear them as if there were no other sounds.. Bill Rain, San Antonio

nymphs

Date: Monday, Jul/19/2004
Magicicada hatchlings have no wings out and durring nymph stage, they have none out as well. only when they emerge and molt for the last time will their wings be fully formed. You may have seen Aphids or young leaf hoppers, which both are related to cicada family. cicadax, In.

Hatched Nymphs: Think I’ve Finally Seen Them?!

Date: Sunday, Jul/18/2004
Yesterday I saw what I think are the cicada nymphs that have hatched, but would like some verification. They were of two ages, I think: the smallest were tannish grey and the larger were all white. Wings folded like a very narrow tent over their bodies and three pairs of legs. They were crawling on a box elder tree near areas where eggs had been laid. If these are the nymphs, I’m excited!
Ann, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Very last septendecim?

Date: Saturday, Jul/17/2004
OK, it wasn’t alive, but today I found a freshly dead septendecim that still LOOKED alive. The annuals have been chirping away for a few weeks now. And here’s to the possibility of a few Brood X stragglers next year! Phil, Arlington, VA

I got pictures!

Date: Saturday, Jul/17/2004
I took pictures of a newly emerged cicada on the frame of our back door last night! The aqua-blue veining in the wings was spectacular (I never realized they had that color), and the entire body shimmered with a metallic gold sheen. This is the first time I’ve seen a newly emerged one. I’m so excited! MrsJennings, Tulsa, OK USA

first one tonite

Date: Saturday, Jul/17/2004
hadn’t planned on seeing any in this part of the country, but found one on our patio earlier tonite! mikee, conway, sc

they are hatching!

Date: Friday, Jul/16/2004
Magicicada are hatching in full force here! I just watched several within a few moments! Look closely though, hard to see! Best to watch right where the ovipositing took place, you can see the nymphs slowly exit! ENJOY! cicada x, In.

They are here!!!!

Date: Friday, Jul/16/2004
After reading several reports expecting very little or no activity this year on Long Island. I stepped outside my office today to the wonderful sound of the Cicada! There are many singing their songs and buzzing through the air! I will try to get some visual evidence this evening! mikebober, Little Neck, NY (Long Island)

brood x in 2005?

Date: Thursday, Jul/15/2004
brood x delayed til 2005? is that possible? has that ever happened before? if so…i wanna know; that way i can experience the beauty i did this year all over again…..let me know! cicadia cruz, puerto rico

Tibicens

Date: Thursday, Jul/15/2004
Cooooooooool! They are everywhere! :):) cicadax, In.

Wait Till Next Year?

Date: Tuesday, Jul/13/2004
There is a slim chance that the awful cold spring and summer of 2003 may have delayed Brood X on Long Island. I am not very hopeful but next May on the first hot day I will be searching Connetquot River State park once more. I hope to find the exact location where they were seen in Ronkonkoma also. Meanwhile, my empty terrarium which I had hoped to populate with local Brood X specimens will have to be the host of far less interesting Tibicens. I wonder what will be the effect in areas of Brood X emergence of cicada tuned predators now hunting the “Dog Day” species. I suspect this will not be a good year for them. Maybe they should also wait for next year! At least I have some dried Brood X specimens to glue to a branch for an unusual wall trophy. AJay, Stony Brook LI

another Brood X location on Long Island

Date: Tuesday, Jul/13/2004
I received a call yesterday, in response to the recent Newsday article “Fearing the worst for cicada brood”. It was from a Ronkonkoma resident who was very surprised to read the article. At the end of May (she wasn’t sure of the exact date), she witnessed an emergence at her residence. She had just assumed that everyone else in the area was seeing the same thing. She first noticed emergence holes all over her lawn and property. Then, she found multitudes of skins littering the trees, bushes and grass. Finally, she saw live cicadas flying between the trees, which she sometimes had to dodge. Unfortunately, she never heard them calling. She remembered the deafening noise in 1987, but this time not a sound! Ronkonkoma was one of the hot spots for Brood X in 1987, but there had been no confirmed reports for this year, up until now. Once again, the birds must have been on the scene right away. Anyway, she’s going to call me back if she notices any flagging in the area, but I’m sure the cicadas never made it that point. So, I don’t know if it’s important, but here’s one more town to add to the list. It may be of interest only for the fact that these may be the final emergence locations ever listed for Brood X in New York State. Lenny, Sound Beach, NY

They’re Here!

Date: Monday, Jul/12/2004
I can finally hear them! I’ve been waiting all summer for the song of the cicada, but until tonight, July 12th have not heard them!

I don’t think there is anything unusual about the volume (such as there are millions of them)!

I know that summer has finally arrived in Michigan! Patty Thompson, Redford, Michigan

Cicada siting

Date: Monday, Jul/12/2004
Lots of Cicada in my backyard! I kept wondering what these brownish looking shrimp like shells are that are hanging on my kids jungle gym. I checked it out on the internet and found out about these marvelous bugs! I suppose the live ones are still in the trees. It truly is a phenomenon.

-Anna Anna, Bergen County, NJ

Christmas in July

Date: Sunday, Jul/11/2004
That’s what it looked like along Rt. 322 just west of Harrisburg PA. It appears that our Magicicada friends must have been busy there, flagging the trees so that lots of orange branches hang down like Xmas ornaments. No one reported a cicada emergence there, and I wasn’t even sure if it was in their range, but while everyone in the cities was bemoaning their absence, it seems they were quietly going about their business in more remote areas. Perhaps there is hope for their survival. Long live Magicicicada! Laura, Oaks PA

Comic strip

Date: Sunday, Jul/11/2004
Check out todays ‘JULY-11’ strip of “Over the hedge” Looks good! Jeff Jeff, waterford,NJ

Don’t expect questions to be answered on the message board

Date: Sunday, Jul/11/2004
But here’s a bunch of Tibicen sound files: http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/c700fl1.htm Dan, Cicada Mania

Tibicen soundfiles?

Date: Saturday, Jul/10/2004
I’m definitely hearing annual cicadas around now, but I can’t tell the difference between species. I know I can hear more than one species, but I’m not sure which is which. Does anyone know where I can get soundclips for the various Tibicen songs? Mitya, Falls Church, VA

2004-07-09 ARIZONA /TUCSON /CHERRY ST /(Just So. of UofA)

Date: Saturday, Jul/10/2004
The Cicada’s are plentiful in this area (for the Desert Southwest). About 2-3 for every tree in this section from 6th down to Broadway St. Perhaps 2-300 or more there. They’re still humming along despite the 100 degree temps. Most of the trees they’re in are Mesquite. The ground out this way is cement-like. I wish them lots of luck digging into that! Rich B, Tucson, AZ

cicada fairwell

Date: Saturday, Jul/10/2004
The sun, warm in the trees and a breeze rustles the leaves as the last cicada finishes laying her eggs. She turns to take one last look at her own brood, the part of her life she lived for in the ground 17 years. She then flys away, knowing they are safe, she lands on a stone at the base of the tree and sits in the warm sunlight, knowing she has finished her job. With a flap of her wings and a touch in the air, she says goodbye to the world around her and slowly she begins to fade. She is happy, she has spent a lifetime in a day,a day in a life and lived in a huge world of wonder and excitement. Now, it all fades, but she isnt dying, for she lives on in her children and our memories….to brood x a cicada fairwell untill next we meet again. Cicada x, IN

Cab i cicada???

Date: Saturday, Jul/10/2004
Can a Cicada ever fight back agianst a cicada killer wasp? landon, Batesville ark.

spotted

Date: Friday, Jul/9/2004
I was under the impression that the cicadas would not be this far south, but tonight my husband and I spotted one on our patio screen. We had heard an evening sound that we had not heard for a long time and a friend from Minneapolis was visiting and said he believes the sound was the cicadas and after tonight we believe.
The Cabeza’s, Greer SC
Pandora, Greer, SC

They are invading Vegas

Date: Friday, Jul/9/2004
OMG….I saw these huge shells of a bugs on the side of all the houses where I live and I had no idea what they were until i read about it on a post somewhere came here and saw the pictures and realized what they are. They are all over the place. My dogs like playing with them. I think I actually saw one fly by my face when i was walking yesterday. EWWW. Angela, Las Vegas, NV

First Chloromera

Date: Friday, Jul/9/2004
I heard my first chloromera yesterday. Also, I’m starting to hear increasing numbers of canicularis (at least, that’s what I think they are). Ah, the sounds of summer! Lenny, Sound Beach, NY (Suffolk County)

Cicadas…in Goethe’s Faust!

Date: Friday, Jul/9/2004
I’m reading Goethe’s Faust just because I feel like it, but in the very beginning–the “Prologue in Heaven,” Mephistopheles relates the “small god of the earth” to a cicada. The quote (as translated by Walter Kaufmann) is thus: “He seems to me, if you don’t mind, Your Grace,/Like a cicada of the long-legged race,/that always flies, and, flying, springs,/And in the grass the same old ditty sings;/If only it were grass he could repose in!/There is no trash he will not poke his nose in.” Mitya, Falls Church, VA

Cicadas in Texas

Date: Thursday, Jul/8/2004
So I have looked at pictures of these things and have read up on them. This morning my roommate has me go outside to see these (what he calls) big bugs on the side of the house. After looking at it for a moment it dawned on me that it was a cicada and its shell. Looking at the tree out front I found more shells. I didnt think they were suppose to be in Texas. Has anyone else seen them down here. I have a picture but its on his telephone…what good that does me. Jenn, Celeste, Tx, USA

Finally Arrived!

Date: Thursday, Jul/8/2004
They are emerging in my yard as I write(9PM). Two shells are on my tree and two live ones are climbing the tree to emerge. I’m going to try and video tape some of it. It rained last night. Dylan Johnson, Kutztown,Pa

lots of cicadas

Date: Thursday, Jul/8/2004
We’ve heard and have seen them for about a month and a half and they usually stay through September. You know when winter’s coming here in Pflugerville and the hot summer days on the flip side. It’s kinda lonely when their sound disappears for the winter. My mom used to fly them like airplanes when she was a kid in Oklahoma. Not many toys. Drema, Pflugerville, TX., USA

SIGHTING!

Date: Thursday, Jul/8/2004
I have seen several Cicada Bugs in the Columbus, GA area! Why so early? CeeCee, Columbus, GA

First Tibicen!

Date: Tuesday, Jul/6/2004
Well, brood X was a flop on Long Island this year, but summer’s here and the tibicen show is beginning! I heard my first one today at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown (Suffolk County). I think it was a canicualris. It definitely wasn’t a chloromera. Lots of great dragonfly activity as well! Can’t wait to get my fill of Magicicada when brood XIV comes around in 2008! I’ll be counting the days! Lenny, Sound Beach, NY (Suffolk County)

Cicada Protection And the Endangered Species act

Date: Tuesday, Jul/6/2004
I think that we may be able to use the Endangered Species act against those disease bearing feathered vermin, sparrows and starlings. The seven species of periodical cicadas, divided into the 15 broods of 13 and 17 year species and incipient species are a unique North American phenomenon which are evidently in serious jeopardy from the invasion of sparrows and starlings. The extinction of Brood X on Long Island and the total extirpation of Brood XI are warning signs that Periodical cicadas may be less secure than many people realize. When predator satiation is not reached, the total destruction of entire populations can be nearly instantaneous. Certain native bird species such as the bluebird are also under great pressure. I propose that the invasive exotic species in effect constitute a form of environmental degradation and pollution which can and should be controlled. (Certain potentially deadly fungus diseases such as histoplasmosis are also spread by the massive excrement deposits left by these invaders) Avitrol for example is not only very effective but in addition, predators feeding on affected “feathered rats” have been shown not to suffer any deleterious effects. I Propose that as many people as possible (especially cicada fans) contact the appropriate Federal agencies to undertake feathered vermin control measures as expeditiously as possible. AJay, Stony Brook LI

Sightings

Date: Monday, Jul/5/2004
I have 2 cicada’s sitting just outside my back door and am terrified to venture out there. What is all this talk about their beauty and myth? They are frightening looking and give me the willies! Donna, Bayport, LI, NY

First Cicada

Date: Sunday, Jul/4/2004
Just heard cicada last night. Old timers in the neighborhood say there was a huge brood here 17 years ago… Russell Young, Summit, NJ

A cicada in our yard

Date: Sunday, Jul/4/2004
I found a cicada hanging from our car’s tire that had just been parked on the grass overnight! What a beautiful creature.Does that mean there should be more of them nearby? Bob Doolittle, Memphis, NY

The Very Very Last Magicicada Septendecim!

Date: Saturday, Jul/3/2004
Greetings! People have been talking about “the Last Cicada” for about 2 weeks now. So here’s my very last word: I went hiking at the Green Lane Reservoir today. Did not expect to see or hear ANY Periodical Cicadas. Picked up a few tree branches that had been heavily oviposited…didn’t see any eggs. If they hatched, they fell onto concrete. But there we were, hiking along the lake, when we began to hear lone Cassini’s here & there, cranking up their “rr-rrr-bzzz”. And suddenly I heard it: the very very LAST Septendecim. I couldn’t believe my ears. He sang clear, long drawn-out notes lasting a good minute each…there seemed to be lots of wind and life left in this heroic holdout. They were all supposed to be gone by the end of june and here it is July 3. What an inspiration! Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

One cicada heard Friday am, July 2

Date: Saturday, Jul/3/2004
After a long silence all week (at least in the early am and evening), I heard one single cicada on Friday around 8:30 am “whoa-ing” in the woods in Princeton. Nobody was answering.

Haven’t heard any since.

Fairfax Fairfax, Princeton, NJ

Lack of sightings on Long Island

Date: Friday, Jul/2/2004
Hi fellow cicada enthusiasts,

I’ve written several stories in Newsday about Long Island’s Brood X representatives. Sadly, they seem to have fizzled out twice – first in East Setauket after a very brief showing and more recently in the NE part of Connetquot River State Park, where a Parks Dept. employee heard them in scattered locations, but only for a few days. Then nothing. The experts I’ve talked to so far are at a loss to explain it, since there are no obvious differences in the areas where the cicadas emerged in 1987. I would welcome comments from anyone who had been looking forward to seeing the cicadas and had actively sought them in different areas around the Island. You can contact me directly at Newsday at 631-843-2583.

Cheers,
Bryn
Bryn Nelson, Melville, New York

Tibicens

Date: Friday, Jul/2/2004
Finding many Tibicens and hearing them more often. Got up this morn and couldnt believe my eyes, found one female cassini hanging on a limb, she looked as if she hadnt mated or layed eggs, ovipositor was still tucked away and she was quite active…..I held her for a few and then she flew away. I havent heard any males so she will die unhappy…..guess nature has its reasons. cicadax, in.

Cicada eggs and nymphs

Date: Friday, Jul/2/2004
I am interested in seeing pictures of the nymphs that emerge from the eggs that were recently laid. IF any one sees these little hatchlings please photograph them.
Well, here in NY looks like we missed the Magicicada. I heard a Tibicen cholomera singing on this early humid morning! Elias, Queens County New York

Lonely cicada heard

Date: Friday, Jul/2/2004
I was walking in the woods at Schooley Mill Park in Howard County in central Maryland around noon today (July 2) and I heard one cicada calling at the bottom of a little stream valley. The last time I saw or heard one before that had been June 22. Jim Glenn, Clarksville, MD

Magicicada e-group

Date: Thursday, Jul/1/2004
If anyone has questions or would like to discuss something at greater length, you can try my e-group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicicada/. I changed the settings so that anyone can view messages and post. (the default is “members only” and that’s kind of a turn-off.) I think you have to create a Yahoo login first, though. See you there, maybe! Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

heard one

Date: Thursday, Jul/1/2004
heard one at 2:29 pm in a tree in front of my house. luis, tucson,az

Heard one

Date: Wednesday, Jun/30/2004
Periodical cicada was heard at the Shady Grove Metro near the new garage on June 30, 2004, around 3:30 PM, loud and clear. Hadn’t heard any for at least a week. Beth, Laytonsville

Eggs – part 2

Date: Wednesday, Jun/30/2004
Ooops, just went to the “Gallery,” saw photos of the eggs…. will try to find some! Sue, Riverdale, MD

Eggs?

Date: Wednesday, Jun/30/2004
I think the idea of an “egg rescue” is great; so what exactly are we looking for, something tiny IN the branches, on top, or? Sue, Riverdale, MD

Alas, absent in Ann Arbor

Date: Wednesday, Jun/30/2004
Larry from Detroit: Went in the Dixboro area yesterday, to see the Magic Cicadas (just south of Ply-Ann Arbor street)where the Botanical Gardens are. There was a huge showing here in the begining, but unfortunately they appear to be all gone. No singing and no flying..not one live soul spotted…and it was 80’and sunny. This is unusal as their life span was short of 3 weeks. Last week they were hardly singing (on July 24th)and the birds were plentiful, squawing,flying wildly and picking them out of the trees with ease. I suspect these predators, plus the cooler than usual nights (46’to 52′) and the days in the lower 70’s (with hardly any sunshine) wiped out alot of their numbers way too early. I will miss the Stars of Brood X (their air acrobatics, those pretty eyes,and friendliness) and hope their little ones make it safely back into the Earth. And thank-you Dan for this great board. Deborah, Westland, Wayne County, Mich

X Files

Date: Wednesday, Jun/30/2004
An X Files Episode tonight on TNT dealt with strange predatory humanoids living in a Florida Swamp. They had glowing red eyes and the only sound they produced was that of Magicicada Cassini! I thought I was gong to have to wait till 2008 for Brood XIV to hear that sound again! Ajay, Stony Book LI

Some cicadas still around in Western PA

Date: Tuesday, Jun/29/2004
We just returned from a trip to Kentucky. There were no cicadas left in Cincinnati but there are still some singing away near Bedford, PA – easy to hear if you are on the PA turnpike. I work in MD and commute along I-95 every day. The flagging starts just north of the DE/MD line between DE 896 and DE 273 – there is no singing left here. On 6/21 we heard lots of singing in Catoctin State Park. The heavy concentrations I saw this year seemed to be along old MD 924 in Bel Air and at the North East exit of I-95. I will sorely miss these fun insects and look forward to 2021. I was so disappointed they didn’t come out in my area. Joan, Chadds Ford, PA

Cicada Wedding in 1987

Date: Tuesday, Jun/29/2004
Hi I was looking at my articles on the cicadas from 1987 and I have
one about a lady who got married then and had a cicada-themed
wedding. Her name is Liz and she was married in the DC area.
She was born in a cicada year (1953) and graduated in another
cicada year (1970). So it was fitting that she got married in
1987…her third cidada year.

Liz, are you by any chance on this board? I would love to hear your
perspectives 17 years later on the cicadas and your wedding 🙂 What
life event did you celebrate this time around? The article even has
a pic of the invitation and pic of Liz’s sister with a cicada
wedding cake topping that she made (not a real cicada).

