Search Results What animals eat cicadas? (2024)

Filed under: Magicicada — Tags: M. cassini, M. cassinii — Dan @ 9:03 pm

Update (4/10/2022) David C. Marshall published a paper arguing for the use of the name Magicicada cassini (one i): Marshall, David C. On the spelling of the name of Cassin’s 17-Year Cicada, Magicicada cassini (Fisher, 1852) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). 2022. Zootaxa 5125 (2): 241–245. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5125.2.8

My friend asked “when did Magicicada cassini become Magicicada cassinii“? Over the years, the spelling Magicicada cassini with the single “i” at the end became the most commonly used form of the name, but the original spelling ended with “ii”.

(Ignore this meme):

The original name of the cicada was Cicada Cassinii, named by Dr. J.C. Fischer. The genus changed to Magicicada (no dispute there), but cassinii stuck around, although it was shortened to cassini over the years (originally in Walker 1969: 894¹) in many publications. There is no reason why we shouldn’t call the cicada Magicicada cassinii, as far as I know.

In the 1850s, Dr.J.C. Fisher, M.D. proposed the name Cicada cassinii for this cicada, named for ornithologist John Cassin, who described the cicada in detail. See Vol V, 1850 & 1851 of the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, pages 272-275. Here’s a link to the document. Quotes below:

The Committee to which was referred Dr. J. C. Fisher’s description of a new species of Cicada, with Mr. Cassin’s Notes on the same and on C. septendecim, reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings.

On a new species of Cicada.
By J. C. Fisher, M. D.

In the course of the observations made by the Committee of this Academy, to which was assigned the duty of investigating the habits and history of the seventeen year Locust, Cicada septendecim, which appeared during the present year (1851) in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, the attention of its members was directed by Mr. John Cassin to the fact that two species had been confounded, and that the insect regarded as the smaller variety was in fact a distinct species, a conclusion at which he had arrived during their previous appearance in 1834. It is much smaller, is blacker in color, especially on the lower surface of the abdomen, where also the segments are bordered more narrowly with yellow, and has a note entirely different from that of the larger Cicada septendecim, Linn. Syst. Nat. i., pt. ii., p. 708, (1767).

The two species did not associate together, but were found mostly on separate trees, the smaller being the less abundant.

I propose on these grounds to characterize the smaller species as follows: —

Cicada Cassinii, nobis. (♂ total length of body, 9-10ths of an inch; of the wings, 1 2/10ths inches; ♀ frequently smaller.
Colors and general appearance much like those of Cicada septendecim, Linn., but darker, and the segments of the abdomen below are more narrowly bordered with yellow. Note different to that of C. septendecim, and more like that of some of the grasshoppers. Inhabits the neighborhood of Philadelphia, appearing in the winged or perfect state at intervals of seventeen years.

Note on the above species of Cicada, and on the Cicada septendecim, Linn-

By John Cassin.

There are two distinct and easily recognized species of Cicada which appear at intervals of seventeen years, and both of which were observed in this neighborhood, especially in the woods at Powelton, during the present year. I saw them in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and their entire specific distinctness I have insisted on through good and evil report for the last seventeen years.

It was therefore highly gratifying to me to have an opportunity of calling the attention of the gentlemen of this Academy to the smaller species which Professor Fisher has done me the honor of naming as above, and particularly to its note. This is quite different from the prolonged and loud scream of the larger species, (which is C. septendecim, Linn.) and begins with an introductory clip, clip, quite peculiar. No disposition to associate with each other exists between the two species, and although I have seen both on the same tree, yet most frequently they were entirely separated, and occupied different parts of the woods. In 1834, I observed the smaller species in localities which were somewhat favorably situated for moisture, but during the present year it occurred in localities as varied as those of the other and larger species. At Powelton it was very abundant in an orchard of apple trees on the most elevated part of the estate, and also on trees in the adjacent woods.

That the smaller species preferred low grounds was the observation of Dr. Hildreth, of Marietta, Ohio, who, in an article on the Cicada septendecim, in Silliman’s Journal, xviii. p. 47, (1830) has the following paragraph: — ” There appeared to be two varieties of the Cicada, one smaller than the other; there was also a striking difference in their notes. The smaller variety was more common in the bottom lands and the larger in the hills.”

The size and the peculiar note are the most striking characters of the smaller species, otherwise it much resembles the larger. The consideration of its claims to specific distinction involves the general problem of specific character, which is difficult in theory, but practically is readily solved. An animal which constantly perpetuates its kind, or in other words reproduces itself
either exactly or within a demonstrable range of variation, is a species. These two Cicadas do not associate together as varieties commonly do. Of the very numerous instances in which the phenomenon introductory to propagation has been observed this year, in the course of the particular attention paid to these insects by gentlemen of this Academy, not one case occurred in which the male and female of the two insects were seen together. They are distinct species.

The appearance of the Cicada septendecim in various localities at different
periods, each terminating intervals of seventeen years, for instance in Ohio in 1846 and in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1851, is a matter of remarkable interest.

Many independent ranges or provinces are known to exist in the United States,
and they are now ascertained to be so numerous that this species probably appears in some part of the country every year. Assuming all that part of North America in which it has ever been observed to be its zoological province, how are the sub-provinces and different times of appearance to be accounted for? Are all those sub-provinces to be regarded as the theatres of independent creations? Do the facts demonstrate that the same species may exist in provinces which may be presumed to have had different eras of origin?

It would be a curious fact, and one of important application, that exactly the same species can inhabit provinces having independent creations, and if, too, as in the case of this insect, it should be clearly impossible for it to have extended from one province to another.

Or, can it be possible that every distinct district in which the Cicada appear is really an entomological province, and that entomological provinces in this part of North America are quite restricted in extent, as has been observed by Dr. Le Conte in California? (Communicated by that gentleman to the American Association for the advancement of Science at its meeting in August, 1851.)

Those sub-provinces may have relations to geologic changes. Having the extraordinary characteristic necessity of remaining in the earth for seventeen years, as a fact in the history of this insect, may it be possible to infer that geologic changes have effected the difference in the times of its appearance, or that so short periods as fractions of seventeen years have been of geologic importance throughout the range of the Cicadas?

The Cicada septendecim has appeared in the vicinity of Philadelphia, at intervals of seventeen years, certainly since 1715. There has been, it appears, no variation of temperature, nor causes accidental nor other since that date sufficient to affect its habits in any perceptible degree. It is stated in Clay’s Swedish Annals, to have appeared in May, 1715, in this neighborhood, (which, so far as I know, is the earliest authentic record 😉 punctually in the same month, every seventeeth year, now certainly for nearly one hundred and fifty years, has this extraordinary insect been known to make its visit. No causes have affected it during that period, not even so far as relates to the month in which it appears.

Passing, I would observe that so far as relates to the neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Cicada septendecim clearly had not a fair start with the year 1, — anno mundi of the commonly received chronology. If it had had, the sum produced by 1851X4004 — 1 ought to divide by 17 without a remainder, which it will not do, — more insignificant facts than which have troubled schoolmen.

I have never seen any animals more entirely stupid than the seventeen year Locusts. They make no effort to escape, but allow themselves to be captured with perfect passiveness, thus reminding one of the lameness of animals in countries where they are not molested by enemies. All animals of as high grade of organization as these insects, acquire instincts from impressions made by the presence of danger and otherwise, which they transmit to their offspring. The young Fox of today is undoubtedly superior to his juvenile progenitor of a century since. The cicadas have acquired no such instinct. Their short life of maturity above the surface of the earth does not appear to be of sufficient duration for such to be formed and impressed on their posterity.

In short, it appears to me that the study of these insects, and the examination of their separate ranges, might result in conclusions of extraordinary importance, especially relative to modern views of the distribution of animals.

No animal is more easily traced. In other aspects, too, they present interesting points for study, perhaps of general interest in zoological science.

A couple of interesting things about their texts:

1. “during their previous appearance in 1834” — 1834 would be Brood X, but it is now extinct in Philadelphia, which they reference
2. ” especially on the lower surface of the abdomen, where also the segments are bordered more narrowly with yellow” that description sounds more like Magicicada septendecula Alexander and Moore, 1962 than Magicicada cassinii (Fisher, 1852) aka Cassini 17-Year Cicada because of the “more narrowly with yellow” instead of no yellow at all.

¹ Allen F. Sanborn. Catalogue of the Cicadoidea (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). 2014. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416647-9.00001-2

Comments (1)

This is a list of all the cicada “frequently asked questions” on our site.

Cicada Biology

1. Can Cicadas See?
2. Do cicadas pee?
3. Do cicadas stink?
4. How many types of cicadas are there?
5. How to tell if a Cicada is a Male or Female?
6. Is there such thing as an albino cicada?
7. Why do some cicadas have shriveled up or damaged wings?
8. What is the largest cicada?

Cicada Sounds, Singing, “Noise”

1. Do cicadas sing at night?
2. How do cicadas make sounds / noise?
3. What cicada is the loudest?
4. When do cicadas sing?

Cicada Behavior

1. Do cicadas bite or sting?
2. What do cicadas do?
3. Are cicadas attracted to the sound of lawnmowers and other machinery?
4. How long do cicadas live?
5. What do Cicadas Eat?
6. What is the purpose of cicadas?
7. Where do cicadas live?

Cicada Predators aka What Eats Cicadas

1. 10 Facts about Cicada Killer Wasps
2. Can pets or other animals sense cicadas below ground?
3. What Eats Cicadas?

Studying or Observing Cicadas

1. How do I photograph cicadas at night?
2. Is it possible to raise cicadas?
3. Keeping cicadas for a short period of time
4. Where can I buy cicadas online?

Human / Cicada Interaction

1. Are cicadas safe to eat?
2. How do you pronounce Cicada?
3. How to say in different languages?
4. What do cicadas symbolize?
5. What is the root of the word cicada?
6. What Might Cause Cicadas to go Extinct?

17 & 13 Year / Magicicada / Periodical / “Locusts”:

1. What are the black spots on the back of a Magicicada cicada?
3. Did Someone Offer a Reward for White or Blue-eyed Cicadas?
4. How Long Does a Periodical Cicada Emergence Last?
5. What are Broods?
6. What are Stragglers?
7. What is Predator Satiation?
8. Are cicadas locusts?
9. Which fungus attacks Magicicadas?
10. Why do Magicicada stay underground for 13 or 17 years?

About Cicada Mania

1. About Cicada Mania
2. Email: cicadamania@gmail.com

Comments (72)

Filed under: Brood II | Magicicada | News | Periodical — Dan @ 5:18 am

Stop the killing of cicadas! Help us fight back!

John Cooley of Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org) let me know that The Home Depot has large Ortho stands that advocate the destruction of periodical cicadas. Here is his tweet on the topic.

This is the Ortho Display at Home Depot.Please do your best to contact Home Depot and Ortho, and encourage them… fb.me/V0m4UCZa

— Team Cicada (@Magicicada1317) June 3, 2013

I went to Lowes to check there as well and they had Sevin brand pesticides with hangtags that specifically mention cicadas. When I saw that in person it took all my willpower not to flip out and make a scene.

How can we stop these companies from advocating the destruction of cicadas? We can call, Tweet, and leave posts on their Facebook pages.

• @HomeDepot on Twitter.
• Home Depot on Twitter
• @Lowes on Twitter.
• Lowes on Facebook

Call your local store and demand they remove signage that advocates the destruction of cicadas. Go to their websites, find their contact us pages, and call and email them.

If you see such displays in other stores, let them know how you feel as well. I will personally boycott these stores and sell any stock I have related to them.

Reasons why destroying cicadas is ridiculous:

Cicadas @ UCONN (formerly Magicicada.org) has a periodical cicada FAQ that features compelling reasons not to destroy these animals.

Here are my reasons:

1. How often does an event occur that is as strange, sublime, and fascinating as a periodical cicada emergence? Very rarely. Maybe when a comet arrives. Four or five times in a lifetime, at most.
2. You don’t want to rob future generations of the experience of a periodical cicada emergence, do you? You want your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be able to experience these amazing creatures.
3. Urbanization and other stresses are already shrinking Magicicada broods. Why accelerate their demise? Do you want the periodical cicadas to have the same fate as the dodo or passenger pigeon?
4. It’s unpatriotic to kill periodical cicadas. Why? They’re only located in the U.S.A. They should be the official insect of the United States of America.
5. Pesticides can cause collateral damage to other insect species like honey bees. Like to eat fruit? How about honey? Well, good luck if you help contribute to the acceleration of the death of honey bees. Read more about this topic. I think it would be ironic if a farmer sprayed to kill cicadas, but killed the pollinating insects as well.
6. Can cicadas damage or kill small and fruiting trees? I’ve never seen it happen, but it is possible. Did you know that you can net these trees instead of drenching your neighborhood with pesticides? You can. The Magicicada FAQ has a picture of the netting.
7. Pets and people love to eat cicadas. Do you want to poison your pets and kids when they eat a cicada treated with pesticide? I hope not.
8. Probably the worst part about a periodical cicada emergence is cleaning up their rotting corpses. If The Home Depot and Lowes were smart, they would be selling Shop Vacs instead of chemicals.
9. Using pesticides won’t help reduce the amount of time you have to spend cleaning them up. The corpses will pile up either way.
10. Cicadas don’t eat fruit and vegetables. Unlike other insects, cicadas lack the mouthparts to chew vegetable matter. Unlike a caterpillar or grasshopper, they won’t eat your tomatoes or other garden vegetables.

I can go on and on…

Please help. Use social media to voice your disgust. Call your local store to ask them to take down anti-cicada signage.

Comments (17)

Filed under: — Dan @ 1:01 am

These questions come from the old General Cicada Questions message board. The questions and answers are in reverse order. URLs found in comments are old and likely do not work.

Hi Jay- the bottle exuviae are similar to the “floury Baker” (Aleeta curvicosta) and I shall try to post a picture. Max Mould’s book “Australian cicadas” has a picture. My daughter was at Hawk’s Nest last week and caught a few smaller species. One was black and about 12mm long (with wings)and has a different song to similar species around sydney here.
To Vhem,
Around 18C is about the temp for green grocers (GGs) to sing at night. I have noticed recently that our local bottle cicadas will sing on evenings that are around 16C. If the temp is hot, GGs will sing around every 4 hours during the night. Those bugs ain’t so small- I guess it depends what species are out in numbers around your place!
David

Comment by David Emery — December 17, 2009 [AT] 10:17 pm

Hi there
We live on the Central Coast of NSW and the cicada’s are out and going for it. Have noticed that alot of people mention how loud they are but maybe we are just use to it. My daughter spends her time searching for the spent cicada shells and now has quite a collection. While looking at these shells and listening to their song, my children and myself were discussing the why’s and how’s of cicada and my eldest mentioned that the cicada will only start to sing once the temperature has reached a certain degree, I agreed with him that I had once heard this too. We’ve tried some internet searching and have come up with no ansewer to our question.

So we now ask you budding cicada enthusiasts is this fact or myth. If it is fact what is the temperature that makes these cute little bugs sing for us all day.

ps: your site is great — we learnt alot about cicadas from your site.

cheers — vhem
(veronica, hayden, ethan, madison)

Comment by veronica — December 17, 2009 [AT] 5:34 pm

thanx David — I should have known there’ld be more than one “midget”. They are black, about one third your little finger in length. U probably know them well but if I can grab a pic, I will. Why is it I’ve not seen a Bottle casting? Would I know the diffrence if I saw one? Jay

Comment by Jay — December 16, 2009 [AT] 8:35 pm

Hi Jay,
Sydney bottles are isolated populations and there are certainly more on the central coast down to Avoca beach. What do you mean by “midget” as there are around 10 species from central coast? Would be useful to post a photo. The Blue mountains are heaving with the medium and smaller species as well at the moment, probably reflecting recent fires and recurrent showers.
David.

Comment by David E — December 9, 2009 [AT] 4:01 pm

g’day Cicada maniacs — how is it I didn’t even know about Bottle Cicadas, let alone see them, in all my years in Sydney. discovered them on the Central Coast, just 50ks north. And why are there some with both sets of wings and others with inner set only? The ones in my area have both.
It’s cicada Heaven here at the moment for green, black, midget and bottle. thanx, Jay

Comment by Jay — December 8, 2009 [AT] 2:12 am

Elias,
I can get you some exuviae here if you like. Contact Dan for my email.
David.

Comment by David E — November 27, 2009 [AT] 8:33 pm

Chris,
Definitely a Pauropsalta mneme- called the “alarm clock ticker” because of the shrill buzz. It has a huge range in NSW. They are emerging around Canberra now, along with about 6-8 other species.
David.

Comment by David E — November 27, 2009 [AT] 8:32 pm

Chris,

That looks like a Pauropsalta mneme.

Comment by Dan — November 24, 2009 [AT] 7:37 pm

Hi,

I managed to photograph a cicada at a site in the central tablelands on NSW Australia.last week, rather small about 35mm long. An image can be found at this link:

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~chrisx2/images/BP_Cicada.jpg

Hoping I can get an ID, seems to be hard to find references to cicadas on the net.

regards,

Chris Ross

Comment by Chris Ross — November 24, 2009 [AT] 6:24 pm

I am also very interested in exuvia (nymph shells). I was lucky to collect about 26 exuvia of Tibicen auletes, North America’s largest cicada. I have a specimen of Pomponia imperatoria as an adult. Really would like to get a nymphal exuvia. I checked the links Dan provided and couldn’t find any. Does anyone know where to find one?

Comment by Elias — November 21, 2009 [AT] 3:11 pm

In Center City Philadelphia, cicada singing is common in August. What species might this be?

Comment by Kenneth Frank — November 15, 2009 [AT] 7:06 pm

Can Cicadas loose a leg and survive?

I accidently hurt a cicada that I found when shaking the washing.
It is resting in a tree in shock as it had lost one leg from the knee, though has all other legs.

Hasn’t moved much all day, though walked up branch about 20 centremetres.

I havent ever seen one here and was not expecting to find one on washing. Will have to check dry clothes from now on.

xx ab

Comment by Alicia Bee — November 15, 2009 [AT] 4:13 am

Hi Dave J,
Will see what I can do- there are quite a few GGs out now and we caught 2 Thopha (DDs) emerging yesterday around Kempsey on the north coast- first of the season so far.You had best contact Dan for my email and then I can get your postal address.
cheers,
David.

Comment by David E — November 9, 2009 [AT] 3:02 am

Hello David Emery in Sydney I assume. Could you send me some green grocer & or Double drummer shells. I need about 20 or so….will be glad to pay shipping. Was in Sydney once, Farmer’s Cove, burned the crap out of my thigh collecting some sort of palm seeds (red furry little rascals) that I had put in my pocket!
Cheers, Dave

Comment by Dave J — November 5, 2009 [AT] 2:27 pm

To Dave J- depends where in the world you are. Most of the shells in the tropics will be degraded by now. In Sydney, we have some green grocer shells (2 weeks old) that are around 5cm long. If you wait a month you can secure some Double drummer shells that are larger!!