What an incredibly creative idea….I am so glad I kept this article.
Debbie, Seattle

Cicada Display

Date: Tuesday, Jun/29/2004
I have a half dozen dried cicadas on my microwave and they still look quite good; some have reddish eyes still. I plan on carefully gluing them to a small branch and spaying them with some plastic coating for as lifelike display as possible.
It is sad that this has all come to an end so quickly. I suspect that there still might be some left in NE PA. I remember years ago finding Brood II singing loudly in that area on a small mountain around July 1. I was training for my first NYC Marathon and stopped my run to enjoy the amazing sights and sounds. I was sure “Them” ants as big as busses would shortly come crashing out of the forest! When I brought some home for my yard in Flushing I found how quickly those vile starlings can appear out of nowhere. They were devoured within two minutes of release 🙁
AJay, Stony Brook LI

Rainy days & Resin

Date: Monday, Jun/28/2004
Someone asked about rainy days. The cicadas were definitely quieter on cool/cloudy days and I don’t think they would sing at all when it rained. As to the resin-cast: I haven’t tried it yet, I’m letting my specimens dry out more. The newest ones are 2 weeks old. I experimented w/ red nail polish to bring back the red in their eyes, and clear nail polish on other parts to get rid of that ‘dried-up dead bug’ look. On the resin can it says “to avoid trapping air, dip embedments into catalyzed resin.” See www.eti-usa.com for information about resin products. Very toxic stuff. Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

Singing, Flagging, eggs

Date: Monday, Jun/28/2004
Someone asked about singing in cold, wet weather, they don’t sing. We had some weather like that and I noticed that they were on the trees but under leaves and no singing. The singing became less and less and one day it did not happen. We have alot of flagging in my area. In fact, I saw a lady today with a leave blower out because her yard was covered in small batches of leaves. It looks like fall here because of the brown leaves on the ground and on the trees. I still have not seen any eggs drop. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

Egg Rescue

Date: Monday, Jun/28/2004
Areas with large Magicicada populations now are littered with huge numbers of egg laden branches. I hope that some of the cicada fans out there can rescue as many as possible from lawnmowers and trash piles and place them in wooded areas, especially those with relatively small populations. A large garbage bag could hold lots but done forget it in a close car. The unnatural predation by starlings and sparrows is already putting severe pressure on these amazing species and we should all try to preserve this amazing beautiful natural resource for future generations to enjoy and marvel at. If I had thought of the idea earlier, I would have obtained some of the protective anti cicada mesh and used it to provide a safe haven for my Princeton cicadas by putting them inside out of reach of the disgusting disease bearing starlings and sparrows which quickly annihilated them. (I have a perfect peach tree for that too and extra compost could have compensated for any use of the trees’ resources) AJay, Stony Brook LI

Periodicals quieter, Annuals making some noise

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
Noise has really dropped off in the last two weeks in the Fairfax/Clifton areas. Only hear a few lonely souls at a time now, instead of thousands. Last Friday I was surprised to hear some and see flagging SW of Clifton and along Yates Ford Rd east of Manassas. It seemed to stop as soon as the road ends at Prince William Pkwy. I’ve found cicadas north and east of Manassas now, but they disappear as soon as I get to town. Haven’t actually seen one in person since 2nd week of June. We must get the brood that comes in 2013. Interesting how they’re spaced 8 and 9 years apart from each other. BTW This morning was the 1st time I’ve noticed the song of the annual cicadas. It’s officially summer now that I’ve heard them!
Kenny, Manassas, VA

Nearby sighting, for the record

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
My location, near Atlanta, GA, isn’t within Brood X’s range, but it’s close enough that I decided to try to drive fnorth to see it. My first attempt, at the end of May, was a drive through Gainesville. Nothing.

My second attempt, a few days later, went up 515 and took me as far as Ellijay. I didn’t find anything, but on the way back, about two miles south of Ellijay I stopped at a rest stop named “Scenic View”. There were about a dozen dead cicadas there; I spotted a single live one flying around the trees. A map tells me that this is probably the southernmost extent of the entire brood, so maybe this information is useful to someone.

My third attempt was a trip to Amicalola Falls State Park at the start of June. It was raining and I didn’t walk very far down the trails. I spotted the occasional dead cicada here and there–maybe 6 or 7 total–but nothing live, no singing (not unexpected given the weather), and certainly nothing even vaguely swarmlike. Ken Arromdee, Norcross, GA

cicada

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
i caught my first cicada today at 2:00 he was a crawling one with no wingsand at 6:45 he molted grew wings and at 7:51 i set him free i have never experienced them coming out of their skins i have seen the skins and full grown but never the transformation it was a cool transformation i will have to catch another one and watch him too. Lex, Sanger,TX

First annual (Tibicen) cicada heard today!

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
My family & I visited the Cincinnati Zoo this afternoon & I finally heard my first annual cicada there. It was a “Tibicen linnei”….my favorite of the annuals. Hopefully I will find an emerging nymph soon! I have heard no periodical cicadas since last Tuesday. Roy Troutman, Batavia, Ohio

Are they still singing around here?

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
Need some help – the emergence was large west of me, in the Ann Arbor area, but I heard it was spotty. Any reports of these wonders still singing?
Must hear more, a wonderful sound.
Thanks
Larry D
Larry DiVizio, Detroit, Mi. USA

Periodicals quieter, Annuals making some noise

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
Noise has really dropped off in the last two weeks in the Fairfax/Clifton areas. Only hear a few lonely souls at a time now, instead of thousands. Last Friday I was surprised to hear some and see flagging SW of Clifton and along Yates Ford Rd east of Manassas. It seemed to stop as soon as the road ends at Prince William Pkwy. I’ve found cicadas north and east of Manassas now, but they disappear as soon as I get to town. Haven’t actually seen one in person since 2nd week of June. We must get the brood that comes in 2013. Interesting how they’re spaced 8 and 9 years apart from each other. BTW This morning was the 1st time I’ve noticed the song of the annual cicadas. It’s officially summer now that I’ve heard them!
Kenny, Manassas, VA

Nearby sighting, for the record

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
My location, near Atlanta, GA, isn’t within Brood X’s range, but it’s close enough that I decided to try to drive fnorth to see it. My first attempt, at the end of May, was a drive through Gainesville. Nothing.

My second attempt, a few days later, went up 515 and took me as far as Ellijay. I didn’t find anything, but on the way back, about two miles south of Ellijay I stopped at a rest stop named “Scenic View”. There were about a dozen dead cicadas there; I spotted a single live one flying around the trees. A map tells me that this is probably the southernmost extent of the entire brood, so maybe this information is useful to someone.

My third attempt was a trip to Amicalola Falls State Park at the start of June. It was raining and I didn’t walk very far down the trails. I spotted the occasional dead cicada here and there–maybe 6 or 7 total–but nothing live, no singing (not unexpected given the weather), and certainly nothing even vaguely swarmlike. Ken Arromdee, Norcross, GA

cicada

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
i caught my first cicada today at 2:00 he was a crawling one with no wingsand at 6:45 he molted grew wings and at 7:51 i set him free i have never experienced them coming out of their skins i have seen the skins and full grown but never the transformation it was a cool transformation i will have to catch another one and watch him too. Lex, Sanger,TX

First annual (Tibicen) cicada heard today!

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
My family & I visited the Cincinnati Zoo this afternoon & I finally heard my first annual cicada there. It was a “Tibicen linnei”….my favorite of the annuals. Hopefully I will find an emerging nymph soon! I have heard no periodical cicadas since last Tuesday. Roy Troutman, Batavia, Ohio

Help with casting…

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
I found this link on a taxidermy website last night…
http://www.eti-usa.com/books/castinbk/page9.htm
That page is specific to what we’re trying to do but it’s a whole leaflet so to speak so you can read the whole thing if you like.
Looks like some things that I didn’t do were wait till the resin was gelled before I put in the cicada, I didn’t dry him out first with silica gel or something like it…
But that link should be pretty helpful and I’ll probably try again soon. I’ll probably try with one of the not so hot looking dead cicadas that are still outside rather than the “good” ones that I picked.
I hope this helps!!!!
Karen Karen , Catonsville

Resin Bubbles

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
I had the same experience as you — lots of little bubbles, even this cloudy mold like stuff. This was my first try without talking to anyone, so I’m not 100% disappointed. If I let the cicadas dry first, and then poked a hole in their abdoments so the air would get out sooner… maybe that would have helped. Or maybe it would have hurt… I should have practiced on roaches! Dan, Cicadamania

Haven’t seen one

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
Was checking the site because I was excited about the 17 year brood. Now I am disappointed that they have been here and gone. Not in North Jersey. Eric, Saddle Brook, NJ

Casting In Resin…

Date: Sunday, Jun/27/2004
Anyone tried this?
I tried today and although it was easier than I thought, my cicada ended up looking like she was covered in carbonation or covered in ice. No other air bubbles in the mixture except for around the cicada.
When I put her in, it didn’t appear that there was any problem.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I’ve seen a few casts on ebay and none of them look like what mine did.
Here’s a link to all of my cicada pics. At the end I’ve uploaded the pics of my cast.
By the way I took some photos of some eggs that I found. To get the full effect, there’s an option to view the original picture which will take up more than your screen but will show great detail if you’re interested.
Forgive the monotony of the pics, I just kept snapping in the hopes of a few coming out well 😉
It’s just a test and looks like a huge ice cube 🙂
Take care,
Karen
http://imageevent.com/karennnnn/cicadas
Karen, Catonsville

A few straggler Cicadas still going in Princeton

Date: Saturday, Jun/26/2004
They get a late start now-10:30 am as opposed to 4:30 am-but a few stragglers are still going. Suspect they’re the Cassinis. We call them the “ratchets” as they wind up their calls. They will be sorely missed. They’re the only insects that make alarm calls if I’m disturbing their habitat (low key agitated buzzes) or down right scream when I inadvertently close a barn door on a Cicada leg stuck in the door jam. They’ll be sorely missed. Fairfax, Princeton, NJ

Cicada singing

Date: Friday, Jun/25/2004
To all of you who have had the privilege of living with cicadas, I have a question I haven’t found on any site yet. Do the magicicadas sing on rainy days? Cloudy days? Cool days? Just curious if they are like the Dog-days. Also, when they start dying off – what does it sound like? Does the whirring and buzzing just get softer and weaker until there are only the sounds of individual singers? I had to drive 1 1/2 hours from where I live to enjoy them. Two trips I made were a weak apart and the second time I noticed that the decims weren’t as loud and many were dead. The cassini’s were still going strong. I went to Highbanks Metro Park in Columbus and it was freaky because just in one parking area I found numerous decims infected or dead with that gross fungus. Just in that one area! Gave me the creeps and I got out of there. It was kind of dark and shaded there too, which made it more creepy. Appreciate your comments on my questions and “dying” (oops) to know. Love this site and all the input from everyone since I wasn’t blessed with their presence. Michele, Ohio

New Search in Connetquoit Park

Date: Friday, Jun/25/2004
Connetquot State Park Today. Park Employees including Gil Bergen who has been
there for decades, told me that there definitely were a small number of periodical cicadas
in the tree tops a week ago. They disappeared quickly it seems; I suspect starlings and
sparrows wiped them out. I went on a long hike toward the North east section of the park
where the sounds were heard. I saw no trace of our ephemeral friends and had to cut my
expedition short when I found one of those nasty deer ticks embedded on my leg. I also
circled Lake Ronkonkoma, Again lots of great cicada habitat, but no trace of cicadas.
Gil promised to keep in touch and admitted that he was not absolutely positive about the
exact years of long ago emergences but will look through old records. I had prepared a
really nice terrarium with live small maple trees growing in moist soil but sadly have no
little red eyed singers to fill my living room with joyful sound. A disappointing day.
AJay, Stoy Brook LI

A cicada carving

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
I just finished carving a cicada today.It turned out good, I think Ill make a necklace out of it. Im starting to see more of the green cicadas, the ones I get every year and the funny thing about them, they seem to tune up their tubas in practice…then begin to sing a little in the evening. They are a pretty cicada and faster than brood x.
Once you catch one though, they are quite tame and like being petted on the back. The one I held and petted leaned from side to side,the side I petted is where she would tilt. I placed her on a leaf, but she flew back to me as I headed back to the house, so, I had to carry her around a while, she stayed on my shoulder, even in the house. I guess Ill call her Kayla. She finally allowed me to put her on the tree, guess she was thirsty for some tree sap. Way cool bug. Went back out before going to work and she was still in the same tree, flew to me and landed on my forehead. I placed her back on the tree. will check on her in the morn. Cicada x, In.

Patapsco State Park Cicadas

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
I saw about a dozen monday, and heard some in the trees, but for the most part not more than one at a time. Today I heard a few, but didn’t see any. I was in the park from the swinging bridge south on both the sides of the river. George, Elkridge, Md, USA

patapsco state park?

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
Which part of the park have you seen cicadas? I know at the tire park in Catonsville they are probably gone; they arrived more than 6 weeks ago now.
If I could see another live one that would be so cool!
karen, catonsville

thanks to marie

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
Thank you Marie for the info about the poem, it was very good and thank you for the touch….thank you Dan for the info on the resin and thank you for this wonderful site. i will visit often and hopefully get to read new messages.I do apologise for the shouting, i never knew all caps meant that. To all cicada lovers and haters, take care and be safe. 🙂 cicada x, in

Waning cicadas and messages

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
The cicadas seem to be waning and so do the posts on this message board. Thank you so much Dan for setting up this message board so all could share their cicada experiences. It has been really wonderful for me to relive another emergence through hearing about it through all of you, even though I wasn’t there to experience them in person this time. And thanks for those of you who offered to send me wings and for those of you that posted awesome pics. I may go the web site that’s been set up and post my display of the wings Joyce sent me there. I have really appreciated being able to share my love for the magicicadas with all of you….. Debbie, Seattle

Long Search At Connetquot State Park

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
I ran and walked close to 10 miles in and around Connetquot State Park today, carrying a new 3 CCD Panasonic camcorder. A woman at the gate described her daughter seeing “hordes of disgusting insects” around her home on Connetquot Avenue near the park. I missed Gil Began the resident expert and will try and go back and talk to him tomorrow. Unfortunately I saw and heard not one Magicicada. I had found cicada wings miles from Princeton last week but saw no wings, no exoskeletons and no exit holes during my long exploration today. The park was very beautiful, however, with mid 80s tomorrow, I will make another investigation. I still am hoping for some success. AJay, Stony Brook LI

New Yahoo Group

Date: Thursday, Jun/24/2004
Laura, who “noticed that it is hard for people to communicate directly with each other on this message board”, started a Yahoo! e-group . Check it out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicicada/ Dan, Cicada Mania

Don’t go to Cincinnati

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
I just got back from a couple of days in Newport KY and Cincinnatti (well, north at the King’s Island amusem*nt park)… I believe the cicadas are finished in that area. We spent a lot of time outside, and there were none to be heard or seen. An employee of the natural history museum told me she hadn’t seen any for a few days. Sadly, the magic seems to be mostly over in the midwest. Holly, Indianapolis, In

Forget about periodical cicadas LI

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
If they haven’t shown up yet it is because they are dead and gone. Today I heard the first tibicen of the season and no doubt those creatures like soil temperatures a good bit higher than 64 degrees. It’s past that point – if they were going to come out they certainly would’ve been here at least 3-4 weeks ago. In fact, the tibicen is about 10 days earlier than usual which would point to above normal soil temperature.
Joe, Long Island

Cicada Time Line for Elkridge Md

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
May 12: Zero.
May 13: Cicada entrance.
May 15: Started singing.
May 22- Jun1: Approx peak.
Jun 18: Cicada exit.
Jun 19: Zero.

There are still a few in the Patapsco State Park. George, Elkridge, Md, USA

eggs

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
I have seen eggs and a few hatchlings today,tiny white bugs…cute…they seem to wait till evening here to come out of the eggs, they drop from the branches almost like a feather falling slowly.Very interesting to watch. if you see any its best not to handle the hatchlings. Very fragile, but enjoy them when you can. cicada x cicada x, in

Anyone know when they will be gone?

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
For over a week now things have been dying down in the Princeton area – although the mornings are quiet, in the afternoons I still hear the cassini “singing”/screeching and from time to time have seen them. Does anyone know how long until they are “officially” gone for the next 17 years? Day after day it seems that they are but then they reappear. (I thought by late June they were gone but guess I was wrong.) Also, when the eggs start dropping will they be apparent or is it something most people don’t even notice?
Thanks in advance. Jennifer, Princeton, NJ

eggs…

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
I haven’t seen any hatch, but so many branches have fallen to the ground where eggs have been laid. The little dude and I were at the park yesterday and decided to investigate to see if we could find eggs. It was really easy to do. If you find a branch; there are tiny scratches in it. Break it apart where the scratches are and you can see the eggs inside; like little grains of rice. We didn’t see any that had hatched but then again I’m not sure how you’d see that. I’m sure as soon as they hatch they probably fall to the ground.
I think I’ll stay away from sitting under trees for a while 🙂
Karen Karen , Catonsville

How can you tell when the eggs are dropping??

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
I see lots of scratches on the branches of the trees in my yard. How large are these eggs or larva going to be when they “drop”?? I’d like to see it happen if possible, just want to know what I am looking for…..All cicadas are gone here, have been gone for 2 weeks now, I miss their songs & watching them interact up close. Staci, Beltsville, MD

Any eggs dropping yet?

Date: Wednesday, Jun/23/2004
I really want to see the eggs hatch and drop to the ground. Anything like that happening yet. There is a lot of flagging on the trees where I live. Some big trees are completely covered. I am surprised at how high these little bugs climbed to lay their eggs. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

CICADA Sightings and Hearings

Date: Tuesday, Jun/22/2004
U say they are just now coming out ? got news for you dudes, they are hot an heavy in our yard and make noises every year. OUr back yard is full of wonderful trees for them to play their tunes in. Tracey, East Prairie, Missouri USA

PA – still a few

Date: Tuesday, Jun/22/2004
(Middle Creek) I can still hear the UFO sounds, but it keeps sounding farther away and you can pick out individual ones. Cassinis still chattering away. I got the chance to observe several up close while singing (the cicada, not me). Dead bodies are littering the ground but the frequent thunderstorms are washing them away Mike, Lititz PA

A Magicicada Mystery on Long Island

Date: Tuesday, Jun/22/2004
I drove around the perimeter of Connetquot River State Park yesterday morning and there were no Magicicada to be seen or heard. I think the Brood X cicadas are playing games with us on Long Island. To AJay in Stony Brook – the cicadas in Connetquot River SP were reported by the regional environmental education coordinator for NY State Parks. He is extremely knowledgable and was at the park in 1987 for the last Brood X emergence. So, I’m sure they were Magicicadas. We just have to hope they didn’t pull a quick disappearing act like they did in East Setauket. To Michele in Ohio – Thanks for that info! Plum Island is a concern to a lot of folks here. There are a great deal of stories and rumors going around. I just hope the spotty Magicicada activity here can be attributed to natural causes, like AJay pointed out. Time will tell! Lenny, Sound Beach, NY (Suffolk County)

Fruitlless Search Tonight In Suffolk Co. LI

Date: Tuesday, Jun/22/2004
Results of a long search tonight: I went through Setauket and focused on Branch and Mayflower lanes, epicenter of the early Newsday report. Not a single exoskeleton was visible on any surface. (They were still everywhere in Princeton.) I also passed near Ronkonkoma earlier with nothing visible During last weeks’ search around Connetquot State Park I heard quite a few crickets. I HOPE that is not what those park employees heard earlier. Will go back for a second look within two days (Gotta work on my radio talk show tomorrow) AJay, Stony Brook, LI

Fruitlless Search Tonight In Suffolk Co. LI

Date: Tuesday, Jun/22/2004
Results of a long search tonight: I went through Setauket and focused on Branch and Mayflower lanes, epicenter of the early Newsday report. Not a single exoskeleton was visible on any surface. (They were still everywhere in Princeton.) I also passed near Ronkonkoma earlier with nothing visible During last weeks’ search around Connetquot State Park I heard quite a few crickets. I HOPE that is not what those park employees heard earlier. Will go back for a second look within two days (Gotta work on my radio talk show tomorrow) AJay, Stony Brook, LI

Miracle Cicadas

Date: Monday, Jun/21/2004
Very well said, Deborah…these are not just bugs to me either…they are a miracle of God….now roaches are another story 😉 But I suppose God has His reasons for creating those too….just don’t know what they are…I hear they can survive a nuclear blast… Debbie, Seattle

got some!

Date: Monday, Jun/21/2004
Went to Ann Arbor yesterday to Domino farms and got a fair number in the wooded area right next to the parking lot. I also got poison ivy, but that’s another story 🙂 I brought them up here to Algonac, so in 2021, maybe there will be another small pocket of activity! I used a net for the first one I caught, until I figured out that they are really rather slow, clumsy bugs and I can easily just pick them up. I only had 2 or three notice my approach and fly off. In 2021, I am SO going to Cincinnati! Elisa, Algonac, MI

Magicicada Musings

Date: Monday, Jun/21/2004
After not seeing (or hearing) any cicada activity since the 15th, was pleased to see them flying around in Jessup, MD on Friday afternoon on the way to a weekend conference near Northeast, MD. Being further north, I was hopeful that there would still be some cicada activity and was not disappointed. On morning walks both Saturday and Sunday was able to hear the calls of individual male cassini as well as a solitary ‘decim and to hold and watch several ‘decim females found among those who had recently completed their 17 year life. At the risk of overstating but to illustrate their uniqueness, I think that, given their harmlessness, their lack of fear of humans, their self-sacrifice for the brood as well as their dependable but transient appearances, magicicada can in some sense be considered a “holy insect.” Stephen, Alexandria, VA

Ann Arbor Cicadas

Date: Monday, Jun/21/2004
Neil, that’s perfect! Cicadas if you want them; no cicadas if you don’t.
And so one more reason for Ann Arbor to
stay on that most liveable city list 🙂 HB, Ann Arbor

My Dad and the cicadas

Date: Monday, Jun/21/2004
Talked to my Dad today in Baltimore…he was in NYC for the last two emergences so hadn’t experienced the magicicadas before…he said “he’d never heard such a racket” and he’s hard of hearing! I’m noticing that in the Washington Post webcam they seem to be gone now 🙁 He is fascinated by them, like me, and unlike my mother! Debbie, Seattle

Cicadas in NY!!!

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004

Thanks you for your persistence Lenny! I was losing hope rapidly reading about the majority of Brood X dying out. It would have been a very sad day if Brood X dissappeared entirely from Long Island. I will make a trip out there in the upcoming week to enjoy this once every 17 year spectacle!! Elias, Queens County, NY

Havre de Grace, Cassini behavior etc.

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
I went down to Havre de Grace MD this weekend. Going south on Rt 95, I saw an incredible amount of tree flagging. I wondered “why did the cicadas like the environment along Rt 95, do they LIKE the noise & pollution of thousands of cars?” And when I got to my campground near Churchville along the Susquehanna, there were almost none…I did pick up one little Cassini with a broken-off wing. I thought he was nearly dead, until I passed another Cassini grove. When he heard his buddies chirping, he started singing his little heart out, then took off and joined them! It is funny how these critters seem to do cute things and have more ‘personality’ than your average ‘bug’…that’s why some of us have gotten so attached to them… I also spoke to someone who preserves furs & antlers. I asked him about preserving cicadas. He says “they are fat & juicy, so you should air-dry them.” I had some in my car & he said that would also work, it is equivalent to ‘baking’ them. (the car gets very hot.) I mentioned about how the red eye color fades & he said “some red nail polish works just fine for that.”
Laura Woodswalker, Oaks PA

Heard some in Towson, MD on Fri. Sat.

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Although I did not see any adults, I heard some in Towson,MD on Fri. and Sat. I am still waiting to see the eggs drop from my trees in Silver Spring, MD. I am going to Emmittsburg, MD on June 26. Anyone know if they have any there? I had fun with them and I miss them already.
I saw the display in the Natural History Museum in DC today. It wasn’t much. I had more in my backyard. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

RE: Large Cicada

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Hi,
Your ‘large cicada’ is an annual cicada. These appear every year. With extra hot weather happening, these are emerging a bit early in some areas. I have heard a couple of T. Chloromera around here this weekend. T. Chloromera is black and green with dark eyes, and powdered white underneath.
Fred Berry, Alexandria, VA

Why So Late On LI

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Central and eastern Long Island probably have some of the chilliest weather in the Northeast. When we are not getting cold northwest winds from Canada, what would otherwise be warm spring days in May tend to be greatly chilled by southwest winds coming off of an Atlantic Ocean with water temperatures in the forties to low fifties. Not only does this keep the soil extremely cold, but it would provide for a very dangerous climate for cicadas, making them very sluggish at a time when birds are made extra hungry trying to keep warm on cold days. As soon as the current one-day cold snap is over I will be going back over all of the promising areas where cicadas were expected. Perhaps, the sandy soil makes pre-emergent holes unnecessary and difficult and that is why they are not being seen. (Hopefully this is not a case of Newsday crying wolf {or teneral cicada} again!) AJay, Stony Brook Long Island

Large cicadas are Tibicens (“annuals”)

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
The large green cicada is almost certainly an “annual”, probably of the genus Tibicen. Their broods emerge every year.

It’s neat when periodicals and annuals overlap in late June.

The first Tibicen I heard this year was extremely early: June 7th! Their numbers have increased in the past week, but still only one speices. The common species with the “zing-a-zing” call should appear soon, usually shows up here the last week of June, as does my favorite Tibicen call, the one that sounds like Ms. Pac Man when you eat a power pill.
Eric, Eastern MO

FINALLY!!!

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Happy Father’s Day! I woke up today to the news that the emergence has finally begun on Long Island. In a quarter page story in Newsday titled “Better late than never, cicadas”, reports of cicada activity in Connetquot State Park have begun. The first cicadas were heard on Friday by park staff. This was one of the hot spots on the Island back in 1987. No other reports from elsewhere on the ilsand yet, but confidence seems high that this is the beginning of the action! What a nice father’s day present! Lenny, Sound Beach, NY (Suffolk County)

To Lenny looking on Long Island

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Get the book titled “Lab 257”. I forget the author. It is about what is going on a Plum Island which is not far from Long Island. Personally, I hope what they are doing out there has nothing to do with the ‘cadas being late or no-shows. Let us know if they show up late! Michele, Ohio

Pictures

Date: Sunday, Jun/20/2004
Extreme close up: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~jlozos/bigcicada.jpg
Yellow eyes: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~jlozos/yelloweyes.jpg
Exoskeletons up in one of the three silver maples in my yard: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~jlozos/exos1.jpg
I made a t-shirt: http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~jlozos/broodxshirt.jpg Mitya, Falls Church, VA

Brood X meets Transit of Venus photo

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
I’m the one who took the photo. The sun’s image is projected by a 3inch refracting telescope. At this writing (Sun., 6/19), the photo’s original sharpness has degrated and become too fuzzy to show Venus (near sun’s 4 o’clock edge), plus the famous cicada is not looking its best. Monday AM will contact Kodak, which put the image(s) online for me and ask it to please restore the original clarity! Regards, Herman P.S. Subtracting 797 from 2004 and dividing by 17 gives the number of Brood X cycles since last they coincided with a TOV! Herman Heyn, Baltimore, Maryland

Fond of Cicada’s

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
To Cicada X, from one cicada lover to another, touche’.
go to the archives June 9 and see the beautiful poem to a lady cicada. Thanks, Marie Marie Chibirka, Dalton, PA

LARGE CICADA

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
This morning I found a very large cicada. It did not have any orange on its body . It was 3 times the size of the regular cicadas we have been having and it has black eyes, a green and black body with bluish wings. We have caught it and it is in a cage.
Does anyone know why this one is different? alex brownlow, loveland, ohio usa

Go To Princeton For Last Look

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
Considerable action still in Princeton yesterday (June 18) though well past peak. Saw and heard lots of noisy singing, flying and landing on passersby in the blocks around the Revolutionary War Monument and walking tour areas just south of downtown. Mostly Cassinis however; not many Decims for flying saucer sound effects fans. Spectacular architecture and gorgeous landscaping made the trip worth while; bring a camcorder and watch the sights and sounds again on a cold winter night while dreaming of summer and hoping for a surprise deceleration next spring. AJay, Stony Brook LI

CICADA X

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
Cicada X, first turn off your Caps Lock button. Then go to a craft or art supplies store to find the “Casting Resin” you need. Dan, Cicadamania Headquarters

O.K.

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
WE ALL HAVE OUR LIKES AND DISLIKES, THATS FINE…..BUT TO WISH DEATH ON A LIVING CREATURE IS ONLY WISHING DEATH FOR ALL LIVING THINGS. THE CICADA WAS CREATED FOR A REASON, JUST LIKE ANTS, CATS DOGS AND OTHER THINGS. WE ALL INTERACT IN SOME WAY OR ANOTHER. IF YOU DONT LIKE A CERTAIN SPECIES OF LIFE AND DONT WANT TO BE NEAR THEM, MOVE TO A LOCATION WHERE YOU FEEL COMFY, JUST STOP WISHING DEATH TO ANY LIVING CREATURE. I KNOW SOME ONE WILL WISH DEATH ON ME, BUT SORRY, IM NOT GOING TO DIE JUST TO PLEASE DEATH WISHERS. OUR WORLD IS ALREADY SLOWLY DYING DUE TO MAN’S CONSTANT SO CALLED CIVILIZATION AND DEVLOPEMENT. CICADAS ARENT HARMFUL TO ANYTHING, THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO EXIST, JUST LIKE THE PEOPLE WHO WISH THEM DEAD. THINK ON THAT A BIT. WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF SOME ONE WISHED YOU DEAD? JUST BECAUSE THEY DONT LIKE YOU? IF SOME ONE DONT LIKE ME OR VISE VERSA, I JUST GO AWAY AND LIVE MY OWN LIFE. WHY DESTROY SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT LIKE IT? THATS WHATS UP WITH US CICADA MANIACS…WE LOVE LIFE FOR ALL ITS WORTH. CICADA X CICADA X, IN.

SEARCHING

Date: Saturday, Jun/19/2004
CAN ANY ONE OUT THERE TELL ME WHERE I CAN BUY THIS RESIN EVERY ONES TALKING ABOUT? ID LOVE TO WORK WITH SOME AND MAKE MY OWN CASTINGS…….THAT WOULD BE COOL! CICADA X, IN

Jersey

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
Unless you live in Princeton, or a few select places in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset or Hunterdon counties, you most likely won’t see cicadas this year. Dan, Cicadamania Headquarters

“Kewl”

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
My husband and I went to Winchester, Virginia over the Memorial Day weekend. I’m glad because I would have never gotten to experience the Cicada. They were everyone, in the trees, on the ground, flying…One landed on my husband. We accidnetly brought one home in the back of our car, (dead), but I put it in a baggie and took it to school and showed it to the class I was in. Told the kids that this is all it was and it was nothing to be afraid off if they came out in New Jersey. Unfortunately, I guess we are missing them in New Jersey. Debbie, Haddon Heights. NJ

Any Cicadas Left in New Jersey or Pennsylvania?

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
My family will be traveling to New Jersey the weekend of June 19th . We would love to spot some cicadas. Are there any left in the Princeton area? We will also be in the Valley Forge area of Pennsylvania.
Cyrena, Massachusetts

PA – fading away

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
But some are still there! Now you can more easily pick out the wheeee-Oooooo of indviduals. The Cassinis are still readily heard; I just think it’s because they are louder. Mike, Lititz PA

Where are they???

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
Fri. June18th ’04

Not a cicada in sight (nor earshot)
Has our 2 consecutive 5 year droughts
‘done them in’?

We had a freak partial-emergence
a few years back of the “X” variety.
Those early birds mated & died in days.
So the line may bounce back, but on a
different schedule. (?)
We shall see what we shall see. 😉
Jake, Bloomfield, NJ (Essex Co)

Andrea, you may be old in 2021

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
But you will still need to get around. Probably in a large car at a slow speed. greg, baltimore

To Michael in Adrian

Date: Friday, Jun/18/2004
For cicada lovers and cicada haters, I think Ann Arbor is the best of both worlds. They’re not flying around in the city center and scaring the bejeezus out of the bug phobic. But go to the woods on the northeast side and they are everywhere!

Neil, Ann Arbor, Michigan

SICK SICK SICK

Date: Thursday, Jun/17/2004
ITS SICK TO KNOW THAT SOME OF MY NEIGHBORS WENT TO THE PARK JUST TO CRUSH CICADAS, EVEN WENT TO OTHER PLACES TO DO THIS, WHATS UP WITH THAT? THEY MUST WANT A WORLD WITH ONLY PEOPLE IN IT. THAT WOULD BE QUITE BOREING. ANY ONE CAUGHT ON MY PROPERTY CRUSHING CICADAS OR ANY OTHER LIFE FORM WILL BE PROSECUTED FOR TRESPASSING AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. NO ONE SHOULD FEAR CICADAS, THEY ARE HARMLESS AND FURTHER MORE, THEY ARE GREAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO, JUST THINK WHAT THE WORLD WOULD SOUND LIKE WITH NOTHING BUT PEOPLE NOISES. THAT WOULD SUCK. IM LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE AWAY FROM TOO MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE NOISES…..NATURE BY FAR OUT DOES PEOPLE NOISES. WHO WANTS TO HEAR SOME LOUD FACTORY HUMMING ALL DAY AND NIGHT? SOME DO, BUT TO ALL THEIR OWN, JUST STOP KILLING THINGS JUST BECAUSE THEY EXIST. MAN WILL DI HIMSELF IN SOON ENOUGH, SO LETS ATLEAST ENJOY WHAT WE HAVE FOR THE TIME BEING. CICADA X, IN.

preserving cicadas

Date: Thursday, Jun/17/2004
I bought some resin today and plan on making casts of some exoskeletons and some adults! It should work well; I’ve seen some resin paperweights and jewelry with cicadas inside on ebay 🙂 Not to mention I’ve seen insects in resin before.
I just hope the eyes stay red, that would be great!
I have a bunch in the freezer and then two live ones inside of my son’s sherrif’s playset thing. They were in the jail but escaped.
I miss them already 🙁 Karen, Catonsville MD

Comments (1)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 11:25 am

They are singing!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I spotted my first adult cicada this morning on my balcony. Well, my cat Layla did. Luckily enough the window was closed hehehehe. Laura from Fairfax, I agree with you. If one of those things landed on me, I might die!!! Ewwwww. I’m not going out for the whole cicada season. Anyway, they are clearly visible today here across from W & OD Railroad Trail Regional Park, and they have been singing in the wooded park since this morning. Lori, Arlington, VA

Where are the cicadas?

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I want to take my kids to see the cicadas but the only sightings in NJ appear to be in the central/northern regions of the state. I am in Cumberland County located in the southern region, has anyone sighted any in this area? Any ideas where to look, wooded areas etc. There seem to be plenty in DE and MD so I may just have to take a day/night trip. Cindy, Bridgeton,NJ

Cicada Emergence Maps

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I would love to see a map of the US (or the world, if someone is really motivated) on this site that shows the areas affected by Cicada emergence. It would be cool if it were interactive, too, such that one can see maybe states, or moderately accurate colored areas indicating the emergence (and maybe colored to indicate they type of cicada that’s emerging) that one can click on to zoom and see a more accurate detailed layout of the emergence patterns. Robb, Columbia, SC

There here…..

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Just came in from watching a few thousand emerge & molt in my back yard! There everywhere!

GlennR, Vienna, VA

The Plague Gathers Strength

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Emergence picking up speed now…not yet to the horror stage (and I’m praying we are spared), but they’re coming out fast and furious. Started on 12 May and increasing by leaps and bounds. (BTW, The Pentagon courtyard was LOADED by 13 May), I am no longer spending any time outside. If one of those things lands on me I may have heart failure. Most bugs, spiders, etc., don’t much bother me, but these things are so big and so mindless (will land on ANYTHING upright!) and so numerous, that I am totally creeped out. Got my husband to clean out the garage so I can park my car inside and dash straight from the house, heehee. Also ordered 1/4inches mesh to put over my small (less than 6 ft.) trees, as there is a chance of injury to these less established plants. My dogs, on the other hand, are having a field day! Every ten minutes they are “bugging” me to go outside so they can gorge themselves. They are having a blast scouring the yard and the small bushes for what they obviously consider a VERY tasty treat. (sorry to you cicada lovers out there–no disrespect intended 🙂 Fortunately, I also have encouraged LOTS of wildlife in my yard, so everyone benefits. I hope I survive this month with my sanity intact–my Mom grew up in Baltimore and remembers the 1953 emergence there and she won’t even let me TALK about cicadas, she gets creeped out so bad…I am hoping my experience won’t be similar! Laura, Rt. 50 and Nutley St., Fairfax, VA

Pitches

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
They’re definitely out and about in Falls Church. Not a huge number yet in my yard, but enough to be distinctly audible. And from what I can tell, there are primarily M. septendecim in the area. But music geek that I am, I had to figure out the pitch of the call. For the most part, it’s a descending perfect fifth. Yesterday (13 May), the top note of that fifth was E, the bottom A440 (which is the pitch orchestras tune to)–and I found this very interesting. Today, though, I noticed that the top pitch is more like E-flat, and the bottom more A-flat (or some quartertone very nearby). Is there any known reason for shifts of pitch like that?
And has anyone ever studied the pitch/rhythm of cicada song in terms of musical analysis as opposed to biological function of the song? Mitya, Falls Church, VA

Spewing from the ground

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There are hundreds beneath the street trees, climbing everywhere. Yesterday nothing. Tomorrow —- oh my! Rutherford B, Potomac

Cicadas are coming

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I haven’t seen any until tonight. They are all over the sidewalks, and each step goes crunch. I think I’m really to go on a vacation for 6 weeks until they are all gone. Abby, Pikesville/Upper Park Heights – Baltimore

THEY ARE OUT!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I came home tonight around 11:30 pm and hundreds of the little buggers were crawling all over the pavement and onto trees…i even saw some on the wheels of other cars! Took some great pictures. Oh and my cat loves them! Bring a few in for your kitty. They are a great toy! Andrew, Fairfax County off Columbia PIke, Falls Church, Virginia

Advice for Cooking and Eating

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
We have now tried a couple of the recipes from the Cicada-licious cook book, and I have some thoughts/advice to share. (1) Don’t to the blanching thing. They turn out really gross that way. Just freeze them and cook them later, dry roast them straight away, or use them fresh. (2) There is wide variation in size, with the very largest being easily 4 times as big as the very tiniest. (3) We have blanched, pan fried, and dry roasted, and no matter how you cook them they turn out basically hollow inside. Some proteinaceous material collects in the very tail end of the abdomen, and some more in in the thorax and head area, but they are at least 80% hollow after cooking. (4) Dry roasting took some experimenting. The cook book says 10-15 minutes, but I found it took a good 40-45 minutes to completely dry out the largest cicadas. When roasting, they smell a lot like baking potatoes. It’s probably a good idea to throw them in the freezer for 10 minutes to “knock them out” before you try to roast them. (5) By the time you get them home and begin cooking with them, they will probably start to turn a little dark. This did not cause us any problems at all with cooking or eating. They were all still alive at least 2 hours after we started collecting. (6) They really do taste like a very mild nut. The “soft shelled” cicadas from the cook book were basically a waste of time–they tasted mostly like the fried breading, with just a very small amount of cicada flavor. The chocolate covered cicadas are very good. They taste a lot like chocolate covered nuts, but have just a very slight chewiness. Have a glass of mild or water on hand, because the chocolate melts away before you are done chewing cicada material, and you might get some stuck in your teeth. Don’t let that last bit scare you away, because the cooked cicada is really only a small amount of actual stuff, and the taste of the chocolate covered cicadas is really very good. Good luck! Keith2, Bloomington, IN

Amazing Little Miracles

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Went out last night and found about 7 or 8.
Had a good rain here today and this evening, my friends & I drove all over our neighborhoods, sighting hundreds!

http://share-photocenter.bestbuy.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAs3LJu3ctHIw&open=1&sm=0&sl=0
zappagirl, cincinati (greenhills) ohio

Cicada’s have arrived

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Haven’t seen them at my house but they have invaded my parent’s yard. There are holes about 2 inches apard all over one side of their yard and you can’t take a step without stepping on one. And the noise. It sounded like hundreds of motors running. Amazing. Sandy, East Tennessee

Cicada Landing

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Yesterday (5/14) at the Howard County High School Tennis Tournament at Wilde Lake Tennis Center an adult Cicada utilized my leg as a landing strip. It was alarming at first but I recovered quickly and inspected the creature. Very docile and in a wierd way, cute.

Most of the High School boys around me reacted with curiosity. Most of the girls ran away screaming.