Comment by David Emery — November 2, 2009 [AT] 9:50 pm

Cicadas of the genus Pomponia are the largest.

Comment by Dan — November 2, 2009 [AT] 8:31 pm

I need the largest cicada shells available for an art project. Where can I get them?

Comment by Dave J — November 2, 2009 [AT] 10:21 am

Hi Elias,
Most emerge in the early evening to make the most of the bird-free zone. Some unfortunates (including me) run into some rather carnivorous tree crickets, huntsman (tarantula) spiders and nocturnal ants at night, but most emergences are uncomplicated. some cicadas get their times awry and maybe left coming out at sunrise.
We have several species that also emerge before dawn (Frogattoides pallida and F.typica in the desert) and if emergences are large, some like Thopha saccata (double drummer), Psaltoda plaga and Ps moerens (black prince and red-eye, respectively) and even small Urabunana verna, will emerge during the day- like your Magis! They’re all in Max’s book.
We have just had a week of wet weather with 75mm rain, so now things are heating up. I have noted 12 species out so far around Sydney.

Comment by David E — October 30, 2009 [AT] 5:04 pm

Hello David,
Do you notice any different times for nymphs to come above ground? Do some species prefer times other than 8-10PM?
Thanks for your replies.
Elias

Comment by Elias — October 25, 2009 [AT] 6:38 pm

I know that problem! One solution I found is I have small containers with completely flat surfaces and nothing to climb on. I place one newly captured, non eclosing nymph into each container. As long as the nymph remains in the prone position, they usually do not eclose (I have seen some exceptions, especially with T. cannicularis for some reason). Got this tip from Gerry Bunker and it works most of the time. Maybe the Green Grocers act differently? I love Australian Cicadas. I have been through Max Mould’s book many times. Please keep us posted!!

Comment by Elias — October 24, 2009 [AT] 7:05 am

Yeah Elias,
If you take them off the trees when emerging and don’t hook them (shells or exuviae) into a curtain or the inside of the “boot” (“trunk” to you in the USA) of the car, you will get loads of deformities as the larger ones can’t emerge correctly on their sides or backs. Nylon shirts are great to sink the claws into, but in the field, the boot of the car is great for transportation!!
Cheers,
David.

Comment by David E — October 21, 2009 [AT] 3:13 am

Awesome pictures, David. You found many Green Grocer nymphs that eclosed. Seems like many specimens were deformed by hemolymph. The cicadas of Australia are nice and big for the most part. We live vicariously through you. I wonder if its possible to post some videos of them calling. Hopefully this will be a fruitful summer for you. Here in NY, it’s is cold and rainy and the cicadas have been dead for over a month. Can’t complain however, I did manage to capture my first Tibicen auletes.

Comment by Elias — October 18, 2009 [AT] 6:28 am

Here’s some Green Grocers. Kevin’s photos.

Comment by Dan — October 13, 2009 [AT] 6:59 pm

Hi Dan,
As you northerners rue the passing of summer and dream about next season, I will just let you know that the Green Grocer cicadas (Cyclochila australasiae) have commenced emerging in the mountains west of Sydney. The Sydney city emergence should start in a couple of weeks.
David.

Comment by David Emery — October 13, 2009 [AT] 6:34 pm

Quesada gigas song:

Cicada metamorfosis:

Text PDF about brazilian cicadas, with photos:
http://www.acervodigital.ufrrj.br/insetos/insetos_do_brasil/conteudo/tomo_03/02_cicadoida.pdf

Comment by wenilton luis daltro — October 9, 2009 [AT] 6:52 am

Do cicadas normally live in WESTERN Oregon? We heard one there this summer, and while I grew up in W. Oregon, I don’t believe they normally occur there, and had never heard of it before. I’ve been trying to figure it out from the internet stuff, but all I could find was that they DO occur in EASTERN Oregon, which is a much dryer climate (sage brush & juniper as opposed to ferns, moss, and big trees in the W.) I was just curious, because we’ve also seen praying mantis in western OR and WA in the last few years, and they were never native here, either. Please e-mail me at ciscoshirlbw [AT] yahoo.com

Thanks

Comment by Shirley — October 3, 2009 [AT] 3:00 pm

Wow, it is not even Spring yet for Australia and cicadas are out already! Hope this is a great season for you David. Bladder cicadas have a very interesting morphology.

Comment by Elias — September 18, 2009 [AT] 4:08 am

Bladder cicadas (Cystostoma saundersi) are out in Sydney Australia. The Aussie cicada season is open for business!

Comment by David Emery — September 16, 2009 [AT] 4:18 pm

It’s September 15 in Frederick Maryland and the cicadas have stopped singing 🙁 Last night they were talking up storm. They had so much to say. Today it is so quiet. It’s sad. Every year, one day in the middle of September, they just stop. Fall is coming. I do love Fall, but I will miss the cicadas’ song until next July.

Comment by Alison — September 15, 2009 [AT] 7:52 am

I would assume they were house fly or blue/green bottle fly larva. Cicada killers seal the cicadas in a cell and lay an egg on them. It is not possible to come upon a cicada kiler larva by chance alone above ground.

Comment by Elias — September 9, 2009 [AT] 3:29 am

We found a dead cicada on our porch. My daughter was checking it out when a maggot started coming out of it. We put the cicada in a plastic cup and 3 more maggots eventually came out of the cicada. I read some about the cicada killer wasps but this doesn’t seem like a cicada killer. Does anyone know what the maggots could be?

Comment by Valerie — September 8, 2009 [AT] 7:59 pm

Hi Jennifer: Elias is correct that the “blood” is cicada blood or haemolymph. We have moved hundreds of emerging cicadas from local tress onto our house curtains so my kids could watch and photograph emergence. During eclosion or emergence, cicadas pump this around to initially “force’ open the shell, probably with the help of a few proteases (that means the shells are “medicinal” and anti-febrile for traditional medicine!!) and pump the head and thorax through the split followed by legs. Then they hang to harden the legs before extracting the rest of the body (abdomen) and ahnging from the shell (exuviae)- fantastic to watch!! They then pump haemolymph into the patent wing veins to expand the wings- these veins collapse when the wings harden and dry in the breeze and sun. If there is a lesion or malfunction causing “bleeding”, there is usually a casuality in the emergence or in wing expansion, making them as easy target for predators.

Comment by David Emery — September 1, 2009 [AT] 7:21 pm

Rachelle, I, too, live in NY. We have cicadas here and no need to report them! If you wish to send me the specimen I can identify it for you. i live in Queens County.

Jennifer, I have seen this phenomenon too. When there is less undergrowth, cicadas compete for sites to eclose. They can injury each other with their sharp forelegs or be injured by ants and spiders looking to feed on them. Also during the eclose process injuries can occur. The bluish jelly like material is “hemolymph”i.e. cicada blood ,and turns black when exposed to the air. When they “bleed” alot, they usually fail to eclose. I hope this helps.

Comment by Elias — September 1, 2009 [AT] 2:59 pm

thanks Dan — presumably therefore, it only takes one to start and within a second, they’re all at it. How it is that they all end at the same time remains a mystery. I’ll be listening more intently this summer.

Comment by Jay — September 1, 2009 [AT] 3:41 am

I’ve been “helping” our regular, 2 year cicadas for years when they come out of the ground and I’ve seen all kinds of conditions and problems. One problem really “bugs” me (pun intended). I come across a few each year that seem to have some sort of bleeding disorder. They rarely make it off the ground. The “blood” pools behind the shell and I can see the black through the shell and even seeping out through the shell. They have no sign of injury. They just keep bleeding from all over. Every now and then I will find one that has “eclosed” (borrowing a term from butterflies), but the adult ends up bleeding all over the tree and doesn’t survive. Has anyone else seen this and has anyone come across any research that describes something like this, assuming there is research about the physical workings of cicadas?

Comment by Jennifer — August 30, 2009 [AT] 8:19 pm

Help!
It’s 8.31.09, I’m in Brooklyn, NY and found one just like the blue/green one Dan has posted. I dont know how this poor thing came in, the screens are closed, he’s so big he scared the cats flittering and skittering himself all around and landed in a water filled soup pot that was soaking in sink. He’s deceased, but should I let anyone ‘official’ know? I never saw anything like this…in NY

Comment by Rachelle — August 30, 2009 [AT] 7:31 pm

Hello Jeff. The species of cicada is called Tibicen pruinosa. Here is a link to show what it looks like: http://www.musicofnature.com/songsofinsects/iframes/cicadas/popup_tibiprui.html
You are in a flat area that gets lots of sun and cicada killers will frequently make large mounds of dirt. See if you see the large female wasp entering and leaving the burrow. Sometimes she will bring paralyzed cicadas right in. This is the most comprehensive site on cicada killers I know of: http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/cicadakillerhome.html
Other wasps also make burrows, but cicada killers make the largest.
Nice video — tell us what you find!

Comment by Elias — August 30, 2009 [AT] 5:47 am

are these cicada mounds I dont know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbHL-POMTc0

Comment by jeff edwards — August 29, 2009 [AT] 8:24 pm

Jay,

All the males (the ones that sing) are competing for mates, so if one starts to sing the others don’t want to be left out, so they all start to sing.

Comment by Dan — August 28, 2009 [AT] 5:21 am

g’day fellow cicada people. I know sfa about cicadas — I just love em. Here’s a stupid question — how is it that dozens or hundreds begin and end their ‘singing’ at the same time?
let me know if the answer is already here somewhere. thanx, Jay

Comment by Jay — August 28, 2009 [AT] 4:50 am

Wow — this is still technically winter for Australia. That is awesome. Here in NY we have to wait at least 3 months after the end of winter. Hope this is a good season for “down under”.