After seeing NO cicadas around my property I awoke this morning to see about 50 shells and 30 adults clinging to the side of my house. The area birds have yet to notice them. A literal smorgasbord awaits them! Jeff Grimshaw, Columbia, MD

Our Apartment is crawling, neighbors have very few…

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
We first started seeing them on Tuesday at our apartment. On Wednesday night I could only find 4 to use as fishing bait. Friday night there were hundreds crawling everywhere around our apartment building, but the neighboring buildings have very few. Today, we are seeing them everywere, in all stages of growth. Jeff the Canadian in MD, Catonsville, MD

The Unearthly Singing

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
You walk outside in the morning and it’s like the ALIENS have landed (so true). No kidding, it’s like the Flying Saucer Invasion sound effect in the movies. To me that’s the most unsettling part initially. You actually don’t even have to go outside, you can hear them indoors too. You cannot escape it. It is here. We spent last night watching hundreds of them coming out of their shells on our front step, and all around the creepy rustling. Everywhere. John, Arlington, VA

First Large Emergence–and First Sounds too!!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Updated photos at http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/detail?.dir=/3883&.dnm=a1be.jpg&.src=ph
Found a HUGE concentration in some weeds and grass over by a stream, and heard them chirping for the first time while I was over there taking photos. WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD

Haven’t Seen a one!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I live in South Bowie and I haven’t seen one cicada. My son said he saw a couple of shells on his way to school yesterday. I am thankful and hope this will continue. I do like those big bugs that fly on you. If I don’t see a one it will be ok with me. Denise, Bowie, Maryland

Bienvenidos Cicadas

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
They are here in Columbia. I watched them emerge last night around 10:30. It was so cool. Today there are many shells on trees and bushes. There are also a few fully developed cicadas on plants and trees. There were two hanging out on the tires of my car!! They are so cute. Tommorrow I expect to see a lot more. Monica , Columbia MD

Cicadas Everywhere!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There are everywhere this morning, 5-15-2004 and I don’t think they were here yesterday! They are mostly found in sunny places, I suppose to help with their metamorphosis. I can clearly see them emerging from their old shells, unfolding their wings, warming up and hardening and then moving for vertical structures. Dave Starcher, Reisterstown, MD

Blackhill Regional Park

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Found a couple of molting nymphs out front of my house. I can hear the drone of cicadas in the distance, across the lake at Blackhill. Was getting worried because I’ve seen tons in Rockville, but none up here. Thought that maybe that these new townhouse developments had plowed all the critters under. drex snodworth, Germantown, MD

Cicada attack

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I woke up this morning, and went outside. And there were cicadas all over my house! There are probably about 50 of them on my front porch! Laura, Maryland

cicadas are awesome!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
TOP SERIOUS! Jon, Owings Mills, MD

Lots now

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Yesterday 7pm, nothing. Yesterday 11pm, maybe a hundred on all the trees. 5/15 at 11:30am, over a thousand shells. More coming, but the stupid dog eats all of them (along with everything else non-metal) Brad, Timonium, MD

They’re here!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
The cicadas were slow to emerge here, in Reston, but are coming out more and more. Yesterday we had about 10 in the back yard on the house, but today, there were enough for my husband to sweep up and move out of the way. Our dog has already eated one and decided it wasn’t as tasty as it could have been!

No noise yet either…I’m anxious for the noises. This brood year is the first I ever remember seeing.

Robin, Reston, Va

Theyre here and singining!

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
After seeing lots of thier holes in the ground, and lots of thier husks on trees, and LOTS of thier dead bodies on the sidewalk and street, they are not only finally here, but they started to sing today.

At first I didnt think there were going to be that many, but I was wrong. They are literally crawling all over the place. I was kind of surprised even to hear them this morning when I woke, let alone how LOUD they are.

At the gas station this morning while pumping fuel, I felt a strange tickling on my lower leg. I brushed it away not even looking or thinking. Then a minute later I looked down.. and there were 4 fully adult cicadas on the ground near me. I didnt pay much attention to them at first. Then I felt the strange tickling again. I look down and one is on my shoe, and one is on my leg about half way up my calf!

He fell off and fluttered around on his back for a minute then went right back to climbing up my shoe again. So when I finsihed pumping the gas. I picked all 4 of em up, and placed them in the tree at the edge of the station.

I dont see how on earth anyone can be scared of these things. I think they are kinda cute! I even feel kinda sorry for them because they are so clumsy. LOL! So they are here and in BIG numbers in Fairfax VA! DC UNITED FAN – K.J., Fairfax, VA

There Here!!!!!!! First shells/bugs late Fri evening

Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There Here!!!!!!! First shells/bugs late Fri evening.

We have had intense rain….and Now Cicadas..found 10 in just the lenght of my house on west side of foundation.

Here we go…….

James Hail, Martinsville Indiana

Need travel advice

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So, my 82 year old dad mentioned to me that he would like to experience a cicada emergence before he passes on. He’s in great health, don’t worry, but despite his robust nature, chances are he won’t be around for Brood X’s next go ’round.

If I was to organize a trip in the next month to see an emergence, where in your expert opinion might we have the most memorable experience?

Any advice is helpful, as I’m a California native and never seen a cidada, much less an emergence.

Thanks! Edith , Never Seen a Cicada, CA

Massive

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Each last three nights ten times the night before. Tonight so many they are knocking each other out of the trees for lack of space. Chris, Potomac, MD

1st sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I haven’t been sure if I was looking forward to this or dreading it, having grown up in the western US, where periodical cicadas don’t live. We saw a couple dozen this evening in south-eastern Ellicott City. Came home (western Ellicott City) and looked outside with a flashlight, and still no sign of mass emergence, but did see one brave little cicada fly past my head and through the beam of my flashlight while I was looking! Corine, Ellicott City, MD

All over the place!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I live in Annandale, VA and during the morning to early afternoon, they are all over the place. I know they are only bugs but they scare me because of how big they are. Just waiting at the bus stop, I saw them going into the street and beside the bus stop in the dirt. Mike, Annandale, VA

I never thought an insect could be cute…until now!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was terrified when I opened my door a few days ago and saw so many huge bugs all over my front porch. Since then, I have learned all about cicadas and am no longer afraid. I love seeing and hearing them all around my yard. Jo, Cheverly, MD

First cicada

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw the first cicada climbing up the brick wall at school this afternoon. Lynn, Dover DE

Brood X finally spotted in New Jersey

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There havent been alot of postings from New Jersey. They have finally arrived. I saw hundreds of them today when cutting lawns about 5 miles away in a wooded area in southern Somerset County. Lots of discarded shells….Cicadas resting in bushes and tree leaves. Also saw some deformed cicadas and just leftover wings with no bodies…I guess the birds got to them. I didnt get a chance to see one molt before my eyes or the nymphs climb up from the ground but hopefully in my travels I will. mark, belle mead, new jersey

The songs have begun

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This afternoon I heared cicada songs for the first time this week. They were faint, only a few cicadas, and they sounded like they were a few houses over from mine. This week has been pretty active with cicadas emerging each evening. Sean, Kensington, MD

Cicadas are arriving!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Talking with co-workers today, someone who lives in Columbia MD saw them emerging today and watched one moult. Someone who lives in Kensington MD said they began to come out yesterday, today he had what he called “cicada siding” on his house and hosed them off, I’m sure they’re back. I saw one in North Potomac today all by itself (my first sighting). None yet in my yard in Poolesville. The yard looks aerated though with their holes. Daughter has bug cage ready we are waiting. Barb, Poolesville MD

Deformed Brood X Cicadas

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I can hear the cicadas coming out of the ground. They sound almost like rice crispies. There are cicadas on my porch that need to be swept away, there are cicadas on every leaf of many of the trees here, there are cicadas every morning on my car tires, there are cicadas an inch thick around the base of several of my trees. We have tons of them.

But–the thing that scares me is that about 10% of them are deformed. Yes, hundreds are emerging with dwarfed, curled wings. Some have no wings and some are small and round. Is anyone else experiencing the same?

Linda, McLean, VA USA

Yes! They’re finially here!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday, during my daily walk, I found one cicada dead in the road. I never saw any shed shells on the trees, so I though it was possible that it was brought up from DC on someone’s car.

Today on my walk, I found more smushed cicadas in the road where I found the other one. But this time, I found scores and scores of husks in the nearby shurbs.

I’m sure my girlfriend will be less than pleased. Dale, Harpers Ferry, WV

Where did they go

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning there were plenty with the wobbling noise. By this afternoon all the live ones were gone. There are tons of shells, some trees having hundreds. Maybe the birds havn’t been sated. Alan, Fairfax

yuck!!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada’s are ugly. I saw a picture of one and I’m gald they have not came here ,yet! paige, maryland,pasadena

no sign of them yet

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
i live just outside of nashville,tn…so far i have not seen or heard them yet jon, nashville,tn

Saw our First Cicada

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I work at the Tournament Players Club at Jasna Polana, a golf club in Princeton NJ. One of our workers trapped the first cicada we’ve seen, right by the clubhouse, in a soda cup with a lid. It was his gift to me! Kristine, princeton, nj

LOTS of Cicadas at Potomac Overlook Park!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
My wife & I went “hunting” for the cicadas last night at Potomac Overlook Park on Marcy Drive in Arlington last night and saw about 100 or so in various stages of the molting process. There were lots of empty shells around, but we only saw 1 adult. I grabbed him and he started vibrating like he was trying to sing.

It was really cool watching them come out of the ground, molting out of their shells, and expanding out their wings. They look beautiful and angelic while they’re still white, before they turn dark. What fun! Evan, Arlington

Any in Centreville/Manassas?

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Has anyone seen ANY of the 17-year cicadas in the Centreville or Manassas areas?

We have yet to see EVEN ONE of them in that area. Brad, Centreville

First poor buggers didn’t stand a chance

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We watched hundreds of the critters emerge last night. This morning, our sons could find nothing but shells and wings–we live next to a bird sanctuary. The birds seemed happier this morning. Cicadapizza, Cincinnati

They’re coming out in KY

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve had few exoskeletons decorate my front porch, and a few more live ones climbing trees nearby. No mating calls yet, but we’re getting ready for the orgy. Robin Jones, Louisville, KY

Sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
2 shells found in yard Karen, Severn, MD

Seen, not heard

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The last couple days I only saw a few cicadas here and there. This morning my yard had lots of little holes in it and my bushes were covered with hundreds of cicadas. Haven’t heard them sing yet, though. Lynn, Cheverly, MD

Nuttin’ Yet

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I am in northern baltimore county, And I have a 150 year old property with many old trees, I have one seen a few single cicadas around the yard ,but no masses just yet. Cicada Bob, Hereford , MD

Vast sightings

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The madness has begun. In the neighboorhood of Somerset in Chevy Chase, MD, there are pockets of activity. The most activity is near where some trees were recently cut down (the trunks are still there). I imagine that the loss of tree cover has exposed the ground to more sunlight, causing these areas to become more active than others.

In stretches along sidewalks near these, you can see many nymphs actively walking towards their molting destinations in the evenings and mornings (along with the unfortunate ones that didn’t make it). This morning alone, I got an excellent view of several stages of the molting process on one tree. There were the just emerging, the struggling to get out, the out, but white, and the darkening ones.

And to think that this is only the beginning! I must take pictures. Maurice, Chevy Chase, MD

search at the right time of day(night)

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I thought we were going to miss out on the show. Not many to be found in my yard.
Peeked out again before I went to bed at 11:30pm and found the yard FULL of hatchlings. Sat on my porch and watched several hatch from right up close. They are so beautiful when they are still white!
I thought I heard it start to rain but shortly realized I was hearing the scuffling of all the cicadas in the leaves and in the grass. Okay – THAT was pretty creepy.
By morning they were again hard to find. Finally located many spent skins from the night before, and discovered that the grown bugs had hidden under leaves or flown high into the trees.

Next came the free Cicada Buffet for all the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood! Saw one last white nymph on a tree trunk but before I could get close enough to see him close a bird swooped in and gobbled him up.

Now its afternoon and the adults are flying and one has finally started singing – WEEEEoooo! WEEEEooo!

Oh this is going to be fun! Pat, Gaithersburg MD

HEARD ‘EM

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
HAVE NOT SEEN THEM YET, BUT HEARD THEM
OVERHEAD IN CLIFTON STEVE, FAIRFAX,VA

A-feared from a-far

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was 8 years old when the 1987 infestation hit metro DC, and am now 25 and living in New England, where no one I’ve talked to has even HEARD of cicadas. My mother, still living in Arlington, VA, has been keeping me posted, and I’ll be traveling that direction tomorrow for a week. I feel that I’m making some sort of pilgrimage. Ben, Keene, New Hampshire

not much here

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! joan, west Columbia, MD

5/13 – none – 5/14 – Hundreds

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! Ed, Glenelg, Maryland

Slowing Starting to Emerg

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. Mike, Arlington, VA

Heard a Cicada Yesterday , IL

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. Will, Naperville, IL

There are only a few HUNDRED!!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD

I hear them now

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. Jason, Alexandria

Cicada emergence

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. Boris, Towson, Maryland

Finally!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening cicadalady, Arlington, VA

Pesticides

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 DLE, Great Falls, VA

emergence

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD

First Sightings

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! Erica, Owings Mills, MD

Cicadas

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! Coles, Randallstown, MD

cicada siting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Cicadas Captured In Middletown, Ohio

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. Pauline, Dayton, OH USA

I Deserve a Day Off!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.

I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD

albino cicada

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
we found an albino cicada….how common is that? andrea, annapolis, md

Nothing yet

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As of today, no action yet even though there are tons of wooded areas near our house in the western part of Price William County, hope they won’t disappoint us, maybe the traffic in this area scared them away. Andy, Bristow, VA

Sighting in Hunt Valley

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland

They’rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA

Where Are They???

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland

There are all over the place

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. John, Reston, VA

Right out the door!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… NIkki, Takoma Park, MD

Rockville, MD sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. Mark, Rockville, MD

more today

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. Jane, Ashburn, VA

Cicada Art – CORRECT link

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…

http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle

Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD

holes

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough

Cicada pictures and web site

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.

I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas Mike, Arlington, VA

Sighted at Columbia Landing Apt. on Tamar Drive

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. Tim, Columbia

Plenty this morning

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. Robert, Rockville MD

Cicadas at night

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. Lesley, Centreville, Virginia

Cicadas aren’t a problem

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. Snow, Fairfax, VA

Sightings

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland

They are starting to sing.

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD

Friday Morning Photos

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD

Cicadas should learn!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 Ray, Alexandria

cicada song!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. Little Johnny, Oakton

Where are the crowds of cicadas!?!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Based on my cicada experience in 1987, I’ve been excitedly pushing my students to be on the lookout for hordes of cicadas any time in the last week through this one. To my disappointment (and theirs), I have yet to see a single one in my backyard or neighborhood for that matter. Out of pity for me, one of my students brought in a carcass yesterday.

Where are all the cicadas? Reiko, Reston, VA

They’re HEEEEEERE!!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. Eric, Bellbrook, OH

Emergence May 13

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Johnson City, TN

Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.

Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. Dave, Jones

Major emergence starting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD

Have pics of emerging cicada

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Have a pic of an emerging cicada, it’s yellow with red eyes. Looks so neat. Nicole, Lanham, MD

Sloooow start……

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First 2 empty shells last night (5/13) and the neighbor caught 1 live one this a.m. OH NO!!…….Here they come>!>!
Getting out the ear plugs………. Dave, Glen Burnie, MD

FINALLY!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They have finally started showing up in Herndon! I saw a few shells in my backyard today, and tonight I saw a few unfortunate critters squished at a parking lot. I did save the one live one I found, though. I picked him up off the road and pointed him toward a tree so he could discard his shell and live on. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! KJ, Herndon, VA

not much here

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! joan, west Columbia, MD

5/13 – none – 5/14 – Hundreds

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! Ed, Glenelg, Maryland

Slowing Starting to Emerg

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. Mike, Arlington, VA

Heard a Cicada Yesterday , IL

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. Will, Naperville, IL

There are only a few HUNDRED!!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD

I hear them now

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. Jason, Alexandria

Cicada emergence

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. Boris, Towson, Maryland

Finally!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening cicadalady, Arlington, VA

Pesticides

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 DLE, Great Falls, VA

emergence

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD

First Sightings

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! Erica, Owings Mills, MD

Cicadas

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! Coles, Randallstown, MD

cicada siting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Cicadas Captured In Middletown, Ohio

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. Pauline, Dayton, OH USA

I Deserve a Day Off!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.

I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD

albino cicada

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
we found an albino cicada….how common is that? andrea, annapolis, md

Sighting in Hunt Valley

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland

They’rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA

Where Are They???

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland

There are all over the place

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. John, Reston, VA

Right out the door!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… NIkki, Takoma Park, MD

Rockville, MD sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. Mark, Rockville, MD

more today

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. Jane, Ashburn, VA

Cicada Art – CORRECT link

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…

http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle

Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD

holes

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough

Cicada pictures and web site

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.

I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas Mike, Arlington, VA

Sighted at Columbia Landing Apt. on Tamar Drive

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. Tim, Columbia

Plenty this morning

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. Robert, Rockville MD

Cicadas at night

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. Lesley, Centreville, Virginia

Cicadas aren’t a problem

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. Snow, Fairfax, VA

Sightings

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland

They are starting to sing.

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD

Friday Morning Photos

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD

Cicadas should learn!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 Ray, Alexandria

cicada song!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. Little Johnny, Oakton

They’re HEEEEEERE!!!

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. Eric, Bellbrook, OH

Emergence May 13

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Johnson City, TN

Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.

Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. Dave, Jones

Major emergence starting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD

Columbia spotting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! Jean, Columbia, MD

Clifton sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio

Big Night in Bloomington

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. Keith2, Bloomington, IN

The Molt has begun in earnest

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA

Cicada Hunting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania Scott, Silver Spring, MD

Few Photos of Cicada Swarm

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada SIPA, Vienna, VA

Columbia spotting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! Jean, Columbia, MD

Clifton sighting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio

no action yet

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
No emergence yet in Burnsville, Yancey Co. western North Carolina. Elevation downtown is 2,815 feet; elevation at the house ~2,950 ft. Temperature 63 degrees f at 2am so I gather soil temperature is a little too low.

This is in a borderline area – was not here in 1987 or 1970. I hope they live here and are fixin’ to emerge – want to see this once-every-17-y phenomenon. Ruth, Burnsville, NC

Big Night in Bloomington

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. Keith2, Bloomington, IN

The Molt has begun in earnest

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA

Cicada Hunting

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania Scott, Silver Spring, MD

Few Photos of Cicada Swarm

Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada SIPA, Vienna, VA

Mud tubes in Hershey

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Noticed a couple of mub tubes and exit holes under our large wild cherry tree yesterday morning. Nothing outside yet. Rhett, Hershey, PA

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Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 11:22 am

Mud tubes in Hershey

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Noticed a couple of mub tubes and exit holes under our large wild cherry tree yesterday morning. Nothing outside yet. Rhett, Hershey, PA

There are here in force

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw the first one 2 days ago. Came home to find 3 more yesterday afternoon. Woke up this orning to find over 200 on my front porch! I am home now and they have begin singing here in Catonsville. John, Catonsville, MD

Noise is on the way

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well the cicadas are definitely afoot. I saw a few of the lumbering larva last night crawling up one side of my house. Tonight is a totally different story, not few but many, possibly hundreds are crawling up a nearby tree with the sole intent of exiting there collective carcasses. Interesting creatures to be sure if you find them you can actually hear them crawling on the lawn, climbing trees, trying to grasp at leaves. After viewing them in all there glory I decided to hop in the car and run to the store. As I exit the driveway I feel something crawling up my leg. Yep you guessed it, one of them 17 year critters, yuck. I suspect I’ll be having cicada nightmares soon. Brandon, Rockville, Md

The emergence has started in Cincinnati

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The widespread Cincinnati emergence started on May 12 with 40% of our study sites showing cicada activity. We have now received reports from Northern Kentucky, central Cincinnati, and the western suburbs. Gene Kritsky, Cincinnati, OH

Sighting in Gaithersburg MD

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw postings of others nearby and was feeling forgotten even though our yard is full of the definitive “dime-sized” holes.
Was not disappointed this morning – saw about 50-60 skins and a couple of dozen of live cicadas. Worked from home and was able to watch the molt, the climb, the nap, and the flight to adventure. Probably would have sighted quite few more except for the birds happily enjoying cicada buffet for lunch! Pat, Gaithersburg, MD

only crawling larvae so far…

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well, for some reason I really haven’t found any on my property, but last night I counted about fifteen larvae crawling on the sidewalk out front of my neighbors house. Tonight I counted sixteen, along with a couple of shells Gosh this is exciting. I’m only twenty five so I don’t really remember the last one. I hope they hurry along because nothing sounds more like summer than the music of cicadas! Joshua, Northeast Baltimore, Maryland

They’re here!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw about ten cicadas crawling around on one block in Woodley Park. Can’t wait till they start getting loud. Taylor, Washington DC

First Sighting in Chevy Chase, MD

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I first saw them (yeah!!) yesterday morning sitting on daffodil leaves when I went out to get the paper. More this AM. Grabbed my digital camera both times and got great close-ups since the cicadas were drying their wings and couldn’t fly yet. They are a marvel!!!! Ann, Chevy Chase, Maryland

FOUND: Cicada shell…

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My daughter brought me what she considered an interesting insect shell 2 days ago (May 11th), and I finally checked it out…Sure enough, it’s a cicada shell…I haven’t heard too much ruckus, so don’t know if it was a solitary cicada, or if there’s more and we just haven’t found more shells…I’ll be mowing the grass tomorrow, so we’ll see then…If not, at least we know that they’ve arrived in Odenton… Vivian P, Odenton, Maryland USA

There here-tough on motorcyclists

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Had my first one smash right into my face (faceshield on my helmet was raised) at about 35 mph in Owen County, Indiana. Man was it painful. It will be a tough month for motorcyclists in Indiana.
Brendan Kearns, Clay City, IN

They’re back!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Finally, after a long awaited arrival, I caught my first one this round tonight. They are cte in there own sort of bug eyed way, only saw one live one, saw many shells however. Can’t wait until they’re making my ears ring…oh, and I’ve heard some people say they are finding “albinos”. While there may be albinos out there, they all start out white, with red eyes (look like an albino, right?!), but however they are just newly emerged. Just wanted to clear up any confusion. Enjoy them while they’re here! Jeff, Parkville, MD

Just starting to see them

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Walked my dog this evening thinking maybe there just aren’t any cicadas around me, being in a newly developed neighborhood. Just then I heard something fall from a tree, walked over to it, and in the process stepped on a cicada and saw a few crawling up a tree, and saw the holes. I was only able to see about 5 of them, low in the trees and on the ground. So, they are likely the first buggers to come. gmoney, North Potomac, MD

Slowly but surely

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw a shell WAAAAAAAAAAY up in a tree this morning, 2 more on a signpost this afternoon…expecting to see tons tomorrow..we’ll see. Saw TONS in Silver Spring on my way to work though… WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD

O NOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo!!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I cant believe people are actually eating these things. Is there like a shortage of spam at the local Giant or something. I havent seen a cicada yet, but I have been preparing myself for the mass hysteria they will cause. I remember when I was 8 and they first showed. It was crazy. They were everywhere. The worse was the shells they leave behind. O well they are one of god’s creatures. Sytero Illgalscus, Riverdale, MD

Cicadas are up in Bloomington, IN (but not in the countryside)

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The Cicadas are up today, May 13, inside the town (Bloomington, Indiana), but out in the countryside away from the heat sinks of pavement and buildings, they don’t seem to be up yet.

http://www.kevinatkins.com/20040513cicadas

-Kevin
Kevin, Bloomington, Indiana

House alarm?