Comment by Elias — August 21, 2009 [AT] 3:25 pm

Hi All,
After quite a warm winter, I am pleased to report the first song of a Cicadetta celis (“silver princess”) in the melaleucas around Sydney- roll on the southern hemisphere cicada season.
David.

Comment by David Emery — August 20, 2009 [AT] 9:51 pm

Does anyone in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut have any experience with hearing or finding Tibicen auletes? Here is a picture and call of this species for reference: http://www.musicofnature.com/songsofinsects/iframes/cicadas/popup_tibiaule.html

Comment by Elias — August 19, 2009 [AT] 5:27 pm

The observation of the loudness of cicadas with regard to temeprature has been studied. “Body Temeprature and the Acoustic Behavior of the Cicada Tibicen Winemanna” by Allen Sanboern published in the Journal of Insect Behavior

Comment by Elias — July 21, 2009 [AT] 10:14 am

Why do cicadas sound louder when its hot?

Comment by raevans — July 15, 2009 [AT] 11:45 am

to CeeCee,
Cicada songsa mean “summer” down under!

Comment by David E — July 11, 2009 [AT] 4:16 am

old wives tale says noise of cicadas signify something. Fogs, rain etc. what is it?

Comment by CeeCee — July 8, 2009 [AT] 9:27 am

Hello Dan,

Heard back from Max Moulds who was kind enough to reply to my email. The good news is a second edition of Australain Cicadas will be produced which will have a considerably expanded introductory chapter and an additional 100 species.

The bad news is we will have to wait at least 5 years!!

So here is our answer. Like anything with cicadas, we need patience. At least it’s not 17 years!!

Comment by Elias — July 5, 2009 [AT] 5:54 am

Hi Dan,
Max Moulds now lives in Kurandah near Cairns- he will be publishing a monograph on revised taxonomy of Australian Cicadettini soon, but don’t expect another edition of the book in the near future.

to Saeed; join the Yahoo Entomology-Cicadidae chat group and ask Fariba- she is a cicadaphile from Iran and works at the museum on plant pathogens

Comment by David E — July 5, 2009 [AT] 4:54 am

I am a Ph.D Student of Agricultural Entomology in University of Tehran, IRAN. I have caught some cicadas and cooked them by use of water-salt solution. Its taste is good, but i like to learn more recipes. Is there any person to help me?

Comment by Saeed Heidari — July 4, 2009 [AT] 8:53 am

Hello Dan,

The given email stated Dr. Moulds is no longer at that address. It then gives you another address to write too. I have asked our question and will patiently await a reply. I will keep you posted.

Take care,
Elias

Comment by Elias — July 2, 2009 [AT] 7:04 pm

Elias,

Let me know what you find out about the book.

Dan

Comment by Dan — June 30, 2009 [AT] 9:07 pm

Hello Dan,

Thank you very much! i have sent an email to Dr Moulds and I will keep you apprised as to its outcome.

Just got back from Las Vegas where I caught two Diceroprocta specimens just a block from the Las Vegas strip! They are currently alive in my little butterfly pavillion. I will see if they can call today.

Have a good day,
Elias

Comment by Elias — June 30, 2009 [AT] 8:01 am

Elias, have your tried contacting Max?

http://australianmuseum.net.au/staff/max-moulds/

Comment by Dan — June 24, 2009 [AT] 9:08 pm

Does anyone know if Max Moulds will write an updated edition? I have that book and it is excellent.

Comment by Elias — June 23, 2009 [AT] 3:09 pm

Hi Denis (April 6)- I think that Germany may be too far north for many cicadas. Try south of the Alps.

To Sonja (April 29)- Yeah, I live on the south coast in Oz and remember the seasons: especially the sand fairies (Cicadetta arenaria)landing on your towel at the beach. One year around 1968 there was a massive emergence of “double drummers’ (Thopha saccata) in the bush and a fierce northerly wind blew all day and blew them out to sea where thousands drowned. The following southerly change blew them back to shore and left a high tide line of cicadas about 20 per metre along the entire length of 7 mile beach!! That memory really sticks! Actually, I didn’t appreciate how many species of cicadas were in Australia until Max Moulds book came out in 1990- seems there’s 500+ species!

Comment by David E — June 15, 2009 [AT] 4:54 am

Reporting from Alto, New Mexico where my juniper and pinon are full of cicadas!! Carcasses all over my backyard. I’ve lived here three years- this is a first out here for me. I remember them growing up in Michigan.

Comment by M. Deward — May 31, 2009 [AT] 12:10 pm

Does anyone remember what it was like in the Sixties in Australia (East Coast), collecting and swapping cicadas, especially the “Black Prince”? Thank you. (c:

Comment by Sonja — April 29, 2009 [AT] 7:14 pm

Brood x 2004 is still affecting my trees. the “bug experts”
who come out of the woodwork for each cicada emergence will have to prove to me that splitting virtually every leaf bearing branch on a tree 5-20 inches will result in minimal damage to a mature tree

Comment by brian — April 22, 2009 [AT] 11:28 am

Mayme, try ebay or Craigs List. I see wings show up on ebay all the time.

Comment by Dan — April 20, 2009 [AT] 4:08 pm

Hi, I am looking for a source for cicada wings (only after they have lost their life) I am an artist and I need large quantities for a project I am working on and most specimens are too expensive. I have no problem with removing the wings myself.

Comment by Mayme Kratz — April 20, 2009 [AT] 12:14 pm

April 18, 2009
Hello, I live in Lansing Michigan. Those noisy critters are here in the park next to my house! Dang things woke me up from a peaceful sleep at 10:30 this evening. I wasn’t expecting them this year, what the heck is going on????????????

Comment by Lisa Morse — April 18, 2009 [AT] 8:04 pm

Kate — fantastic tattoo — as Flickr allows me too, I’m going to blog about it on the homepage as well.

Comment by Dan — April 11, 2009 [AT] 7:48 am

Hi All, I found this website looking for pictures of cicadas to get a tattoo. My grandfather and I used to search for them in the backyard at his old house and get so excited to find the “shells” on the old red maple tree. I got a fantastic tattoo of one but have no idea how to load it to share with you all. Can someone help me? Thanks!

Comment by Kate — April 11, 2009 [AT] 5:53 am

Thanks! then looks like i’ve to find them here in germany. Does anyone knows where i might be able to find cicada in germany and when are they out?

Comment by Denis — April 6, 2009 [AT] 11:31 pm

Hi Denis,
Live cicadas are out around the Equatorial countires at present (SE Asia and Central America). Live cicadas won’t survive postage!!

Comment by David E — April 6, 2009 [AT] 8:07 pm

Heloo!

I was wondering if anyone in any part of the world has seen now in this time cicadas? I’m actually looking for alive cicada, which i would like to use for a project of mine before letting it go free.

Would anyone help me in finding on and send it to me in germany?

Best regards

Comment by Denis — April 6, 2009 [AT] 3:43 am

In response to the person who wants recipes: Try putting in a few terms at Amazon. Also, on this website there are some links with recipes, though I don’t know if there is anything before 1994. I was looking for this info to, and what’s here plus a few books on Amazon were all I found.

I’m working on a children’s novel(and I plan to make a curriculum to go along with it) that has a lot to do with cicadas. I need some information, if anyone can help me.

First, I want the setting to be where there are many different emergences, and I believe that this would be southern Illinois, but from my maps, can’t tell exactly. Are there any exact maps anywhere?

Second, at what time of year do cicadas emerge? I’ve heard early spring, but I’ve also hear in June. I suppose this has to do with how far north the emergence is taking place, but does anyone know this info exactly?

Third, If cicadas emerge in an area where there has been no spraying, are they safe to eat for animals? I would assume so, especially if they are caught and prepared before their exoskeletons harden. Have there been any reports from farmers about their livestock being adversly affected? (reports from those who farm organically would be especially interesting, as they wouldn’t have the ordinary pesticides.)

Thank you!

Comment by Jennifer Stasinopoulos — March 25, 2009 [AT] 8:07 am

Hellow, I am looking for cicada’s formal recipes. Does anybody knows any books published in U.S.A. before 1994 that has Cicada’s cooking recipe?

Comment by Kuo Liao — March 13, 2009 [AT] 5:19 pm

I just saw a really cute demonstration on a David Attenborough show about Life in the Undergrowth. Mr. A. showed that male periodical cicadas would respond to finger-snaps just as they would to the wing-clicks of a female. He led it about on a branch just by snapping his fingers. I wish I’d known this when the cicadas visited my park in 2004 — it would have been a cute trick to show the kids. You ought to put this on your website — it would fascinate kids — and that’s the first step in getting them interested in something! It’s a shame I’ll have to wait till 2021 to try this — (actually, I could travel to the next emergence area and try it, of course.)

Sarah Dalton
Senior Naturalist
Blendon Woods Metro Park

Comment by Sarah Dalton — March 12, 2009 [AT] 7:33 pm

Hello, I am from Singapore in South East Asia. We don’t have much cicadas in Singapore but I was in Brunei once and saw many cicadas for the first time. One day a local showed me a rare cicada that he caught. It had a distinct beautiful coloration. I believe it had a dark “metallic” blue body with a yellow band under its head with I believe red coloured wings. The local told me it was a “queen” cicada. I’ve tried to search for pictures of this and the only one I could find is on this website which has expired. But google still kept the picture. The link is
http://images.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cicado.com/Cicada.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cicado.com/old-cicado.html&usg=__BUTPWa-_R-9IX2hWiR-1QKKh7KY=&h=575&w=380&sz=85&hl=en&start=4&um=1&tbnid=-F-8G-_JBq2sIM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=89&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsite:www.cicado.com%2Bcicada%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26um%3D1

Sorry it’s so long, but that’s the only one I could find. Could anybody tell me is this really a “queen” cicada? Or is it a subspecies? Thank you very much!

Comment by Jem — March 12, 2009 [AT] 7:30 pm

Comments (0)

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: 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: Brood X | Magicicada | Periodical — Dan @ 3:55 am

In 2004 the Brood X emergence in Long Island New York and
New Jersey ranged from disappointing to depressing, with one lone exception: Princeton, New Jersey. Other areas of the country, like
Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Ohio witnessed fantastic emergences.
The truth is the New Jersey and Long Island Brood X populations have been dwindling
for generations. I did not bother to make a New York Brood X t-shirt because I did
not expect an emergence there (I only made a shirt after a dozen or so requests).

So why are Magicicada populations dwindling? Entomologists will study the facts and arrive at an educated answer, but in the meantime, let’s explore the clues to the Magicicada mystery of 2004.

The Media

If you listened to the media in the New York/New Jersey area, you would think the Brood X emergence would rival locust plagues promised in the Bible. After many interviews with the press, I believe that they were not guilty of intentionally sensationalizing the emergence. They were fooled like the rest of us: mislead by archaic or misleading brood maps or outdated information on websites. While a site like Cicada Mania can be very informative, to get the most accurate information the media really should contact professional entomologists like Dr. Chris Simon and her associates.

One important detail the press neglected to convey is that Magicicadas do not appear everywhere when they emerge: they only emerge in specific locations.

Location, Location, Location

In any given state in which Magicicadas emerge only a select number of counties and towns will experience cicadas — people in New Jersey assumed that the entire state would be inundated, but this was not the case.

It is also common for cicadas to emerge in vast numbers on one side of a town, while on the other side of town, only a handful will emerge. A new housing development will probably have zero cicadas, while the woods across the road might be chock full of them.

Brood Maps and location tables can be misleading because they often point to a general area. A map or table might say cicadas exist in a particular town, but really they only emerge in two or three very specific locations within that town.

Development and Sprawl

Think back 17 or 34 years (if you’re old enough) and try to remember what your town and state was like back then. New Jersey, for instance, has experienced tremendous increases in population and new housing development. Cicada habitats are destroyed as populations expand and communities sprawl across the landscape. If a population of Magicicadas stands in the way of a Wal-Mart or a neighborhood of McMansions, the cicadas are history.

Pesticides and Environmental Toxins

Homeowners, businesses and the government dump tons of pesticides into the ecosystem every year. West Nile Virus spraying, although necessary, may also have an impact on Magicicada populations. Perhaps all these chemicals have taken their toll on the Magicicadas?

Given the number of Superfund sites in New York and New Jersey (do a search: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/locate/index.htm) I’m surprised anything lives in either state.

Predation

Cicadas are fast food for starlings, sparrows, and other predators. In areas were cicada populations are healthy, the birds can’t keep up with the massive buffet of cicadas, and the Brood survives. In areas like Long Island and New Jersey where the cicada populations are weak, birds quickly decimate emerging Brood. European starlings and English sparrows are called an “invasive species” because they are not native to North America. Native insect species, such as cicadas, have not evolved defenses against these invasive species. Likewise, native bird and bat species have not evolved the ability to compete with these newcomers.

Hundreds of years ago the smallpox virus destroyed Native American populations, because Native Americans had not evolved immunities to this dreadful disease. Similarly, an invasive species could destroy many native North American animals and plants.

For more information about invasive species and what you can do about them, visit the Invasive Species Weblog.

Weather

The past few springs have been cold and rainy in the Long Island and New Jersey area. Perhaps the weather has delayed the Brood X emergence?

Stragglers

Occasionally Magicicadas will emerge a year or so later than they were supposed to. Perhaps a few Brood X cicadas will emerge next year? Only time will tell.

2021

So what can we do to ensure that Magicicadas will be around for future generations? What can we to do to ensure that the media doesn’t misreport future emergences?

• Magicicadas could be declared an endangered species, and they should be protected from development.
• Discourage the use of pesticides when alternative and natural means of pest control exist.
• Educate yourself about invasive species and learn what you can do to control them.
• Encourage entomologists to update brood maps and to create specific location information. Place caveats on current brood maps indicating waning or endangered populations.

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 1:15 pm

Cicadas Numbers Declining

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
The cicadas have been declining here. They are about 60 percent peak as near as I can tell. George, Elkridge, Md, USA

No more bird talk

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
We’re ending the bird thread for now. I do encourage everyone to educate yourselves about invasive species. Dan, Cicada Mania

cicada’s after dark

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Saturday, June 5 we went on a cicada hunt near Augusta WV and spotted cicada’s that glowed in the dark, only much larger and brighter than any firefly. Has anyone else observed this
phenomenon ? Marie Chibirka, Dalton, PA

Enough with the birds?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
This is for Brad, from Birmingham. I don’t think its ever inappropriate to discuss cruelty to animals, be it birds or insects, as has been discussed here. Yes, this is a cicada board, but Fred from VA was killing birds to protect the cicadas, so the connection is not that remote. And, I think decisions on what we should be allowed to talk about here should be left to the creators of this board, not to just any poster.

I don’t know the solution to dealing with unnatural, invasive species, but I do know that the existence of those of us who are not Native Americans might be considered unnatural here in North America, and we certainly have been invasive. Should we be killed off now, too?

And, yes, I am a devout cicadaphobe, but I still wouldn’t hurt the little guys…they just scare me, rationally or not. Cicadaphobe, McLean, VA

To Grace in Abingdon, Md.

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Hi Grace
I wish I could go with you this weekend, I’d love another opportunity to study them again. Out of the 20 cicada’s I captured most have died. 🙁 I contacted UMASS Amherst’s Entomology Dept and asked them if they’d be interested in my specimens for study and they jumped at the chance. They are sending me a box of dry ice to perserve the little bugger’s to ship them back to. They also want copies of my videos and pictures. It made me feel pretty good that I was able to contribute these to a respected University up here.
I strongly suggest I81 South from the Maryland border. Take the exit for Route 901 Spring Mill Road. It won’t be far once you cross the Patomac River.
When you come to the top of the off ramp, you will see a shell station straight ahead. Go right. Follow 901. Not only is it a very nice drive, the road is very windy with a lot of old standing trees. Please remember to open your windows and you will start to hear the Septendeculars singing. They sound like a giant weed-wacker. I followed 901 about half-way through and stopped by a big church that has an old graveyard next to it on the left there is an old colonial style brick building on the right where they are doing some construction to rebuild it. Park in the church parking lot and wonder the little graveyard. I spent an hour here. There were tons of Septendeculars and Septendecims taking turns chorusing. I talked to a lot of the locals and it seems that anywhere along 901 seems to be the biggest concentration of cicada’s. Once you get back in your car continue on 901, you will come to some orchards and go over a set of railroad tracks, the road get’s really windy and hilly, your kids will like this area as it’s like riding a roller-coaster. Eventually, 901 ends and you will come to a stop sign. At this stop sign is rte 9 and you will be in the center of Hedgesville.

Good luck and please post your experience once you come back.
Gerry Gerry, Northern Massachusetts

No Cicadas!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Are we too far north for Cicadas? We haven’t seen anything up here! Sharon, Pequannock, NJ, USA

Enough with the birds-This is a cicada board

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Everybody is welcome to his or her opinions. Please do educate yourself about invasive species before posting such sharp responses. There are many websites devoted to invasive species and the damage they cause. English Sparrows and Starlings do not belong in the US and have devastated natural bird populations. Bluebirds, native sparrows, and woodpeckers are just a few that are becoming endangered as a direct result of competition with these invasive species.
Now lets hear about those CICADAS!! I am taking the whole family (wife, 3 and 7 year-old daughters, and myself) for an hour-long drive to Ann Arbor, MI in hopes of finding Brood X. Everybody is very excited about the outing. Brad, Birmingham,MI

They have landed in Georgia…

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Three years ago I moved from the city to a home near 500 acres or preserved forest…I had never seen these things before. They are loud and trying to land on or near me whenever I am working in the yard in the evening.

Last night I had to stomp one FOUR times before it stopped moving…I thought moving to the country was supposed to be peaceful?!?!?