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My mother, who lives in Ellijay, GA, called me today. She told me that she called the security office of the gated community where she lives to report a house alarm going off nearby. They called back a few minutes later, “I’m sorry ma’am, but the noise you are hearing is not an alarm going off, it is the cicada’s mating call.” Needless to say, my mother felt very foolish! Linda, Jonesborough, TN

They’re here!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I hadn’t seen any until this morning but there are shells everywhere so they are here! Beth, Catonsville MD

Abnormal Mutations.

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I have noticed that a lot of the cicadas are mutated in some way. Some have no wings, some have small shriveled wings, some have one large & one small wing, some have two curly wings, etcetera. I have also noticed that some have underdeveloped bodies. For every normal cicada I have seen in my yard I have seen two or three that are abnormal. We are still getting hundreds of them as of today, 05/13/04.
Scott, Franconia, Virginia

One shell…

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw my first cicada shell today on the tire of my car this morning. I imagine that is a good indication of what is to come!!! Karla, Fairfax

Cicadas are Awesome and Here!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Cicadas are everywhere here in Timonium, every night hundreds more emerge – my cat is going crazy. I left NY and love this! Steve Saia, Timonium, Maryland

Sighting in Takoma Park

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Cicada sighting today, at my busstop, Wabash & Flower Ave. Yesterday there was nothing and this morning…there were shells galore! Ugh! yuck! There was one little cicada wabbling around in the grass as well.

Jennifer, Takoma Park, MD

Any Carroll County (MD) sightings?

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We are still looking for them – someone told me in Carroll County, MD they really aren’t that prevalent. Has anyone seen them in Carroll County yet? I am in the southwestern corner near Frederick and Montgomery Co. Laura, Mount Airy, MD

Here They Are

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First saw several yesterday morning on the trunk of a tree in my front yard. Saw even more this morning as well as some making their way through the grass. I live on 1/2 acre very wooded lot backing to acres of treed parkland. Tons of cicada holes all over the back yard. Should get very exciting in the next few days! Tom McCafferty, Falls Church, VA

Go to the National Cathedral, see tons of them

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Was around the neighborhood of the National Cathedral last night, and they are EVERYWHERE. The concentration of them was huge walking up the sidewalks of Wisconsin Ave, and they are in all stages of emergence. Crazy. Eric, Washington, DC

All over the place but no noise yet

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well they’re all over the clothing left outside overnight and the benches and coming up through the gardens. No noise is coming from them yet. Jennifer, College Park, MD

First One

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I heard one for the first time today. It actually woke me up from my nap. It ha been “singing” all day. I will be going out to look for him later. Wolfie, Olmsted Falls Ohio

Any other brides?

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
So I’m getting hitched June 5th IN THE PARK outside of Philly. I’m just worried that we won’t have enough seats for these uninvited guests. Any other brides share my concern? Rachel, Philadelphia

Just starting here

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I *think* I saw a cicada flying past my kitchen window in the backyard within the last hour. I haven’t seen any up close yet, though a neighbor said that they did out on New Hampshire Avenue. Melissa, Cloverly,Montgomery County, MD

emergence dates

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First observed emergence on May 5. Night of May 11 was heavy activity, but night of May 12 was even heavier! As many as 50 on one Iris plant. Daniel, Bethesda, MD

Bugged Out!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The cicadas have emerged in the Kensington area this past Monday. I hated them in 1987 and nothing has changed since! Hopefully, I can survive this emergence without going insane! AMSL, Kensington, MD

OUR GRASS MOVES

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They were out in full force this AM. We had seen the shells but nothing else. This morning the grass was moving as they made their way to the maple tree in our front yard. Very creepy…There were hundreds all trying to get a date. Gretchen, Fairfax, VA

Night vigil with my daughter – they’re here!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Yesterday we saw a couple casts in the yard and one half-eaten adult. So last night at 10:00 pm I took my fellow-bug-loving 3-yr-old daughter and my always-looking-for-adventure foreign exchange student out with a flashlight and the digital camera and caught hundreds of the bugs in the act of molting on a tree in the front yard. It was fascinating. They’d crawl on our feet if we stood still too long (no Flip-flops from now on!). It was like watching a birth every time a new molting ocurred. I let my 3-yr-old take a newly-molted adult with fully unfurled wings, inside in a plastic container, so she could see how he (she?) would have changed from white to black by morning. I hope she remembers this forever! Viki Johnson, Temple Hills, MD

Interesting timing noted.

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We live in a hollow, that is slightly cooler and a bit behind on most climatological events, so the Cicadas just began in earnest last night. Interesting that they only seemed to come out of the ground for the first hour or so of darkness. I’m guessing this is another insanely instinctual part of this strange bug; that gives them the most time until daylight to climb and molt while the predators (birds and squirrels) are all asleep.
We live on five acres of old trees, so I think we’re in for quite a show! Armand Sadlier, Howard County, MD

One Cicada

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw one live adult this morning while walking to work in Falls Church VA. I saw a lot of remnants in the Metro parking lot. Strange–where are all the live ones? M, Falls Church

Now I’m Sure

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Previously, I may have mistaken a brown slug emerging for a Cicada. The photo gallery on this site convinces me I may have had initial confusion. However, I later did see a red-eyed Cicada on a tree in the evening, and an empty shell in the morning, so they’re here … Peter, Sterling, VA

Cicadas in the bluegrass

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Found one exoskeleton Wednesday morning on my porch, and a live one — beady red eyes and all — on a wooden gate. Also a few sitings in Southern Indiana… Alex Davis, Louisville, KY

“white” cidadas

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Thousands in very isolated pockets only, around N. Grubb Rd. in Chevy Chase.

This morning I found what I thought were albinos, then realized they were slowly drying their wings and becoming adults.

One’s in a bug cage on my desk right now-I’m watching his tiny crumpled wings unfold, and his abdomen darken. They are very sweet bugs, and crawl placidly on your arms and fingers, a delight to examine closely. Amazing, the red eyes.

This is truly a beautiful and awesome event and I’m enjoying every minute of it! Going out to look tonight and see it begin… MerryB, Chevy Chase,MD

WOW WOW WOW WOW and WOW to infinity

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Today was a HUGE day — early morning while it is still cool and dewey is definitely a great time to see them in action, molting out of their sheds. Their are THOUSANDS in our yard — some have really climbed quite a ways to get up and out on ends of branches; others were bogged down by the pachysandra and are only a few inches up. We saw many in various stages of emerging — a real treat since one was at eye level for the girls to see up close. Obviously many had emerged overnight, as there were hundreds that were already dark and sunning themselves. We rescued a few that were in the middle of the yard and placed them in areas where they wouldn’t be as exposed to feet or predators.

Truly an amazing event to witness… more to come! LST, Annandale, VA

PARANOID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Every since the first sighting a few days ago in College Park, I think that everything flying around is a cicada. I am terrified of large bugs. Really, I wish that this entire cicada thing goes away PRONTO!!!!! By the way I think I hear the ugly buggers now. Charmaine S., Riverdale, Md

None here yet!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
After reading all the messages on this board yesterday. I went out and check my yard last evening. I saw some holes in the ground, not sure if they are ant colonies, or cicadas readying to emerge. Beverly G, Springfield Towship, PA

They have emerged in West Springfield Va

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are coming out overklok, west springfield

Ellicott City Maryland Cicadas

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I’ve been watching the board with great interest- but hadn’t seen any signs of cicadas in Ellicott City, Maryland. But finally this morning I saw dozens of shells in the Howard County Court House parking lot- and even one little guy who was trying to make his way to some place verticle- but having a tough time of it. Glas to see it’s not all hype. Ian , Ellicott City

Nasty Creatures!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First started seeing them on Monday. I’ve been doing the Cicada Two Step every morning when I leave for work. Apparently, they like the front porch of my apartment building! Ugh! Nasty creatures! There were twice as many this morning as yesterday.

I have tickets for the Capital Jazz Fest [AT] Merriweather in Columbia, MD on 6/5 and 6/6. This emergence should make my concert going experience…rather interesting. MB, Arlington, VA

They’re baaaaaaaaaack!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw my first batch of Brood X yesterday; fascinating! I was turned off by the fact that so many were being eaten by birds; now, how fair is that? I mean, you’re underground for 17 years, and the minute you come out, you’re a snack for a bird! Boo!

Welcome back, cicadas! Sue, Riverdale, MD

Cicada Sighting

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are definitely in the Hamilton area. I have a tree that sits in my front yard. This morning as I was leaving for work, I saw about ten in the tree and about 20 or so in the street. They are really starting to emerge. I saw a lot of holes in the ground. The last time they were here, I was 4. I remember very vaguely, so I am very excited about them coming. Enjoy! L. Lynch, Baltimore, MD

Thery’re Mobilizing

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The cicadas have now awakened and no longer slowly moving about. They are flying, dropping from trees. I need an umbrella to go from my walk way to the front door without getting landed on. I’m glad this is only a major event every 17 years! ED, Bethesda

Ewwwww

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
While walking to work this morning, I saw several dead (smooshed) cicadas on the sidewalk and one alive cicada walking along the sidewalk; it had to have been at least an inch and a half long. Seeing it totally wigged me out. I think that these things are going to be out and flying about real soon. I’m going to have to dig out my old baseball cap to wear so that the darn things don’t get caught in my hair. EWWWWW
Let’s just get this over with already!! Mary, Rockville, Maryland

Cicada sighting

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My Grammy and me just saw our first cicadas on our front porch. Grammy told me all about them and said they go through many changes. We even think we could hear a little bit singing way back in the woods. It might be too early, Grammy has heard them before and said she thinks that is them. Anyway, from Clarksville, Maryland…There Here! Olivia Schwab, Clarksville, Maryland

convoy—popping sounds

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
When we returned home after dark last night my kids said ‘hey look, its a convoy’. Curious, I looked down at the sidewalk and sure enough there were at least 100 cicadas creeping alond in formation from the tree lawn to the fence. It surely is amazing to witness the inate determination of these creatures!…
Last night was warm again so we left the windows open as we slept. I was awaken early this morning when a car drove down our street. Pop, pop, pop was the sound of the poor cicadas being crushed by the moving vehicle…
ldb, McLean, VA

Ready or not…

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw my first cluster of cicadas (cicadae???) & abandoned skins in front of my house this morning as I headed out to work. There were maybe 10 or 12, all still white, and a couple were still in the process of emerging from the skins. I was beginning to wonder if we were going to see any in Springfield, but I guess the time has come! My colleagues who live in Burke also began seeing the cicadas in their yards in the past couple of days. Michael, Springfield, VA

Remove Bugs – I’ll pay you

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are all over the place in front of my apartment complex in Bethesda (cheltenham / tilbury / chase). I’d pay someone to sweep them off my sidewalk and stoop every morning before I leave for work!

Herbert, Bethesda, MD

Amazing!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I finally got to see a bunch last night. They are amazing- I swear I could hear them moving in the grass as well as see them emerging. I watched one “hatch” from it’s shell and watched his wings come about. VERY COOL!! Wile so many folks are disgusted by them, I am absolutely fascinated by them and can’t wait for the rest to arrive!
Does anyone know if they come out more at night? There were too many to count last night and then this morning just a handful of shells remaining. Jenn, Alexandria, VA

BAM!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
BAM! They are here! Hundreds of Brood X graduates showed up on the morning of May 12 in the back yard with dozens climbing up the back of our house. One oak tree in particular is bearing the attack of the cicadas so far. Larry, Burke, Virginia

Brood X Emergence May 13

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Last night was the third night of emergence and by far the heaviest. When I got up this morning the large trees in my front yard were covered with empty nymph shells and so was much of the ground around them. There were still large numbers of nymphs edging their way through the grass and many adults in the process of quickening or sitting on the ground waiting to get up enough gumption to fly off. I also began to see some in the air although still not many. My 9-year-old son picked up a couple of adults and let them crawl up his arms. Our six-year-old son, however, is suffering from a bout of the “yucks.” My suspicion is that tonight will be even bigger. We shall see. jmgradon, McLean, VA

CICADA MANia HERO

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Adrian Portland says: “He seen a cicada in a hole being attacked by ants” He also said ” That is common” so being the nice person he is he dug it up; got it out of the hole and made a new hole and put him in there till it was ready to leave it. Marc Yourfavoritstudent, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA

Cicadas are neat!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I’ve been waiting and waiting for my first sighting this year – and was rewarded this morning. Our old elm tree was covered with numerous cicadas in various stages of emergence! Watching them develop from an embryo-like critter into a fully mature cicada in a matter of hours is truly amazing! Evidently, the birds think so too, as I was joined by a male cardinal who came within about three feet of me before he decided I might eat him before he could eat the cicadas! (LOL). Since we have lost several of our old trees in the last couple of years, and there’s been a lot of development in the area and increasing use of pesticides in no-till farming,I was concerned our cicada crop might not be as healthy as it was the last two cycles (we’ve been at the same house since 1963). This morning’s emergence is reassuring!
Frances Smith, Sparks, MD

cicada sightings

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I have a bunch munching on my azaleas, must be more than 20. My cats have sniffed at them, but not taken a bite yet! I have spotted one that is white with black eyes, the rest are the regular red eyed type. M Merriman, Springfield Va 22153

Don’t hurt them, they won’t hurt you 🙂

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I know many people get the jeebies about large bugs, as I am one of them, lol, but these are amazing creatures….They have lives 17 years underground waiting to emerge for a few weeks, mate & die. I bought my 3 yr old daughter one of those bug boxes with the air vents & handle on top so she can see how interesting they are. So, don’t squash them, try to deal with them, it will be 17 years before we see them again, hard to believe my daughter will be 20!! Staci, Beltsville, MD

Wow. Really Cool!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
At first I was pretty anxious about this whole thing (being from NY and all), but I finally saw a bunch last night and they’re cool! An adult popped out from behind my car tire this morning…I think he’d been hiding from the birds (lots of squished/eaten nymphs around him). Now I’m excited…they’re kinda cute in a spooky way. Sue, Arlington, VA

Cicada Sighting

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
When I went out for a smoke this morning around 1000 I saw a cicada skin on a tree by the picnic table and the cicada on the table. I moved it off of the table at which time it left. Fred Oelrich, Andrews AFB, Clinton, MD

Does anyone know where the largest concentration in this area is???

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I was just wondering, where in the MD/DC/VA area where the largest concentrations of the cicadas will be?
I have seen about 12 shells & 2 cicadas, one which I caught for my daughter, the other became an ant victim, he landed on the concrete & the ants ate his legs off!! I guess ants enjoy them, too!! Staci, Beltsville, MD

Bonjour, cigales!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Eerie sounds from the trees, and piles of shells on the road, a few blocks east of downtown Silver Spring. Wow! Gaston, Silver Spring, MD

The Great Gathering Tree

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
This tree is located on a warm streetcorner in my Rockville neighborhood. Last night as I was walking by I heard an unearthly squirming, crawling, scrabbling sound. I came back with the flashlight to see what must have been at least a thousand cicadas on the base, trunk and branches of the tree. Interestingly, there were many trees nearby with few or none. The warmth of this spot seems to have attracted them.

When I returned this morning, there was a large pile of husks and a few bugs still struggling to emerge. There are also lots squished on the roads–again, I’m guessing because the warm surface is attractive to them. Julia, Rockville, MD

early risers – not the brightest creatures

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Last night I stepped outside around 11pm and witnessed the first few arrivals in the mulch beds in front of my house. We have a concrete porch with steps at the entrance, and for some reason this was their sought after destination. It was only three or four of them but I watched intently for about an hour to see what they would do. And what they did was proceed to make the arduous journey up the side of the porch, only to want to climb higher once they reached the foot of the door. So they walked along the edge of the porch (fairly swiftly) around and around trying to climb the various surfaces, all of which were too steep. Some would fall back off the porch and then try and climb it again. Now there is a nice tree in our front yard so I moved one over to it and he seemed content with the fact that he could get a foothold and started climbing up. I thought great, Ill get to see one molt! But he didnt stop climbing, and after about ten minutes he was 7 feet up on the tree. He promptly lost his footing and fell 7 feet into the grass below. Unharmed and frustrated with the tree he proceeded to start back for the porch! (Cicada skating rink). So I gave up and went to bed. Im sure Ill be sick of them soon enough Brian, North Potomac, Md

Die Cicadas Die

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
On my way to the garbage can I saw one dead on the sidewalk. One fell from a tree branch and down my neck into my shirt. I threw it to the ground and poured the rest of my Pepsi soda on it. Donald Pilner, Washington, DC

They are out!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Went for a walk this morning 5am, couldn’t help but crunch a few under my feet. Saw what looked to be hundreds on the street under a light. Looks like many will be squashed under the tires. I hope my dog doesn’t eat too many! Who knows maybe they will make her breath smell better! Curt, Aspen Hill, Rockville MD

Saw some today hanging

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw a bunch of cicadas (perhaps 10) hanging on a tree. I found a molted shell on the ground, and noted many emergence holes near the base. Probably many cicadas here. Ben, UMBC Campus, Catonsville, MD

Bunches in Bloomington

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I found a moderately sized emergence Wednesday night around 11:30 on the north side of the Indiana University campus (across the street from the parking lot “up-the-hill” from the Psych building). Several hundred in various stages of development. Fascinating, but seriously creepy, too. I for one am looking forward to the noise. Keith2, Bloomington, IN

Nothing so far 13MAY2004 [AT] 0230

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I just got through looking around some of the trees here around the barracks and no sign of the Brood X Cicada yet. I’ll give it a couple of days, since we have had a very cold winter this past year, they might be running a little behind schedule from the surrounding areas like Springfield, Alexandria and DC, which already have lots of ’em! I’ve been looking forward to seeing these little critters for the past couple of weeks. Back in Texas where I am originally from, we get the annual “Dog-Day Cicadas” in late Summer that have and Orange shell, black spots, and hazel eyes. Private First-Class, Fort Belvoir, VA

Theyre heeerrrrreeeeee

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
A cicada flew in the window in nymph stage ot looks to me and I have saved him here sure is ugly and kinda small, maybe not a cicada I dont know…LOL Nicole, Stanley Virginia

THEY ARE HERE

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
WHAT I ORIGANALLY THOUGHT WAS MUD WASPS IN MY FRONT YARD, I FIND OUT FROM OUR EXTERMINATOR THAY ARE THESE CICADAS. AND THEY WILL ONLY LAST A COUPLE OF WEEKS. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO ABOUT THEM. ANY ADVISE ON KEEPING THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE? mark, browns mills, nj

Yuck

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
No need to witness my first confontation- these things will make a man squeel like a girl. Do I dynomite the family’s prized oak tree or move out of civilization for 5 weeks- life dependent decisions are always hard to choose! Azza, Woodbridge, VA

Emergence

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We were excited to see one molt on the old oak tree – it took about 20 minutes. But then alarmed to see 50 in the street. Laurie Jo, Bowie, Maryland

Sighted!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Tonight I was preparing to go on a nighthike with my boyfriend when we happened upon a thriving mass of ten to twenty cicada nymphs pumping themselves up through the loose soil in a planting island at a gas station.