Tamara, Douglasville, GA

Birds and “fung-cadas”

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Hi Deborah, Your message was very polite and I liked your wording. I’m sorry about the sparrows and starlings. I treasure our natural bird life, and these two species are wiping them out. This is why I destroy them. They are unatural to this country. Take another example: the common Grackle. This species as multiplied to the point where towns are starting to destroy them with chemical warefare. I have never harmed a grackle and never will. This is a NATIVE species, and they are multilpying for reasons that are above me. I have watched Robins, Catbirds, mockingbirds, song sparrows, white throated sparrows, common crows, bluejays and even gray squirrels eating cicadas. Although I hate to see ANY cicada destroyed, this is nature at work and I’ll not interfere with that. English sparrows are NOT nature (in this country, anyway)and they are UNBALANCING nature here. I could kill MILLIONS, but it would not interfere with their growing populations. I see your point about life and karma. I just value our natural species of ALL life over invaders. I am seeing quite a few “Fung-cadas” (cicadas with the cicada fungus), around here. Both sexes. I have watched males singing with only half an abdomen! The song is quite a bit louder and ‘buzzier’ without the enclosed sound-chamber needed to make their true song. I am seeing quite a few more than in 1987. Fred Berry, Alexandria, VA

I hate cicadas!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Why are all you weirdos so infatuated with these ugly bugs? They are ruining my life, i can’t go anywhere without them diving at my head. They are the stupidest creatures I have ever seen. They have no comprehension on how to fly which is the only thing they do with their lives other than breed and die. I can’t wait till they all die. All i know is that in 17 years i will not live anywhere that these bugs could possibly show up again. P.S. For all you people who eat them, you’re disgusting, I wonder if you eat their huge beady red eyes. sammy, Bloomington,IN

I HATE THEM!!!!!!!!!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
The stupid things dive bomb my head so I have to take a text book everywhere with me to swat them away. I hate them. Only a week or two left before they all die and I am SO glad!! Oh, and Mrs.Cahill, are you here?!? Christine Croke, Baltimore, MD

Flying Like Mad

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
The noise level in my neighborhood has dropped some since last week. Well at least the decim anyway. I am definitly hearing more from the cassini now. My husband makes tons of “friends” when using the weedwhacker. Now I know why. The cassini sound alot like it and they must think it is a giant cicada. Even though the cicadas aren’t making as much noise now, they are flying about like crazy. Guess they are trying to fit in as much bug lovin’ as they can before their time is up. THANX TO GERRY IN NORTH MASS.-I am heading to Hedgesville this weekend to visit my sister and was glad of the bug report from there. Grace, Abingdon,MD

Squirels Enjoy Cicaras

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
When the cicadas first emerged, my family & I watched the squirels campure the cicada & eat them. We have approx 100 trees on our land & from our house windows we could see several squirels scooping the cicada from branches & munching on them.
You knew when the squirel moved to another branch, as you could see just the two wings slowly fluttering to the ground.
Dick in Bowie MD Dick Bolt, Bowie MD

Terrible Practice

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
To Fred of Alexandria,Va: Your practice of killing Sparrows and Starling is just plain Wrong!! You love the Cicadas (as I do and am awaiting the emergence of the wonderful creatures here S.E. Mich) yet hate these birds. An obvious contradiction…and a fraud.
How horrible to take a life of one of Earths creatures. Who are you to condem them to death? How would you feel if some entity judged your life worthless?
You are in fact no different than the stupid people who go around harming the beautiful Brood Xers.
I feel pity for you and your resultant Karma…and hope you find it in your heart to stop this awful practice. Deborah, Westland, Mich

Cassinis are still in full swing

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Yesterday, I drove to nearby Fall Church, VA. for an errand. The Cassinis and ‘deculas’ are still in full numbers. They were flying accross the roads, landing on the traffic lights, my car’s hood when I was stopped, and in the road! This is great! I stopped and watched the Cassinis in a 12 foot tall tree next to the road. Again, these guys were ‘doin the Cassini Caper’ by singing all at one time, flying to the next twig, (all at one time) and then laying down another chorus. I aggree, the Cassinis are my favorites too. Alot of ‘deculas’ are mixed in with these. Their ending ‘Tick, tick, tick, tick’ stands out from the Cassinis’ shrill buzzes. The deculas sound very much like a South Eastern species of Annual cicada which inhabits the scrub and scrub plants on the beaches/dunes of South Carolina. These guys’ songs are the same steady ‘tick tick’ such as heard at the end of Decula’s song. Anyway, todaze weather is very hot and muggy, and the 17 year cicada still persists to my pleasure!
Fred Fred Berry, Alexandria, VA.

Invasive Species

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
To follow up on Fred’s post, here’s more info about the Euro starting, and invasive species:
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/profiles/eurostarling.shtml

http://invasivespecies.blogspot.com/ Dan, Cicada Mania Headquarters

Killing Birds

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
To Elena from “Farfax” VA:

I have forgotten more about birds than you’ll ever learn. The English Sparrow (European Weaver Finch, scientific name PASSER DOMESTICUS) has no business being in this country. A few individuals were introduced by some IDIOT back in the 1800’s along with the notorious starling (Sternus Vulgarus) because he/she/it/they desired to have all the birds from Shakespere’s time in this country. These two species have devastated our native species, especially the precious Eastern Bluebird. English Sparrows have devastated populations of periodical cicadas mainly because the sparrows are UNATURAL to this country! There are laws in place concerning the English Sparrow: They may be hunted, trapped and killed in unlimited numbers all year around in all fifty states also including our territories. I have killed countless thousands of English Sparrows and starlings with the blessing of this state. I submit: The cicadas are natural and are true natives of this country. You are NOT. Fred Berry, Alexandria, VA.

Killing birds, are you?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
I never heard anything more disgusting than that – killing birds to save insects!!! And how CLEVER is that – just think how much he’ll achieve, does he think those creatures’ miserable few weeks life time is a good enough reason to start murdering the NORMAL NATURE? Thanks God, they’ll be dead in a month anyway – birds or no birds.
Besides – when we are talking about Nature’s performance, we should remember that everything that Nature does is BALANCED. This cicadas’ invasion may as well have a purpose of multiplication of OTHER SPECIES.
Such people should be punished by law – that’s my opinion.
Elena, Farfax VA

SO SAD! Cicadas are fewer and fewer!

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Feeling rather blue today….the number of cicadas have diminished in our back wooded area dramatically. Although I heard some in the hottest heat of the afternoon, the numbers are down dramatically. Lots of deceased ones lying on our porch etc. I will really miss them when they are all gone, and feel blessed that we were able to witness such an amazing event in our lifetime. Makes me acutely aware of the passage of time, and how brief life really is. Cheryl VanDaalen, Falls Creek, Louisville, KY

Another location: Valley Forge Mt.

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
There is a small grove of -decim at the top of Valley Forge Mt. in Chester County PA. It is a wooded, wealthy suburban-type neighborhood–the vicinity of High Point Drive and N. Forge Mt. Drive. (you’ll need a map of Chester County.) The cicadas were singing softly and I could pick out individual singers. I saw few live ones, and I did see a lot of “flagging” on trees. I wonder if they are they already starting to diminish? I’ve been going to see/hear them every chance I get–who knows if I’ll ever experience this magic again? Laura, Oaks PA

Yellow Eyes

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
I found two cicadas with yellow eyes in my yard today. One’s eyes are more gold in color, while the other’s were more of a cream yellow. I was able to get a picture of the one with the gold eyes.
Are yellow-eyed cicadas as rare as blue-eyed ones? Mitya, Falls Church, VA

Still eagerly awaiting

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Lived through a large emergence in the 70’s in Clinton County, was thoroughly fascinated. We have three children looking forward to brood X. Sadly, there have been no signs of any. Nancy Sakowski, Unityville, PA (Lycoming County)

Ryan in Towson

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Hey Ryan, if you can’t find a good place to record around Towson, come to Allegany County! They were pretty quiet the last few days, but today was hot and humid, and they were singing their little hearts out! They are flying all over the place all of a sudden. I had to clean my windshield twice today, it was so covered with bug guts. (I didn’t mean to hit them…honest!) kiersa, Cumberland, Md

The Cicadas are here….still

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
We’ve had the invasion of the cicadas in our area for almost a month and they seem to be getting louder and louder. We hear then 24/7. They are all over the trees surrounding our home and every time we venture out of the house, we usually have one fly right at us. We’ve counted at least 50 of them at one time resting under the deck of our house. They make a horrible sound too when you pick them up or swat them away. When will they go back to their underground homes? Kathy H, Mertztown, PA, USA

On their way out

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
They are mostly gone now. I don’t see them flying around anymore. The noise sounds quite distant now. But I do see lots and lots of corpses. Dennis, Silver Spring MD

They’re back…

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Friday, Saturday & Sunday were cold and rainy here. Sunday afternoon we got a little sun and a bit warmer, and the reward was some half-hearted Cassini’s. But today (Monday, 06/17) it is nice and warm and the Septendicum are back with their chorus (a bit less volume), and the Cassini and Decula are in full swing. While photographing some I noticed a Septendicum male with bright YELLOW eyes, that matched his wing veins! I got some good photos of him by himself and with some red-eyed Cassini & Decula. If you’re interested, I’ll send a few photos for your site. I don’t know how common a yellow-eyed specimen is. The trees around here are showing serious flagging, and the girls are steadily inserting their loads in the branches. The weather is supposed to be warm this week, so hopefully we’ll have at least another full week of chorus. Fred Berry, Alexandria, VA.

cicada destruction

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
They have been here since May 12-my yard is full of millions of cicadas.The noise is deafening,the smell is awful, they have destroyed more than half of the annuals and perennials in my garden by laying eggs in their stems.The theory that they only do damage to small tree branches was way off.Apparently they will lay eggs on any type of plant they can.I am so tired of people saying they wish they had them,or that they love the noise they make.PLEASE.I can’t wait until they leave and I hope to never experience this horror again. Floralgirl, Maryland