There were trees nearby and the nymphs are protected from being run over by cars as long as they head toward the nearest trees.

We saw more on the sidewalk and soon we decided to give up on the walk because the pavement was poorly lit and we didn’t want to risk stepping on any of them.

I can’t wait. This is my first experience with a full brood! Carmen, Columbia, MD

Cicadas are right outside my door!

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
There must be several hundred cicadas within 50 feet of my condo. I’ve been seeing lots of holes around here for the past few days, and I finally spotted about 5 of them in the bushes and trees this morning. I knew more would be on the way tonight, but WOW! There’s a LOT. Saw them in all stages: Just coming up and crawling along the ground – climbing up bushes and trees – just breaking out of their shells – wings just unfolding – wings fully extended, etc.. It’s amazing to watch them pump blood into their wings. This is just plain cool! Dan, Reston, Virginia

Tonite is the night

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Just opening the front door, I can hear them coming out. The end of the driveway has at least 50 of them crawling around. alan, fairfax va

Saw them emerging

Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Thanks to this great web site, I knew the nymphs crawl out at 1030 pm or so. I also knew they were coming based on the many detailed reports here. Sure enough, I went out a few minutes after that, and saw my first one crawling out of the dirt just under a slightly raised shed.

After looking the first one over, I was able to see two more, one on a concrete slab for the hot tub, another on dirt near the base of a tree in a flower bedding area just off the lawn. They look a lot like slugs, and are a very dark choclate brown with medium brown spots and two distinct antennae.

I realize there are folks out there who are concerned about being touched by the cicadas. About the best advice I can give these folks is to consider long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide brimmed hats and keeping some spares available, as well as some towels or moist towelettes. These preparations may not be needed, but will help assure confidence.

Best. Peter, VA – Loudoun – Sterling – near Church Rd. & Lincoln Rd.

UGGGGGGGGGGGG

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Late wednesday nite the cicadas arrived in my apartment complex much to my dismay. These things are disgusting. I feel like we are being invaded by bugs. Heather, Rockville MD (Courthouse Area)

Large emergence on my street

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I came home tonight at 9:00 and thought I saw a cicada on a tree. Grabbed my flashlight and went out to look closer, I’m glad I did because in a 60 minute period I counted no less than 20 in various stages of molting. Lots of exit holes in the ground so there will probably be many more I didn’t find. COOL stuff!! you only get to see this once in a great while. It takes about 20-30 minutes for them to complete the molting process from cracking their shell to sitting on a branch with wings unfurled. John Schmidt, Springfield, VA, USA

One Cicada on a Mailbox Pole!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I grew up in Annandale and am very familiar with the Cicadas. Last large emergence which I witnessed had the cicadas with flourescent orange outlines on their wings. Three weeks ago I noticed something that really shocked me, while I was getting my mail at the community PO, I noticed a hole in the ground, moderate sized and I told my wife how Cicadas sow the soil like you wouldn’t believe. About 9 Days Later I went to get the mail and I saw a shell on the post which supports the canopy to the mailbox, lowenbehold there was a cicada on the post all by its lonesome self. At first I didn’t think it was real, I tried to pick it up and it sure was, it was definitely a cicada. This poor guy kept returning to its “post” for a few days, now hes gone. My theory on this is that 20 years ago, when our neighborhood was a pig farm, someone brought some cicadae with them from back East (in a suitcase, truck etc). They must have survived long enough to mate and drop their eggs into a tree. Now the only one left came out! His friends are all victims of the bulldozer, he will die alone, but I can say that he lived in California for a few weeks. I have never heard or seen cicadas out here, so I think this guy got lost (or punished). I know about lookalike insects, my neighbors are from back East and we all were in agreement as to what he was, hopefully another one came out maybe a female (or vice versa, not sure what this was but it had the needle on the abdomen). Amazing but true, I shoulda taken his picture. Wish I was there for this brood. At least the pictures are up! Bringing back memories, while I’m at it, I lived in Annandale for 18 years, we recently had a Thunderstorm which was more intense than Annandale ever had in 18 years, goes to show you that the climate is changing. I hope we get more, it was wonderful to see some lightning!
Daniel Gidez, Sylmar California (No Joke)

Chow Time

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Im a highschool student in baltimore, and one of our biology teachers gave an assembly today on the cicadas. he also publically announced to the entire school that i am the one member of the school community who will eat a cicada in any stage of its life cycle. what can i say? they are yummy! well, i just wanted to give everybody and update on my cicada eatinf prowess and encourage those who have not eaten any to do so. *they emerged in roland park/ ruxton today*

~chris~ chris schmidt, baltimore

A bunch here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The birds were going absolutely nuts today outside my house, so I looked out and saw a bird fly to the trunk of a tree, then onto the ground, eating a cicada. My daughters and I went out tonight to collect them to maybe cook and eat. You have to look for the grass moving. But the first bag we collected had a bunch of mites in it. We must have grabbed one bad cicada. Got about 60 totally, but we’ll toss the half with the mites. James, Potomac, MD

Cicadas With Hangovers in Wheaton

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Gizmo (our old tabby cat) just deposited a lone cicada on the front step. (It’s his concept of rent.) Hundreds of chimneys under trees here, but the red-eyed guys are “sleepin’ in” here in Wheaton. Jack, Silver Spring, MD

Heebie Jeebies

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have been seeing several of them on my walk way in front of my house. This is giving me the heebies. If I had known about these things a year ago… I would have paved my whole yard! Going to go stay with some relatives for three weeks. Can’t take it alone. Yuk. I know it’s an amazing thing but I just can’t stand to see so many at once. Yuk.
Lisa, Riverdale

Kids going bug crazy!!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The neighbourhood kids are getting into the Cicadas here…popping up ALL OVER THE PLACE (the bugs, not the kids…lol)on our morning walks to school.
There were at least 20 of them on my front stoop, & the large tree in out front yard must be the happin place “hang out” at! Paisley, Fairfax, Virginia

So what’s the bracha (blessing) for sighting a Cicada?

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was with a friend when we went walking. I saw them in the upper park heights/pikesville area climbing on a few trees. Not many yet, but enough to freak me out. Naomi, Pikesville, MD

Lone Tree Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Last night we saw a few holes around a tree, and one cicada on a blade of grass. Tonight, after dark, we saw at least 12 crawling up one tree, but not a single cicada on the other trees! They are so neat! My brother wants to try eating some cicadas, and we put one in a box to see it change. Sarah, Eldersburg, MD

PA – found one! (lots more to come)

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Tonight 8:00PM, Route 322 near Lancaster / Lebanon County line. I’ve been watching for the past week. Finally found a nymph coming out of the ground. It’s now in a small cage next to my computer. I’ll be watching daily, more news to come. Film at 11. Mike Frey, Lancaster PA

Cicada in Ashburn, VA

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I teach Pre-K in Sterling, VA. One of my students brought in a Ciciada still in its shell, she lives in Ashburn, VA. That is the only one I have seen so far, nobody I work with has seen them yet. Maybe they will be here soon. Kimberly, Leesburg, VA

Waiting Patiently

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Well, so far I have seen three empty shells, all on the garage doors. I am waiting patiently for the hammer to fall. Aaron, Silver Spring

invasion!!!!!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I just let my dog out to find a cicad invasion in my back yard!!!!I emptied my son’s baby pool earlier today to find that I must have really loosened the soil and set them free. I have to admit it makes me a little queasy to see so many. Im talking dozens!!!! kara, severna park, md

Out and about.

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We have not seen any spread their wings yet, but this evening a nymph was out of his hole to take a look around. Hoping that tomorrow brings us a lot of little red eyed friends warming up to a 17 year symphony! Rich G, Gambrills, MD

Saw some in Crofton

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw about 1/2 a dozen in the backyard where I work today in Crofton. Pam, Severn

Zilch, Nada, Nichevo, Rien, Zip, Zero

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Maybe this area’s seen too much development over the last decade – I have yet to see a nymph casing, let alone an actual red-eyed beastie. And to think that I was kind of looking forward to this – I’m originally from central North Carolina and as far as I can remember from my childhood, all we ever got there were the pedestrian annual Dog-Day Cicadas. Dan, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA

cicada sightings!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Tongiht as I tuned in to watch the Bachelor on TV I had a cicada fly INTO my house through my window! I’ve seen a lot out in my front yard, its fun to see them leak some shells! Mandy, Oakton

Where are they??

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Have only seen a few husks around the trees and fence. I found a few wings laying around the fence. I guess the first few are the unlucky ones that get eaten by birds.

I suppose there will be plenty of them around soon enough. John, Vienna, VA

Cicada Chimneys

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found lots of cicada chimneys and holes in the backyard. As many as 10 per square foot. No bugs though.
Steve, Miamisburg, OH

There here!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first one this morning after it had just shed it’s shell….So add Beltsville, MD to the list!!!! Stacy, Beltsville, MD

Thereeee hereeeee

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
In 2 days we collected a full gallon size ziploc bag of the shells. We took them to my son’s pre-K class for show and tell. They loved it! Teacher said was the best show and tell ever. I am
amazed by these mysterious creatures. I’m watching them come out of shells (white) and within 30 minutes they turn brown and their wings develope. So cool!
Can we sell these anywhere??? Misti Stevens, Johnson City, TN

Where are they?

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’m disappointed. I thought that since our development was built around 20 years ago we would have a good number about. Saw one nymph two nights ago crossing our front step. One on a screen this afternoon and that’s it. Some signs of holes around a couple of trees where the developers left them, but not many (maybe a dozen). Alastair Thomson, Centreville VA

Finally here!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was so excited to see the cicadas arrive in Fairfax! I had only seen a couple in the past few days but today they have literally taken over my entire yard! I think there have to be at least 10 per square foot!! I have an old lot with lots of deciduous trees so I wasn’t surprised. My son and I are going to break out the digital camera later today and take pictures. I’ll have to be careful though – the last time we did that he took 302 pictures! Happy cicada hunting! 🙂 Charles, Fairfax, VA

Cicidas Have Arrived

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Cicidas have arrived in Jefferson City. Cassandra, Jefferson County Tennessee

They’re Here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
They started ewmerging here about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Now at night they seem to be making a b-line for my sun room. Had to seal the space in the door before they invaded. Jay, Kensington, MD

So far only saw a few

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my walk to the Metro (Forest Glen), I saw 3 shells and 2 basking cicadas. Later, walking to my office, I saw lots of *pieces* of cicadas but nothing much else.

I remember back in 1987 (I was 12)I used to catch them in flight and stick them to my gym teacher’s shirt. He’d scream like a little girl. That memory still makes me laugh! JR, Silver Spring, MD

Sighted one in NC!!!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have my first cicada!!!! After dealing with these guys last year with Brood IX, I know better of what to expect this year. All of my trees were ‘pruned’ last year by the cicadas and really looked better by summer’s end than they did before. If you have grapes, GET SOME NETTING!! Please do not spray these guys, or anything else in your yard. The only thing that irritates me about these is the fact that my 5 year old daughter sneaks them in the house!! Happy watching. Jennifer, Westfield, Stokes Co, North Carolina

Thousands Hatched May 8-9th,2004

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Ranger, 6 miles west of Murphy NC the trees are alive with cicada’s .. dean, Ranger, NC

Cicada Attack

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I walked out of my house this morning to find a single cicada sitting on my back wall, staring at me. I knew I had to act quickly, so I jetted for my car. I jumped in and slammed the door just in time to look back and see… that he was still sitting there staring at me. Maybe he is harmless. But I think he is waiting for his friends before he strikes. Matt, Arlington, VA

Seen some here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Actually got to see some emerge lastnight. Picked up one to check out texture. Felt kinda rubbery. Placed him back on the tree and left him to dry. Watching him dry out was quite amazing. I could actually see the little moisture drops on his wings. I felt like I was watching the discovery channel, only live 🙂 I’m very excited. The last time I seen these guys I was 9 and had just moved to the area also very freaked out by bugs. Heather , Laurel, MD

The cidadas won’t hurt you!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was 13 when Brood X emerged in 1970 and that seemed like a big emergence to me. On my walk to school I’d see the cidada body shells all over trees and fence posts and I’d see the just emerged cidadas (we actually called them locusts back then)trying to dry and harden up. The 1987 emergence didn’t seem as dramatic to me and it’s probably because I wasn’t walking in a wooded area as much as I did at age 13.

A lot of people are trying to tease those who have never experienced the cidadas that these insects are going to attack them. This is NOT TRUE! These are very gentle creatures and the only thing that I thought was kind of gross was all the cidada body shells everywhere and the wet, shiny, just emerged insects. The “singing” does get a bit loud, but most people have air conditioning this time of year and keep the windows closed. It’s such a cool phenomenon so just enjoy it. This time I’m taking lots of pictures.

The cidadas will not fly at you or bother you or bite or sting you. I remember that in 1970 and 1987 when I had cats that they loved to eat the cicadas. They just dive bomb for them and the poor cicadas didn’t stand a chance. If you are really afraid of them, stay away from wooded areas and trees. If you go to the swimming pool you may see a stray cidada or two floating on top of the water. That’s a minor downside.

I walked to the Metro stop at East Falls Church today- which is actually in Arlington, VA- and I didn’t see one cidada. I have not seen any yet but I know they will be here! Enjoy them while they last. Lisa Jane, Falls Church, VA

None here yet either

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We are just north of Kensington, MD(technically in Wheaton) and we haven’t seen any yet either. We have tons in the ground but none have emerged yet.
I’m waiting. Dalit, Silver Spring, MD

An interesting buzz on the Hill

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first cicada cut in front of me in traffic this morning as I was approaching Pennsylvania Avenue on 4th Street SE. Luckily it was faster than my windshield and continued on its merry way! Johanna, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

They have arrived….

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
A note from Columbia, Maryland: they are now here! Saw a few on a tree last night! Heather, Columbia, MD

They’re here!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We went to the local rec center today — a lovely wooded area — and they are HERE! Tons of sheds all over trees and the side of the building. We saw several “groggy” ones basking in the sun, waiting for their wings and bodies to dry. We also saw quite a few carcasses strewn about, not sure of the cause.

Now we await the chorus!
L S T, Annandale, VA

AT LAST!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Emergence really got started last night– saw hundreds and only one with any sign of massospora. They seemed to be molting much more quickly than in 1987. Also noticed that male nymphs headed way up into trees to molt. I only found a few adults from last night when I checked this morning– this first group didn’t come out in sufficient numbers to escape predation. The next three or four nights will be incredible, as we’re in the 1 million plus epicentre of the brood. I LOVE THESE GUYS! This is the most fantastic display of nature you are going to see in North America! Keith, Bloomington, IN

big emergence

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
over 70 nymphs were emerging last night in the pikesville Chruch lane area. lots were just splitting in the street, and soon swarmed by ants. so i picked up the cicadas and stepped on the ants… (that will teach em to plague my kitchen). James, Pikesville

Cicada races

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Today, my students found several adults cicadas in the grass. So we put them on the trees and watched them race to the top. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

They’re in Virginia

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Like everyone else on the thread, I noticed several last night on the underside of plants. This morning, there were about 100 on and around a telephone pole. I’m corrected as I thought this was mostly hype. Rahul, Falls Church, VA

The Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Hey Guys! I’m so excited about the Cicadas. In fact, I just saw one this morning! It was so cool. I’m a little nervous about one flying into me though. That would be so gross! I can’t wait! I’m going to put one as my Windows XP backdrop now! Anne R., Oakton

Dale Hollow Lake KY/TN

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our family will be on our annual houseboat trip to Dale Hollow all of next week, May 15-23. Any ideas on what we can expect by way of the cicada hatch? Have a couple of terrified kids so need to know. Still will go, but have to plan alternative things for them to do if they won’t go catch them! Thanks! KP Kristie, Illinois

Hundreds in my yard

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
As of 05/12/04 there are hundreds of cicadas in my yard most of them are sitting at ground level or on the side of my house. One plant in my front yard had easily several hundred clinging to it. There were a few emerging yesterday, but the bulk seem to be today. Scott, Franconia, Virgnina

Release the Hounds

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw a couple of them flying around Braddock Park in Centreville on Tuesday night…a lot of evergreen trees out that way, so we’ll see if the park becomes a “million per acre” site or not. Jason, Centreville, VA

They’re Here in Columbia

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
May 12 lots of them are coming out of the ground. Watched dozens climb out of the ground and climb the tree. Several emerging. Matt, Columbia, MD

Sat 5-8-04

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We got a few hundred this past Saturday in Anneslie South of Towson.
Very friendly bugs. Lots of smiles for the kids.
Mike MIKE [AT] WJZ-TV, TOWSON

They’re definitely here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We first discovered fifty to one hundred cicadas in our front yard on Sunday night, when I went to take out the garbage and heard something crunch underfoot. They were swarming my front porch. My teenage son and I watched for an hour as they skittered across the pavement and wriggled out of their skins. We posted a warning sign, “Watch your step–cicadas!” There were not so many on Monday or Tuesday night, but this morning the back yard was full of cicadas festooned on the azalea bushes, resting on the swingset, buzzing through the sunlight. One enormous, enterprising black squirrel was harvesting cicadas from the bushes and consuming them as fast as he could. They have definitely arrived. Laura, Wheaton, MD

Where do I get protective clothing?!?!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I am very anxious about these cicadas flying into me, landing on me, swarming around me, seeing them, etc…. Is there some sort of “beekeeper-ish” suit that I could purchase in the DC area to avoid “feeling” them on me? I am already getting panic attacks and some anxiety about them!! PLEASE HELP!! Scared!, Washington DC

Cicadas at Goucher College!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I went to check out some of the emerging cicadas this morning with three of my co-workers. There were shells every where, and we watched some very groggy guys climbing up trees and drying out. There were some dead ones on the sidewalk who didn’t seem to have the strength to continue their journey.
Audrey, Towson, Maryland

pretty neat!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have seen one this morning [AT] 7am.
It’s 11:30 and i have approx 100 popping out. It’s really cool to
them go from the larva stage to the flight stage. Watch one, it will
be worth it!! Thomas S., Fallston- Maryland

1 Shell Found

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I found 1 shell this morning on the base of a White Birch tree in my yard. Rick, Archbald, PA

Saw one… but only one so far

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw one yesterday (May 11) on my mailbox, but thus far this is the only one I have seen. My boyfriend, in Silver Spring, MD has seen many. Jennifer, Hyattsville, MD

Invasion

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have hundreds of cicadas on my front lawn, front elm tree and on our walkway. The squirrels and birds have been feasting the past 2 days. The squirrels like to eat the abdomen and leave the legs wriggling. Leaving the front light on seems to make a difference. I had a few less around the front door last night as I left the front light off. Not doing this the night before resulted in many hanging on the front screen. ED, Bethesda

Hundreds

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our backyard is covered with shells and adults. We had our first couple on May 5, then a few more on the 6th. I left town for the weekend and when I returned on the 9th, our house exterior and back yard were covered. They seem particularly fond of the south point of our yard where I found hundreds this morning. Ashley, Baltimore, Maryland

Windshield sitting!!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my drive along the GSP to pick up my daughter from college I saw this thing coming from a fair distance away. It left a big smudge on my windshield. Can’t wait to see the full emergence. Ed Hawley, Keyport,NJ

None yesterday – hundreds today

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Couldn’t find a single one yesterday. This morning, there were hundreds in my front yard alone. Most were on the shrubs and hostas underneath my oak tree. The squirrels were going nuts! Vic, McLean, VA

saw 2!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw two this morning. One had just shed his nymph-skin and was drying his wings. Very beautiful. The red eyes are stunning.

Looking forward to more! kristenfw, lower Brookland, DC

Cicada arrival

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Cicadas are here in the Middleridge section of Fairfax. A dozen moltings around my front door this morning and a few cicadas hanging out on the front steps, not quite ready to fly. Dave, Fairfax, VA

First One!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first empty shell (alright, 1/2 a shell) this morning! Susan, Columbia, MD

Finally saw them!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Last night I took a walk around the block and saw about two dozen shells on utility poles — no cicadas. This morning, when I went outside to bring in the newspapers — no cicadas. However, when my ten year old and I went to get in the car at 8AM, she spotted one perched on a rear tire! Then I saw one on the other rear tire.

I remember them from when I was ten back in 1970 and then again 17 years ago. My question is: when will I say I’ve seen too many? Dennis, Silver Spring, Maryland

Driveway Melting Pot

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
This past Monday, May 10th they were covering my entire driveway. All dead due to the heat of the blacktop. Judy, Rockville, MD

The Mulch Will Not Harm Them

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
No worries on the mulch. Even if you kill 1000 of them, there’s 10,000’s more right behind ’em…..

I live in Northwest DC — Friendship Heights area. They’re here! Witness to about 300 cicadas this morning on my walk around the block Cicada BBQ-Man, Washington, DC

First Sightings

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Yesterday (5/11/2004), I saw 4 shells on a short walk in the evening outside my home about a mile west of the Pentagon. This morning, I saw between 6 and 12 more shells and 2 cicadas while walking to the car. David Gray, Arlington, VA

Brood X Emergence Update May 12

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Here in McLean in suburban DC we had even more cicads emerging last night than the night before. My 9-year-old son amused himself by picking up nymphs crawling through the grass and helping them out by putting them onto the tree trunks. Although there appear to be dozens and perhaps hundreds of empty nymph casings on the trunks of our older trees or in the grass at their base we have yet to see cicadas flying around much less in large numbers. Nor have we heard any noises we could identify as cicada buzzing. jmgradon, McLean, VA

No signs yet – Preakness?

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Only about an hour south of DC and I’ve had no sightings and I haven’t heard them yet either. I’m excited to see them, but don’t want them to ruin the Preakness up in Baltimore this weekend. Has anyone in the Baltimore area seen them? Wendel, Southern Maryland

Got ’em

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We’ve had them for over a week. Just a handful right now, but the dog’s loving it. Bart, Woodbridge, VA

The cicadas have arrived in my neighborhood!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my morning walk yesterday, 5/11/04, I first saw holes in the ground, then empty skins, then some dead cicadas and finally a live one, drying in the sun.

But this morning, 5/12/04…it was a bug of a different color! They seemed to be everywhere! Hundreds of skins, lots of live and dead cicadas on the sidewalks (including some 1/2 eaten and lots of random wings! Yuk!) As well as some still emerging, many buzzing about on shrubs and some in the beaks of passing sparrows. The invasion is upon us! J. Lowe, Woodley Park, Washington, DC

Recipes!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I haven’t seen any yet, but I’ve been doing research. There is a cookbook online at the University of Maryland entomology department!

There are soft-shelled cicadas, shanghai cicadas, cicada dumplings, cicada stir-fry, chirper tacos, chocolate covered circadas, circada pie, and others!!!http://www.urhome.umd.edu/newsdesk/pdf/cicada%20recipes.PDF Bonnie, Elkridge, Maryland

I don’t like these Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
My children and I saw a few cicadas on our building as you walk out. We even saw them stuck together. I think they are so nasty looking. I’m getting married in June, what I’m I going to do.

Jeanine, New Carrollton, MD

Saw them in the yard!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw a few shells on my tree this morning – saw a shell on a leaf in the tree last night, saw two birds fighting over a cicada in front of the door, and then saw another shell on the ground under the same tree! Telephone poles on Ravensworth Rd. in Annandale are covered with shells. Lisa, Springfield, VA

what a pleasant surprise

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
This morning, there were shells all over the ground, and lots of critters all over the trees – hugging the bark, the leaves. Everywhere. For a number, let’s go with dozens. No noise noted.
Joe, mount washinton, MD

The Cicada Invasion Has Begun!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Arlington Village – Arlington, VA

Cicada’s, cicada’s everywhere!

The birds seemed especially loud this morning…. Cicada Steve, Arlington, VA

Cicadas are plentiful in Pickens County

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our State entymologist did not expect Cicadas South of Lumpkin County, GA. Well I can tell you for sure they are here! (5/12/04) Dave Blake, Jasper, Georgia

emergence

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The emergence began last night here in Potomac Farms. I watched several cicadas emerge and begin to shed thier shells at about 10:30 pm. By this morning there were several dozen empty shells at the base of an old maple tree in my front yard and adult cicadas hanging out in the branches. We are expecting more to emerge in the coming days! James, Ashburn, Virginia

There Here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found one in the pool this morning! I’m sure there are many more to come. Tami, North Potomac, MD

on car Tires!!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Woke up this morning and found dozens of cicadas attached to the black tires on our car!! Also on a little tree and our wooden fence! Wow!!! Jeff G, Silver Spring, MD

EEWW

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
There must have been almost two dozen of the nasty critters clinging to my garage door this morning. I can only guess that the birds will soon be showing up and it will look like something out of a Hitchco*ck film! Funny thing, though, that’s the only place I saw them. Were they there because of the morning sun? Lynne, Oak HIll, VA

Any Cicadas near Pennsville, NJ ??

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ll be in the Pennsville, NJ area this weekend. Does anyone know of a place nearby to see the Cicadas ? Karen, Rochester, NY

They’re all over the parking lot

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I just spent some time picking up 20 or so off the parking lot and tires of trucks parked overnight here at work. Yesterday we saw 2 or 3, today there are tons. Kathy, Camp Springs, MD

Front porch sitings

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found 5 on the front porch and a shell hanging on the brick. My son freaked out when he poked the shell and realized that there was still a bug in it that had not emerged yet. The fun has begun. Cam, Severna Park, Maryland

No cicadas yet

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I live near Georgia Avenue and the beltway. Yesterday there were reportedly lots of cicadas near my church (east side of Ga. ave) but I haven’t even seen a shell on the west side. Tammy, Silver Spring

Thousands in my backyard

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve got thousands of cicadas in my backyard. Last night the ground seemed alive with them. There were hundreds climbing up one tree. It was bizarre. Now I know why there are big piles of the skeletons at the base of the tree. A lot climb up and then fall down. Go out at night to see them come out. Bob, Bethesda, Maryland

They’re here

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Empty shells on the trees Monday; saw MANY emerging Tuesday evening. They are definitely here. John, Bowie, MD

Fascinating!

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We don’t have large cicadas in the Netherlands, but I have encountered them on my trips to southern Spain and the Sonoran desert in Arizona. How an insect like this can make such a lot of noise is a mystery to me! I would love to see this 2004 Brood X phenomenon take place. Edith Nies, The Netherlands

Exiting the soil

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve seen nymphs for about a week when digging the soil and turning over rocks. Inspired by todays May 11 Post article, I went out tonight and saw a nymph crawling up the tree. Quite a few holes in the ground, and saw one cicada butt sticking out of one. Quite a kick to see them making their way out of the soil.

I’d been feeding nymphs to my daughter’s White’s Tree Frog over the last week, but he’s been looking fat and constipated, so I stopped that practice . . . Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA

Cicadas hit Jessup

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
My son found 2 cicadas on the front porch at 10:30pm Tuesday. Terri, Jessup,Maryland

First look

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw one (and only one) at around midnight. The rest should be out by tomorrow. John, Severna Park, MD

Photographing an Emerging Cicada From The Shell

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve been sitting outside watching a Cicada come out of it’s shell…it is so amazing!
Lisa S, Rockville Maryland, USA

They’re Back

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We’ve seen a few over the past couple of days, but tonight they are EVERYWHERE! Jean, Annandale, VA

sighting

Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I finally saw some of the little critters as I was on the way to our laundry room. I’m in the Courthouse metro area, in Colinial Village. As I watched the one slowly make its way along the sidealk, another one came out. I think this is pretty exciting. But, maybe in a few days when they are every where….. Barb, Arlington, Va.

They’re here!

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Came face to face with my first cicada in my back yard yesterday morning. Saw more later last night after sundown. Today, those were all dead or torn apart. Tonight, 3 times as many on my back and front patios. I am morbidly engrossed and grossed out. I am not happy about this. I’ve got a huge yard with many old, old trees. I resent that I won’t be able to enjoy it for the next few weeks. Shawn, Garrett Park, Maryland

Re: was planning to mulch

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Don’t worry about it —- my mom described to me once how they were coming up through sun-warmed asphalt during an emergence in her youth!!!! Sarah Dalton, Columbus, OH

cicadas

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Yeah my aunts dog came in with a cicada wing hanging out of it’s mouth. So they have arrived in Morristown. Mark , Morristown, New Jersey

They are here!

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Went outside to retrieve a something from the car, and there they were on the pavement, just roaming very slowly… they are not afraid like most insects… Can’t wait to hear them “SING”

Good-Luck James, Montgomery Village, MD USA

they are out

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
10pm tues. i found 8-10 crawling on my front walk and house. They are here!!!! K Hicks, oxon hill, md

What’s taking them so long?

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m seeing more and more holes every day, can even look into some of the holes and see those red eyes peering back at me. Have not seen a single shell from one that has emerged. I was in Vienna
Virginia in 1987, they were everywhere. Rich G, Gambrills, MD

Cicadas seen here!

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
On my morning walk of, I saw 1 1/2 mile in western Annandale on Monday 5/10, I saw 2 cicadas. Today I saw about 250!! Claire, Annandale, VA

one big molt-a-rama

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
it’s 9:30pm and there is a molt-fest going on in my backyard. fascinating! i highly recommend looking for cicadas soon after nightfall. Pam, Kensington, MD

crunch crunch crunch

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my kids collected 28 exoskeletons this afternoon and placed them in baggies to bring to school tomorrow. They were playfully arguing over their new posessions. We also found 2 live ones in the grass that did not make it up into the trees. Mary Ellen Wolf, Reston VA

We call Cicadas ” ChakChanh “

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Laotians are very exited about ” Chakchanh ”
will come out because It is exotic. Khammoung, Murfreesboro, TN

Was planning to mulch…

Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Was planning to put down mulch around some of our trees this weekend but I’m afraid I my hurt the ciacdas chances of getting out? Does anyone know it this is a valid concern?

Thanks! Peter, Princeton, NJ

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 11:16 am

re: flying or crawling?

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Becca, they start out crawling when they emerge from underground. They crawl up the highest thing (ie; a tree), where they transform into flying creatures. Check out this link: http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/michigan_cicadas/Periodical/Index.html And I totally understand and share your fears. I’m also from New England, and had I known that this occured, I probably would have never relocated out here! Patricia, PG County, MD

They are lots of fun

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
If you do get these here are some fun things to do with them. In 87 we dressed one up like elvis. Then we made some small glasses cut out of clear film and super glued them to the cicadas eyes. Looked really cool. But the best thing to do to them is amuse them. We found an adult cicada fit perfectly in the barrel of a paint ball gun. It is like a amusem*nt ride for them. After giving them a co2 enama they leave the barrel at 300 ft per sec.That way the birds cant eat them, They are going to fast. The other fun thing is to paint their eyes with white-out and let them go in the house. They will fly into everything. Also if you pull the wings off they have to walk the rest of their lives. On the same note you can pull the legs off throw them in the air and they have to fly the rest of their life. I have taken bottle rockets off the stick and super glue the bottle rocket to the cicadas back, light it and throw it in the air, They get a bang out of that. If you any more good clean fun cicada amusem*nt ideas plz e-mail them to me. Don Doneagle5 [AT] aol.com, Cincinnati

flying or crawling?

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Do they fly or crawl? do they crawl up your pants legs? do they crawl on your screens? I’m DREADING this. I grew up in New England where we didn’t have these… Becca, PG County, MD

OK…..

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Thanks for your words Leslie. I am right next door in Hyattsville and you have calmed me a bit… Patricia, PG County, MD

SCARED

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Hey all, I need advice bad from a GOOD source of information. Can anyone tell me something about the cicada that will make me feel a little better? All I am hearing is that it will be impossible to function outside becuase they will be swarming all around us. I am getting scared to even take my 15 mth old son outside to play…I need to know if this is really as bad as everyone is saying. Can someone give me some knowledgable words of comfort? jamie, Charlotte Hall, MD

Are they coming earlier than expected?

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
I had heard that they were supposed to be coming out in mid-May, now I’m hearing that it will be sooner. Does anyone know? I am REALLY scared, (and know they are harmless but it doesn’t matter). I’m just freaking out here. I hadn’t heard about them swarming around people before…I was going to carry an umbrella when I went outside, but now it sounds like it won’t help much…any advice is most appreciated… Patricia, PG County, MD

Cicadas

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Do cicadas eat or dig holes in your yard? Letitia, Maryland

Dundalk

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
I’ve contacted the principal of the Dundalk Middle School, and boy are you kids in trouble. Wait ’til your parents find out. Also, I guess your teachers aren’t doing a very good job, ‘cuz you kids sure can’t spell. Sky, Arlington, Va.

CICADA

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
HOW DO THEY EAT THERE FOOD? ROGER THOMPSON, DUNDALK

cicada

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
I WORSHIP THE DEVEIL
\ veronica, school

Moo!

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
ROGER LOVE A TREE HUGGING HIPPE AND DARIUS! Meru, Dundalk

dghd

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
no i dont ROGER dose lol clinton, dundalk middle school

cicada’s

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
I LOVE CLINTON veronica weber, school

Meow

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
im boucnybunny lol dodododododododododododo roger sucks! Meru69, dundalk

kissy kissy

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
im a happy bunny hug me Roger, Dundalk middle school

cicada’s

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
hi veronica weber. clinton , dundalk middle school

cicada

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
hi clenton see more buts, dundalk md.

hi

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
hi bob, dudndalk

hi

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
you guys are stupid bob, dundalk

COOLEST THING

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
Dear Ralph – Is it Norwood or Kenwood? Ghost, Warren County

To Amy in Ohio

Date: Thursday, Apr/22/2004
I saw the coolest thing in Walgreens yesterday that would be perfect for your cicada party, check it out. Ralph, Norwood

I died and went to hell

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
I moved to Reston VA in 1987 from NY and I never in my life experienced anything like these buggers! I thought I had died and gone to hell. I used to RUN to the mailbox and back, ending up covered in these disgusting creatures… screaming all the way. I swore that I’d MOVE before the 17 years was up and they came again. Doh. I’m still here. I plan on not leaving the house for a month. Jean B, Reston VA

protecting my air conditioner

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
Do I need to protect my air conditioners from cicadas? If yes, what should I use? maggie, maryland

Re: Magicicada

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
A.Briscoe,
The cicadas should be here about mid May & be gone by the middle of June. As far as I remember the brunt of the chaos was in the last week of May & the first week of June. Hope this helps. Roy T, Batavia, OH

Magicicada

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
The magicicadas are going to be here next month(May). My question is when they arrive, how long will they be in town? A.Briscoe, Mount Rainier, MD, P.G. County

Party cicada

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
Are you kidding Amy? Go to cincycicada.com where you can get all of your cicada supplies, shirts, mugs, coasters and more! Joe, Cincinnati

Cicada Items

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
Does anyone know where I can get Cicada items for a Cicada theme party in May? I am looking for Tshirts- or cups.Thanks,
Amy Amy, Ohio

Highway Problems?

Date: Wednesday, Apr/21/2004
I have a road trip planned to Pittsburg the 1st week of June. Will there still be alot then. Will I be stopping every few mile to clean my windshield. Are they going to clog up my radiator. Steve, Colerain Twp (Cincinnati)

Nymphs are starting to build mud chimneys!

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
I was out in the woods in my back yard this afternoon & saw that some of the cicada nymphs are starting to build little mud chimneys to control the wet soil they are in. The little buggers don’t want to drown down there even though from reading some of these message posts lots of people wish they would. lol Roy T, Batavia, OH

WHY?!?!

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
Why does this have to happen? If I could think of my absolute worst nightmare – it would be huge flying ugly bugs covering every inch of land! I can already see myself being injured or having a panic attack after a run in with a cicada. I am just ready to get it over with… Tiffany, Laurel, MD

RE: Lain

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
I seriously doubt they’re Cicadas. What color were they? Are they stubby and plump like a miniature vienna sausage, or are they flat w/ antennae? If they were perfectly round, very small and looked like a ladybug only brown, I’d say they were probably Japanese Ladybugs. They have a hard casing with wings below. I’m such a bug phobe. The exterminator is coming tomorrow to deal with our Carpenter Bees over our deck, the Paper Wasps that have taken up residence there, and the 3 Waterbugs I found a few days ago. I HATE BUGS! The only think I hate more are CICADAS. I don’t see them as bugs; they’re little demons. I feel like I’m in a race to get everything done before they invade N. Kentucky. Once they’re here … I’m staying in. It’ll take Jesus’ coming to get me out of this place! Lisa, Ft. Thomas, KY

I remember them well!

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
They don’t seem to have gotten here yet but I know they’re on their way. The last time they were here my dog ate them like popcorn and gained 5 lbs–the only member of my family that thought it was a GOOD thing! I feel sorry for everyone who has to work outside–it’s miserable especially for landscapers, lawncare folks, etc. The cicadas are drawn to loud buzzing noises and have been known to send grown men on ride mowers over the edge! J. Lee, Nashville, Tennessee

Cicada Life cycle

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
Last night I found 8 small (1/4 inch)
bugs in my living room. They had hard outer wing cases with wings below. I did a little research on some insect keys but my insect anatomy is a little rusty. Does anyone know if there’s any possibility that these are cicadas? I do hope so because if they’re not they’re small roaches!
Thanks
Iain G Iain, Annapolis, MD

Re: sooo worried about the bugs

Date: Tuesday, Apr/20/2004
Becca,
Yes, the critters will try to come inside if you have your doors open at night with strong light inside the house. Also, cicadas are attracted to porch lights so it’s best to keep those off at night if you are outside. Cicadas are not known to have road rage so no need to panic if one lands on you, just brush it off. If you are scared to touch them just carry a small paint brush with you & you can use that to brush them off that way. They are obviously more crawlers before they shed their skins but both crawl & fly when adults. Hope this helps.
Roy T, Batavia, OH

Dothey see

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
I want to know if cicada’s can see. Or are this big eyed bugs blind. and if they can’nt see why are their eyes so big.You wood think that if they have such big red eyes,and have so many fly life looks.Again why can’nt they see where they’re going.And what they’re doing.Do they smell’I did’nt see a nose I just see those “BIG SPOOKY SCARRY RED EYES!!!” Nita E., baltimore maryland

to Amanda

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
Girl I understand how you feel because I have never seen these bugs before either and I am scared. I just want them to hurry up and come because I am tired of hearing about them. The more I hear about them the more scared I get. When it comes to your lacrosse practice, personally I would stay in the house or ask if they could have practice indoors. kendra, pg county Maryland

sooo worried about the bugs

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
Does anyone know if there is anything you can do to minimize the chance of the cicadas landing on you? Are there colors that are better or worse? Are they more flying or crawling bugs? Do they try to come inside (like moths)? Becca, Maryland

Re: Do they like water?

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
John,
There was an emergence several years ago along the river upstream from Newport & the cicadas emerged all the way up to the riverbanks so I doubt the critters will be repelled by the water. Sorry it wasn’t the answer you probably wanted to hear. Roy T, Batavia, OH

Do they like water?

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
I’m the GM of a popular rest with a patio overlooking the river. Is it true that Cicadas hate the water and if so are my guests safe from the annoyance? Please help john, newport

Got a Shirt from www.cincycicada.com

Date: Monday, Apr/19/2004
Joe I goy one of those shirts you were talking about how funny. I think the web site is. www.cincycicada.com John, Cincinnati

4/18/2004…Found 7 cicadas emerging!