I drove 500 Miles to see them!!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/8/2004
Hi There, This may sound strange to some but, this past weekend, 6/4 – 6/6 I drove over 500 miles from Northern Massachusetts to just outside Martinsburg WV just over the Maryland border to see the Cicada’s. I grew up in Baltimore but unfortunately, in 1987 which supposedly was there previous appearance, I moved to Massachusetts and I do not remember the previous appearance back in 1970 so I’ve been missing them. Anyway, I figured if I didn’t go down to see them now, the next time they arrive I’d be 57 years old (I’m 40 now) so I just had to go. I was glad to discover that there are two different species currently out, Magicicada Septendecim and Magicicada septendecula. I have identified these from their songs and coloring and I think I got it right. Anyway, I was in bug-heaven. When I was a kid, I collected the annual Cicada’s and ever since then I’ve been in love with them. They are the coolest things ever, not too bright but still cool. So I just had to come down to see the brood this year. Anyway, I managed to collect about 20 specimens. 10 of each species and broken down into 10 males and 10 females. Man what a bunch of noise the Magicicada septendecula made on the drive home from WV Today!! Anyway, when I brought them home, I took tons of pictures. I wanted my pictures to be in sort of a natural setting so I went in my yeard and cut a piece of bush, stuck it in water and shined a 1000 watt light on it and placed some cicada’s on it. I was happy to report that the Magicicada septendecula started doing their chorus right in my house hoping to entice some of the females!! It was pretty cool. After a while I placed some of the Magicicada Septendecim females on my natural – looking bush and am happy to report that several of them actually started to lay eggsI I don’t know if they mated with the males in my specimen container or they mated previous to me collecting them. I suspect the latter. Anyway, I have tons of great pictures and also some AVI files of songs, and alarm sounds and also of the females laying eggs. I’m going to hold onto this little piece of bush for a while to see if the eggs hatch. You never know, by me doing this we may experience an emergence of these cicadas up here in Massachusetts in 17 years!! Also, I am also sorry to report that approximately 1 out of every 10 Magicicada Septendecim that I looked at seemed to be infected with the fungal parasite Massospora cicadina. Most were alive but I suspect it wouldn’t be for long. The actual places I went to to see, listen and collect cicada’s is Route 9 in Hedgesville which is Exit 16W off of I81 south and also Spring Mill Road which is route 901 I forget the Exit number off of I81 but it is the second exit in WV after you cross the Maryland Border. Gerry, Northern Massachusetts

Cicada`s

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Their here in our part`s of OHIO ,,, We`re 18 miles east of Richmond Indiana ,,,, And these screaminnnn Cicada`s are all over here! ,,, My yard is FULL in the Tree`s ,,, Bush`s ,,,, fly`in all around!!!!
When drive`in on these back Country Roads ,,, In the Woods You can hear em
and VERY THINK in sum parts! Jas, Lewisburg Ohio

Lots of Them, AND a Bonus

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Since posting my other message, I’ve gotten to see lots of activity and taken tons of pictures. One thing I didn’t figure on was the “buffet factor” – many different kinds of birds chowing down on the flying feast, from bluebirds to starlings. Nicest surprise was a flock of cedar waxwings (never saw this kind of bird at my house before). They set up shop at one of the cicada hot spots in the yard, and gorged themselves for a couple of days. One pair liked it so much, they moved in. I spotted them building a nest in a tree just ten feet from the front window. This has been a great experience! vbert, Kintnersville (Upper Bucks County), PA

cicada sightings

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
I have yet to see or hear any in my neighborhood, but this morning coming through the parking lot where I work in Plainsboro, one came flying up and landed on me. I was surprised at how much smaller they are than the yearly cicadas, and the coloring with the red eyes is really something. I have been watching through my office window and see quite a few of them flying about. Jennifer tee*ts, Roebling NJ

Have seen them in northern surburb of Philadelphia

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Last Tuesday I saw hundred of them in the state park of Lake Nockamixon, about an hour drive to the north from Philadelphia. It was at the marina in the northern part of the lake. They were everywhere in the wooded area and were very noisy. Tonny, Philadelphia, PA

Reply to “West Michigan Cicadas?”

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
To Freddy of Grand Rapids MI, I was just out visiting my parents in Muskegon (on Lake Michigan) and they have found a couple dozen cicada shells in their 10 acre oak forest. Growing up there, I remember we could hear them every few years… but NOT the sound of a UFO! You could actually hear the individuals calling to each other. So they are there, but you really have to look for them. Kathleen, Ann Arbor, MI

Cicadas in Long Island

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Hello all
We are up to a balmy 67 degrees today. It has been a cool spring so far. THe emrgence here has probably been delayed. Supposedly the heaviest numbers should be in Ronkonkoma. A few days ago, I was there and heard nothing. Then it rained and went down into the 50’s. If any one spots any cicadas in Long Island, please post here. Thanks! Elias, Long Island NY

A few show up on S.I.

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
On Staten Island, our big emergence is from Brood II, which last occurred in 1996. Brood X has generally been represented in the past by only a few individuals. On June 3, my co-worker Ray had 3 decim and 1 cassini singing in the woods in Blue Heron Park. That will probably be about it for us. Can’t wait until 2013! Ed Johnson, Staten Island, NY

NOTHING

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
I HAVE BEEN AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF CICADAS BUT THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE PLANNING A TRIP IN 2 WEEKS TO GATLINBURG, TN AND I REALLY DIDN’T WANT TO SEE ANY BUGS THERE. HAS ANYONE SEEN ANY AROUND WHERE I LIVE OR IN GATLINBURG? D.B, WHITE HOUSE, TENNESSEE

Cicada sighting

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Try going to Anarundel Mills Mall. Across the street from the mall at one of the hotels, they were swarming everywhere 2 weeks ago. They were very noisy too. There were tons and tons of them. DT, Washington, D.C.

Still waiting…..

Date: Monday, Jun/7/2004
Still no sign of cicadas here in Northwestern Indiana. Either it’s been too cold, or they have been killed off. If and when they do show up, I will post it on this site. Dan, Valparaiso IN

Cicada`s

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Their here in our part`s of OHIO ,,, We`re 18 miles east of Richmond Indiana ,,,, And these screaminnnn Cicada`s are all over here! ,,, My yard is FULL in the Tree`s ,,, Bush`s ,,,, fly`in all around!!!!
When drive`in on these back Country Roads ,,, In the Woods You can hear em
and VERY THINK in sum parts! Jas, Lewisburg Ohio

Where are they?

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
I am director of a day camp in Hatboro and we were hoping to spend a whole week talking about and observing cicadas. I have seen NONE in the area – just north of Philly in Montgomery county. Anybody close by seen any besides in Jenkintown???? PLEASE tell me they will come!!!! JoAnne, Glenside PA

cicada noise near towson

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Ryan, try Lutherville. Lotsa big old trees. You shoulda been there last week, but there’s still some around. greg, towson

drooping branches

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Ann, yes that’s the cicadas. They slit the tree branches near the end and deposit their eggs. This causes the rest of the branch to die. Since it’s near the end of the branches it doesn’t harm mature trees in the long term any more than pruning does, but it does look like some kinda disease. The eggs would be in the underside of the branch just before the droop. I think they drop to the ground in a couple months. greg, towson

Canton Michigan

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Hello,
I am going to Canton Michigan and i was wonderfing if there are Cicadas there?
Thanks Renee, North Carolina

cicada sighting

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
if anybody is looking for cicadas in the berks county area, i heard that there are some up at Nolde Park in Kenhorst on the watershed trail. im going to go up there this week on a nice sunny day and look for them myself. stephanie, Reading, PA

cicadas

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
they’re not where i live yet but i went up to Alexandria for a soccer game and they were there… not a lot but they were there. Just a warning to you guys… they stink (as in smell). Lyndsay, Virginia

Emergence in Ann Arbor

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
I have been waiting for brood X with baited breath, wondering if one of those little blips in the Michigan area would be a big emergence. It was. I was in Ann Arbor today and everything in Marshall Park was covered with them. (Corner of Plymouth and Dixboro rds.) If you are in the area, do yourself a favor and check them out. I heard that they are also along the Huron River in Superior township. Brett, Ann Arbor, MI

Scared Sister Will be OK lol

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Looks like I am safe on Staten Island, my friend says im cicada obsessed.. I will say this much, i dont like the bugs but this website sure is fun..

Yuck [AT] cicada pizza Lisa , Staten Island NY

Today’s Golf and Cicadas in southern IN

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
I don’t usually follow golf, but watched today’s coverage of the PGA event on CBS because the cicadas could be heard in the background. Loud! Heard both Decim and Cassini.

Am headed to Indiana in a few days for the purpose of hearing the cicadas, so someone please warn me in the event they’ve stopped singing there. I’ll be on 64 between the IL border and 37, and north and south within the national forest.
Eric, Eastern MO

Cicada Hypothermia

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Went back to Green Lane to visit the Brood. It was cold & rainy all weekend and they were just sitting under leaves, barely moving. I was afraid they were going to die if it got much colder. Some were just sitting on the pavement ready to be run over so I started “rescuing” them & letting them crawl on me to warm up. I carried so many cicadas around I thought I was gonna turn into a big cicada myself! I also noticed something else: this was a very quiet state park, and when a car came by, the Cassini chorus would get way louder (causing the Decim to sing louder too.) I wonder if they thought the car engine was ‘competition’! Um, maybe that’s why they are so deafening in places like DC… so they can hear themselves over the traffic! Laura, Green Lane

Michigan/Ann Arbor Cicadas

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Was just out in Ann Arbor today. There was some loud cicada activity all along Warren Road which runs sort of parellel to M14 just north of it. Most of the Action was Between Dixboro road in the west and some other road I cant remember on the east (where Warren Road dead ends into a big cemetary.) It goes without mentioning along that same stretch of road they are all over plants, trees, signs, mailboxes, etc. Josh , Detroit

Where Are the Eggs? Why All the Dropped Branchlets?

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Everywhere I walk I see small branchlets that have fallen from trees or drooping on shrubs. I think they are connected with the egg-laying cicadas. But how?

I want to try to see the eggs and perhaps some nymphs hatching. Where should I look? And when? And what do I look for?

I love the cicadas!!! And I mourn their slow passing as their songs are dimming. Ann, Chevy Chase, MD

Dexter-Ann Arbor cicadas

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Anyone else here do the Dexter-Ann Arbor half-marathon run this morning? Quite a cicada-choral accompaniment there in the middle miles! Sounded like they were north of Huron River Drive west of Maple in several areas. Jim, Ann Arbor, MI

cicadas around here?