Date: Sunday, Apr/18/2004
Thought these buggers weren’t due until mid to late May?! Found seven right below the soil while digging to plant a few flowers. (Thought I could beat the cicada frenzy). These babies are ready now, YUK! I can hardly wait. Actually, I wish they’d just come on and get here and get it over with! I’m tired of thinking about it! I feel like standing outside and screaming “If you want me, come get me!” People say they won’t hurt you….heart attacks hurt; don’t they?! Linda, Fairfield Ohio

decibels

Date: Sunday, Apr/18/2004
Does anyone know why if one cicada makes a sound as loud as a motorcycle, why don’t 1000 cicadas sound like the accumulated sound of 1000 motorcycles? Jon, MD

Hate those bugs!!!!

Date: Sunday, Apr/18/2004
I’m the floral designer for Cappel’s Downtown Store in Cincinnati, Ohio. Even thought we hate these bugs, we at Cappel’ enjoy making these little bugs into pins and have made special order Cicada pith hats for those who feel the need for them! You can’t do anything about them so live with them and have a party! A Cicada Party, why not, live a little!!! Linda Linda, Cincinnati, Ohio

will it effect me outside

Date: Sunday, Apr/18/2004
hi this is my first time experiencing the cicadas. i go to school in DC and we have lacrosse practice everyday outside on the field. Do you think this will effect me a lot. Did i mention that i am SO freaked out when it comes to bugs. I just can’t wait till this is over and it hasn’t even started. Amanda, Bethesda, MD

They’re Here!

Date: Saturday, Apr/17/2004
I was working in the yard today, 4/18/04 and saw two of the little buggers when I picked up a bag of mulch that had been sitting on the grass. I figure the mulch bag made the earth warm and they thought it was time to come out and date. Oh boy-here we go again! Greg Schwartz, City of Alexandria, VA

Yuck, this can’t be happening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Saturday, Apr/17/2004
Is it true that those icky sticky shelled bugs are coming back in May 2004. I seem to remember the Cicada’s coming not too long ago! No way it’s been 7 years! Is there anything you can do to prefent them from eating away at our trees? Molly joe Sue, Ohio

Cicada T-Shirts

Date: Saturday, Apr/17/2004
If you are looking for a funny twist to the cicada invasion look at this site.
www.cincycicada.com
The tshirts are great. Joe, Ohio

OK…I have faced the fact that they are coming…

Date: Friday, Apr/16/2004
…but I am SO scared. I have an unbelievable bug phobia and I truly do not know how I am going to make it through this.I am so glad that I found this site, and I really appreciate the links that someone was nice enough to provide to give more info.Question: Are they really active in the evening? I’m thinking that if I stay in all day, maybe I can get out at night to run errands. or maybe first thing in the morning… Patricia, PG County, MD

My God, a Cicada sonata

Date: Friday, Apr/16/2004
If a Cicada mates with a sheep, does it result in a baa hum bug? Bug lovin’, Baltimore, Maryland

Dirty Mexican Bugs

Date: Thursday, Apr/15/2004
These bugs are little mexicans. Basically they pack like hundreds in your head…like told earlier from a Jon from NY. These critters bends over like the best of them. I have seen about 7 at a time in this kids head while he was swinging on a outdoor mansled. I was much amazed that I actually had to join them. Good Luck and Enjoy the rendezvous! HackleBerry Joe, Africa

Those crazy bastards

Date: Thursday, Apr/15/2004
I am 20. I remember those little buggers flying around and mating like machines. I was 3 at the time, and one of those hot little momma cicadas fly into my hair, and then the strapping young lad-cada pranced on over, and they began mating like fiends. I am terrified every day, waiting with no hope of stopping the horrific hatchery that will occur on my head for their glorious return. Remember kiddies, those things mate like a wildebeast and a rhino on a thursday, don’t be the next to allow them to mate on your head!!!———————————-The life of a cicada:
1) Hatch
2) Mate
3) Eat
4) Mate
5) Shed Shell
6) Mate
7) Die (while mating) Jon, NY

AAAHHHHH!!!!

Date: Thursday, Apr/15/2004
I am completely terrified of bugs…. Any and Every type of insect especially ones that Fly!!! I am 21 years old and spent my life in Northern Pennsylvania. I don’t remember anything like this and my parents do not recall any type of insect of this sort. I really dont know how I am going to deal with these THINGS!!!!!!!!! What am I going to do? Staying inside for a month is starting to sound like a good option!!! Mandie, Maryland

It’s about time!

Date: Thursday, Apr/15/2004
I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Each summer for years I have said, “Isn’t it about time for the 17 year cicadas again?”. It is finally here and I am so excited to be able to share it with my two children. Dona, Bethesda, Maryland

Re: I AM SCARED

Date: Thursday, Apr/15/2004
Erica,
If you are really that scared of the bugs maybe you can take a few weeks vacation at the end of May & stay inside to miss the onslaught or if your work has a third shift you could temporarily change shifts to miss all the buzz so to speak. But why would anybody want to miss the invasion? Cicadas are great!
Roy T., Batavia, OH

I AM SCARED

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
I am from Niagara Falls, NY and we just dont have these bugs ! I am terribly frightened and afraid.. i know i will either get into a terrible car accident or lose my job because i cannot leave the house! i am serious. someone please help me. what can i do? will they fly into my car as i put my baby in her car seat? help! Erica, Baltimore

TO KENDRA

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
Kendra…scroll down in these messages and find the one where I put those links to Cicada research. It will give you all the info you need. I have never heard of them flying in peoples hair, and I don’t think they get in your house. When they come up out of the ground, the climb the first vertical thing they see, and after that, they usually stick to the trees. The males die right after mating and the female is only set on laying her eggs in the branches of the trees. They DO NOT bite, so you shouldn’t be scared of them.
Hope this helps.
~Nikki~ Nikki, SW Ohio

do they fly in your hair

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
I heard that cicada’s fly in your hair, and that when you are walking you are going to step on them. I am 17 and I have never seen these bugs before. I am a little scared because I don’t know what to expect and I don’t like bugs.I would also like to know if they get in your house. kendra, upper marlboro MD

AH!!! AH!! AH!!

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
AH!!! AH!!! AH!!!!!!!! rini, phila pa

Cicada Research

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
Here is a helpful website. Cicadas due to emerge May 17th, go away end of June. Go here and get all the info you need.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/03/0329_040329_cicadas.html
and here is the map of where they are expected to emerge.
http://aolsvc.aol.com/research/cicada/cicada_map.htm
Enjoy them, they won’t be around too long. And their music is kinda romantic for picnics under the stars 🙂
~Nikki~ Nikki, SW Ohio

Yet another wedding…

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
Hi. Our outdoor wedding is planned for May 16th in Wheaton, MD. Any helpful tips????? Jessica Feierman, Wheaton, Maryland

Distraction

Date: Wednesday, Apr/14/2004
What are you stitching and toxic mold people doing on a cicada site? Or… are you really periodical cicadas trying to distract people so you don’t get CICADANATED? Droopy, Brush Creek Township

Gallery of finished cross stitch & needlepointing pieces

Date: Tuesday, Apr/13/2004
I found great stitching service on http://www.xstitched.com . They have really big gallery of finished pieces.
Have a look… Slavica, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Fungi / mold pictures

Date: Tuesday, Apr/13/2004
I found great toxic mold pictures on http://www.moldremoval.com . I had something similar in my house… Jenny Jenny, La Crescenta, CA, USA

Re: Coming to an area near me??

Date: Tuesday, Apr/13/2004
Teresa,
Yes, it looks like from the map that you will see an emergece this year down in Lexington. Ask some neighbors that lived in the area back in ’87 how heavy the emergence was. That is the best way to know for sure.Thx,
Roy Roy T, Batavia, OH

RE: Wedding planned for AshLawn in Charlottesville May 8

Date: Tuesday, Apr/13/2004
Rebecca,
From the Brood X map it looks like you are on the southern fringe of the emergence & you will probably miss the emergence by a week or two if the wedding is on May 8th. Your best bet is to ask locals that lived in the area in 1987. They could tell you how heavy the emergence was at the time.Hope this helps,
Roy T. Roy T, Batavia, OH

Replies / Question

Date: Monday, Apr/12/2004
I remember 17 years ago in the Baltimore area. It wasn’t unbearable. They were certainly everywhere but unless you were in the woods, you could avoid them. I also went to Ocean City that summer. Cicadas were no where to be found on the beach. (not enough trees and too much sand) However, does anyone know when they are expected to emerge? I have an outdoor party planned for May 1st (and now that I am an adult), I own a house with a few trees in the yard and I am trying to decide if I should just plan the thing for indoors….. Stacey, Bel Air, MD (north of Baltimore)

brood X on Eastern Shore, md

Date: Monday, Apr/12/2004
does anyone out there live in
Dorchester County, on the eastern
shore of Maryland? and if so, will
Brood X be visiting you the same as
the rest of Maryland? I’ve heard it’s
less concentrated on the shore.
thanks cheryl, hoopers island, Md

Early Risers

Date: Monday, Apr/12/2004
I saw two cicadas Saturday in my backyard. Newly out of the ground. It would have to be my yard they came up in first. In the billions, here they come! Nikki, Hamilton, Ohio

Terrified California Girl

Date: Sunday, Apr/11/2004
I am leaving town as soon as they hit; as ridiculous as it sounds this seems like the only alternative for someone who has an extreme phobia of all insects. Back to California I go. Would anyone like to charter a cicada flight? Laura, Baltimore, MD

Coming to an area near me??

Date: Sunday, Apr/11/2004
Hi all! (guess it should be y’all now) I was a sophom*ore at Withrow when the last invasion occurred in the Tri-state. After leaving Cinci for our military, I had long forgotten about these flying nuisances. This site lists Kentucky as being one of the invasion areas this year. Was the Lexington area invaded as well in 1987? Bugs don’t bother me too much, but these buzzing things get annoying! I seem to recall tons of female students screaming at the sight of them, that was hilarious to watch!
Just wondered if they’ll invade our area. Thanks in advance!
Teresa, Lexington, Ky

HELP !!!

Date: Saturday, Apr/10/2004
17 YEARS AGO WHEN THESE CREATURES INVADED I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY 1ST SON. HOW I SURVIVED, NOT A CLUE . 17 YEARS & 3 SONS LATER, I AM FREAKING OUT ABOUT THESE CREATURES REVISITING ! THERESA, HUNT VALLEY, MD

Wedding planned for AshLawn in Charlottesville May 8

Date: Saturday, Apr/10/2004
Can you tell me if Charlottesville is
in one of the main areas where we will
have a lot of cicadas and are we early
enough in May to miss them? Respond to JLFleck [AT] erols.com Rebecca Fleck, Charlottesville Virginia

Deb, please get your facts straight…

Date: Saturday, Apr/10/2004
Deb, the Eastern Cicada Killer is a native species and was not introduced 17 years ago from Aisa. Its main food is the large annual cicada species that come out every year, not periodical cicadas. I couldn’t find any reference to 2700 people being killed by Cicada Killers. I believe you may be thinking of the introduced European Hornet which has nothing to do with cicadas. John Z, Maryland

Fundraising in Columbia MD despite Brood X

Date: Friday, Apr/9/2004
Brian, I understand periodical cicadas only drown out Republicans. As long as your fundraiser isn’t Republican you’re safe. Everybody: the paper I write for is having a cicada recipe contest. Got any good ones? Can you point me to any good sites?Al Al McKegg, West Friendship

You think the cicada’s are bad?

Date: Friday, Apr/9/2004
Beware, though..17 years ago, an insect called the cicada killer (a large wasplike insect)was imported from Asia to deal with the infestation. When the cicada food supply triggered the mating cycle of the cicada killer, the “fix” grossly outweighed the problem. 2700 people were painfully killed by the cicada killer’s venom. Deb Eichenberger, Harrisburg

Cicada infestation

Date: Friday, Apr/9/2004
I’ve lived through this before. It is the most horrible experience you will ever live through. If anyone offers you any method to lessen the impact…take it. You have been warned. TB, Pennsylvania

Cicada Shirt

Date: Friday, Apr/9/2004
I found the site and bought a shirt as well.. are the cities on the other shirt going to get hit bad? Erin, Indiana

Cicada’s in Ocean City

Date: Thursday, Apr/8/2004
I am planning a trip to Ocean City Memorial Day weekend. Does anyone know how bad they are out there? and if they gravitate to water? I would appreciate the feedback. Simone, Baltimore, Maryland

Yuck

Date: Thursday, Apr/8/2004
The last time these insects were here,I was waiting for a bus on Harrison Avenue in Westwood, and one of the darned things flew up at me and got stuck between my eyes and my glasses. I was standing on the street totally freaking out, trying to get the thing off me and people were looking at me like I was nuts (probably a valid assumption). I’m 17 years older and wiser now but I am NOT looking forward to another Cicada invasion. Thankfully I no longer have to wait for a bus! 🙂 Liz, St. Bernard, Ohio

Pinkie

Date: Thursday, Apr/8/2004
To answer your question, yes. Hope I’ve been helpful. Rachelle, Flatland, OH

Re: Brood X in westchester?

Date: Thursday, Apr/8/2004
Jasper,
According to the brood map you live just north of the northern fringe of the Broox X emergence in the eastern coastal states. You may want to ask neighbors who have lived in your area for more than 17 years if they remember seeing any in 1987. hope this helps,
Roy T Roy T, Batavia, OH

cicada cuisine

Date: Wednesday, Apr/7/2004
Dear Chrystal Moonshine and others:
I’m a Washington Post reporter looking for recipes and any and all tales of cicada consumption. Pls email me at cicadawatch [AT] yahoo.com and bon appetit!
Cameron Barr, Washington, DC

CICADA GEAR

Date: Wednesday, Apr/7/2004
I just bought a shirt from WWW.CINCYCICADA.COM it is so funny. Check them out. The one I got reads..” CICADA Your Low Carb Alternative”
Many laughs from that one… Bill, Ohio

Brood X in westchester?

Date: Wednesday, Apr/7/2004
I was just wondering if this year’s 2004 brood x will be emerging in or around rye or westchester? Does anybody know a good place to see them? Jasper, rye,ny

NETTING to stop Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Apr/7/2004
try the netting from this company! It really works! (Also has bird repellent products).http://birdbgone.com/ultranet.htm Anette, United States of America

Fear Not Billy!

Date: Tuesday, Apr/6/2004
Cicadas are the salt of the earth. If it helps I have a couple good recipes. Don’t fear the reaper!! Chrystal Moonshine, Haverford, North Carolina

I’m too young to die!!

Date: Tuesday, Apr/6/2004
I was hardly born when the last attack occured, but I do remember waking up with bugs everywhere. My parents were from New York and we slept with all the windows open. Needless to say I now understand the term “bed bugs.” I’m terrified to leave my house out of fear that they’ll rise early. I know it’s only April, but I’m already wearing my bee keeper suit everywhere. Forget about going swimming because those two-inchers will devour us all. I’m paralyzed with fear…I’m too young to die!!!! Billy Hughes, Bel Air, Maryland

CICADA GEAR

Date: Tuesday, Apr/6/2004
GET YOUR CICADA GEAR ONLINE [AT] www.cincycicada.com
DON’T WAIT ANOTHER 17 YEARS GET YOUR GEAR NOW!!!!! Dave, CINCINNATI, Ohio

To Rhodri Overseas

Date: Tuesday, Apr/6/2004
So you were in my class, huh? And who might you be? I can’t imagine anyone would want to make a special trip from “overseas” just to see “C-Cader” (husband’s new nickname for the wretched creatures)wreak havoc on the city. To each his own, I guess. If you happen to have a change of heart (about traveling), I’m sure my husband would be happy to ship you a few; God knows I won’t be going to the post office! I can’t promise the lil’ suckers will still be buzzing, but they will be anatomically intact. Just a thought. Lisa, Ft. Thomas, KY

Don’t worry Suzie, Loveland will have a “light” outbreak!

Date: Monday, Apr/5/2004
This message is for Suzie. I lived in Loveland for 28 years & I remember we had a light outbreak in 1987. I expect this year will be about the same. Really nothing to worry about. Anywhere WEST of Interstate 75 is where the heavier emergence will be located. I feel sorry for any bikers traveling on the roads during the last week of May till the second week of June. lol Roy T, Batavia, OH

Brood X Cicada

Date: Monday, Apr/5/2004
Does anyone know if this awful 17 year Group of Cicadas will be seen in Paymyra, Virginia. It’s a town about 50 miles west of Richmond Virgina. I’m new to the area.ThanksDenise Denise, Palmyra, Virginia

Cicada happenings

Date: Sunday, Apr/4/2004
I am an editor at a travel magazine, and am working on a piece about cicada events this summer, when the bugs are expected to storm the East Coast. Please e-mail me if you know of any festivals that will, at least, have cicada-related activities, food, etc. My address is hmorgan [AT] ngs.com. Many thanks. Heather, Washington, DC

Cicadas

Date: Sunday, Apr/4/2004
Can anyone tell me how boad it was here 17 years ago?? Willl they swarm only between May and June or do we have the swarming all summer??
I don’t know these critters, I am from germany. cornelia heckenbach, St.Michaels Maryland,Eastern Shore

HELP! New to Loveland Ohio

Date: Saturday, Apr/3/2004
I am new to Ohio and somewhat of a bug phobe…. I am freaking about this cicada invasion… how do you know if they are to be in your exact area????? I have been told that the Hot Spot is west of 71, but I am sure that they can come East of 71 too… HELP! Suzie, Loveland Ohio

netting

Date: Saturday, Apr/3/2004
anyone know where I can buy some 1/4″ nylon netting to cover up some of my trees? daryl, blanchester, oh

What’s in store…

Date: Saturday, Apr/3/2004
I live in Oxford OH and work in Hamilton OH…Not sure what to expect…I know Cincinnati is a target for mass quantity but was curious how being a little north/west would be effected….Anyone know??? Excitable, Butler County OH

Will Cicadas Be A Large Problem for Fundraising Run on June 13th in Maryland?

Date: Saturday, Apr/3/2004
We have been organizing a 5K run/walk fundraiser for June 13, 2004 in Maryland. I never considered the Cicadas. Ofcourse we are having in a dense park around a lake. I am hoping from I read that by June 13th it should be winding down. Is this correct? To boot, we are planning a huge picnic in this park to follow the event. Brian, Columbia, Maryland, USA

BEEKEEPER OUTFITS

Date: Friday, Apr/2/2004
I WOULD LIKE TO GET A BEEKEEPER OUTFIT, ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN PURCHASE ONE. ANGIE, CINCINNATI, OHIO

BEEKEEPER OUTFITS

Date: Friday, Apr/2/2004
I WOULD LIKE TO GET A BEEKEEPER OUTFIT, ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN PURCHASE ONE. ANGIE, CINCINNATI, OHIO

Cicada coming out to play

Date: Thursday, Apr/1/2004
This cicadamania site rules! also check me out at www.cicada2004.com soon!! Joe the Cicada, midwest

favorite

Date: Thursday, Apr/1/2004
About a dozen years ago I was visiting a friend in San Antonio, who is in the moving business. It was break time so the labor crew of Vietnamese came around under the shade of some Arizona Ash trees. Cicadas were thick in the trees. The noise was so loud it was hard to talk. The Vietnamese slipped off their sandals scampered up the trees and caught dozens of cicadas. Then they ate them. I guess they are the cream filled crunchy kind. Don Ainsworth, Houston, TX

Toads that sound like Cicadas

Date: Thursday, Apr/1/2004
At least two speices of toads sound similar to the “Decim” species of periodical cicada. The American Toad that sings in early spring (now in mid latitudes) sounds like Decim when there are large concentrations in the distance. The Fowler’s Toad that sings in late spring sounds like individual Decim up closer. Main difference is the toads don’t have a drop in pitch at the end of a call the way the cicadas do.
Eric, Missouri

Relatives

Date: Thursday, Apr/1/2004
I have been living in PG County for 35 years. Get ready people. If you don’t like bugs this is not the place for you. These beatles are known to be enduring. While they don’t live long they definitely leave an everlasting impression. Once you here their mating call you will never forget it. Swarmmming is not uncommon during their presence. Many people have been known to shout “Help” John Secada, PG County

upcoming invasion in cinti

Date: Thursday, Apr/1/2004
Seventeen years ago I resided in the Queen City and I remember them being pretty thick while attending the Taste which runs Memorial Day weekend. Anyone remember “Snappy Cicada Pizza”?
A buddy of mine who lives there said the latest projected peak is around May 17-20.
joebob59, S.E. PA

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