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Last night when I took our dog out I heard this sound, at first I was clueless, later I had my dad hear it, he looked at me curious and said “cicadas??” later a couple popped up on our patio they were 1 1/2 inches (about) clumsy, fat in appearance, but looked like they were still in a “shell” anyway I looked it up and they matched to the description of the okanagan species, is this possible here brian, emerado, north dakota

It looked like a cicada,

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
I was in Westwood where a bright green bug about the size of a pencil eraser it had red eyes and its wings were translucent, didn’t appear to have a mouth at all.

I’ve seen cicada’s before around my house but this bug looked like a more colorful and smaller version of the regulars.

Could this be a cicada also or did I find a leaf hopper of some sort? Zara Fabian, Massachusetts

Come Back Cicadas!!!

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
For the last week, it has been rainy & a bit on the chilly side, and it seems to have affected our little friends. I have not seen ANY males, or heard them for that matter, I have spotted a few females in the trees laying eggs or just sitting there very quietly. I have also noticed alot of males are dying off. Are they coming back when the heat returns (they are supposed to be around till the end of June, right?) or has the weather shortened their already short stay with us?? I have a sandwich bag full of cicadas of all species that I am going to pick from & preserve them. I hope they come back, even if it is just for a few more short weeks…… Staci, Beltsville, MD

loudest area around baltimore county?

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
Hi I am hoping to get a nice loud recording of the cicada chorus ( i know i waited a little too long) somewhere in the towson md area. anyone have any tips for loud areas? are they starting to die down in md?

ryan, MD ryan, jarrettsville, md

no cidadas yet

Date: Sunday, Jun/6/2004
in dauphin county, hershey, pa, no sightings here yet (june 6, 2004) kate, hummelstown, pa

cold affecting cicadas

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
It’s been pretty chilly and rainy around here for the last two days and the cicadas were silent. Then today as the clouds started to give way a bit, I heard a few trying to chorus. Funny thing was they sound like an electrical device shorting out — as if all the dampness affected their noisemakers! I’m expecting they’ll be back in full noise tomorrow Jane, ashburn, va

bluebird eating cicada

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
Saw a bluebird eating a cicada today- (about 2 miles south of Wwashington Crossing State Park). It was not easy for the little bird; kind of like a person eating a live lobster with no utencils. CW, Pennington, NJ

nearest Cicada site

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
I read the message that Cicada have been sighted in Punxsutawny, PA. which is probably a 4 to 5 hour drive from us. We would like to find the nearest locale so we can view them next weekend or later in June.

Yesterday I called several state parks in PA, and a professor at UCONN recommended this site. I am grateful for his input, and any other. Thank you for the detailed directions.

State College would be even closer than Punxsatawny but when I called the nearby Bald Eagle State park, the person who answered the phone had not heard Cicadas. He suggested I contact the naturalist there.

I did find out that Cicadas are abundant in Gifford Pinchot State Park, PA which is a little south of Harrisburg. The person I spoke with expected them to be abundant at least until the end of June. She also said they are very noisy when it is sunny but real quiet when it is rainy.

I thank anyone for any information. Janet, near Buffalo, New York

Light-eyed cicada!

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
I found this cicada on a tree off a bike path in Arlington (Lyon Village). Almost yellow eyes! http://www.geocities.com/eeriedoc/cicada/20040605_light-eyes.jpg Phil Yabut, Arlington, Virginia

Cicadas on a golf course in China

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
I played golf at Zhongshan, the first golf course built in China, yesterday.

I saw and heard a lot of cicadas at holes 1,2 and 3 of the Arnold Palmer Course.
Paul Tsang, Hong Kong

why

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004

hi, i want to know why does cicadas shed there skin every certain time

thanks
Jose, beirut

still nothing and happy about it

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
Still waiting for the invasion. We live in a very wooded area with lots of birds and other small animals. Could this be part of the reason for no sightings? How long before its safe to say they wont be here? Even the dog is not digging anymore so are they dying in the ground? Seems strange they are in Haverford which is so close by. D.C., Devon, Pa.

To Fred in Alexandria and anyone else being invaded by the Cassini

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
I’m so glad someone else finally noticed the cassini and their synchronized chorus. I think they are amazing and they are my favorite Magicicada species by far. If anyone else has the cassini cicadas out in force in their area, they should take the opportunity to watch them in the upper and outer branches of the trees while they are in chorus. The best time to do that is mid afternoon. Later, Nick Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas

None here…

Date: Saturday, Jun/5/2004
Haven’t seen one yet, just a few big dobsonflies. Anybody know if west Michigan gets a cicada hatch? Freddy, Grand Rapids MI

Cicadas still with us!

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
The cicadas started coming up from the ground up here probably about 2-1/2 weeks ago…fascinating to watch them emerge from their casings. They seem to be in very discrete locations here, you can tell when you’re driving by the sound of them where they are. We are lucky enough to live on about 10 acres with a lot of old, undisturbed trees, and they are out in force here. I’ll be sad when they’re gone. What a miracle of nature! Patty E. , Holland Township, NJ

No Bugs

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
I live in Northern Indiana and we have had no cicadas outbreak in our neighborhood at least Buzz, Elkhart IN

Lasting

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
How long do cicada’s last? Susan, Ohio

New cicada pics!

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
I have posted more cicada pics from Bloomington, Indiana:
http://www.myjanee.com/photoalbum/broodx.htm
What an amazing phenomenon!

They are actually quite sweet, as some other visitors attest. They seem to like people, like to crawl on us, and like to be stroked on their upper back, just above their wings. Janee, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Here in force

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
I live in the 13th story penthouse of my building. I come home for lunch, stand on my balcony and look downwards to our tree-covered landscape. I see countless thousands flying back and forth. The have layed eggs in the branches of my fake trees on the balcony, most of their smaller branches have been slit on their undersides by the females. One of my fake trees experienced a Cassini gathering, wherein the males (about 30 or so) were all taking off to another branch, singing one song, then taking off for a short 6 inch flight to another branch and singing a single song, ALL IN SYNCHRONIZATION! These insects are NOT thoughtless robots like some people insist; I see a sort of joy in their actions! I have also become expert at picking off english sparrows around here with my hunting slingshot. These unwanted pests have devastated some cicada populations, making them fair game! I don’t bother native birds, although I hate to see one take a cicada! I narrowly missed catching an alert blue-eyed Cassini on a smaller tree on Edsall Road. He also had a blue vein on each wing, and what appeared to be blue spots on his legs. Not really a true blue, but a very pale bluish white. If I can catch one, I’ll photograph it. In 1987 I caught some cicadas and mounted them in glass cases. This time I haven’t harmed a single insect.
It is now June 4th, and overcast and cool. The regular Septendicum are silent, but I am hearing some Cassini & Decula across the street. Some of our forest trees are now showing ‘flagging’. I hope this doesn’t mean the fun is over. We started seeing them around the thirteenth of May.
Please keep up this wonderful site! I have been with it since its conception!
Fred Fred Berry, Alexandria VA.

CIcadas in Long Island

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
Hello All

Ajay – I wish I read your post yesterday. I read that same Newsweek article and took a drive to Ronkonkoma and East Setaucket this morning. Looked all around by ny forested area I could find. Not a peep! No skins found either. I will stay tuned for the mid June invasion. In 1987 – I missed them because I went in early July so I will stay tuned! Anyone with infromation on Long Island townships with true emergences – please post here Elias, Long Island NewYork

THE MARTIANS HAVE LANDED

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
yesterday I thought I was lucky, I got an upclose and personal look at one on a pole. But today, it’s like there’s a thousand UFO’s hovering in the sky! wow. Jen, Princeton, NJ

GONE!!!

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
Oh, God, can it be true? They’re all gone! This morning and up till now – 1PM – there is no sight, no sound of them! Are they really gone? Did they all die last night? Did the cold night kill them all? They can’t be asleep, can they? Elena, Fairfax, VA

damn

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
i am angry
i want a pefrect swarm
this sucks Dan Bissell, jounalism new providence

PGA Golf Cicadas

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
The cicadas have invaded the Memorial Tournament in Dublin Ohio this weekend, and you can hear (and maybe see) them on TV. ESPN on Friday 6/4 at 4pm EDT, CBS on Sat 6/5 at 3pm, and CBS on Sun 6/6 at 2pm. One of the bugs landed on Tiger Wood’s nose yesterday while he was putting, and on another golfer’s shoulders while he was putting too. The commentators mention them now and then, and you can hear the buzz in the background. I’m going to check it out in person this weekend !! Greg, Findlay, Ohio

ZOOOOOOMMMMMM!

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
Love the guy building airplanes out of them…….finally, a purpose for the gross out, fat, sloppy, monsters. Jane, wilmington, de

Enfin! Les cigales sont voisines !

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
I have been waiting with mounting anticipation for the cicada’s emergence here.
Disappointed and thinking that none would emerge in this area because of all the new construction, I had almost given up hope. Today I rode my bike 3 miles north of New Hope along the towpath, between here and Center Bridge. The cicadas song excited me and I started looking. I found four adults before I had to turn back to go to work. I will return tomorrow to marvel at the magic of the cicadas! Enfin! Cicada Sara, New Hope, PA

Things I have learned about cicadas

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
I have been surprised by a few things….

– I expected our city to be completely covered with cicadas, but they are very localized. You can walk 5 blocks and move from heavy infestation to zero.

– Cicadas are more active in heat and quiet and less active in cool weather.

– There are several different sounds that can be heard from individual species. They can sound like a bird chirping!

– They are smelly when they die.

– Cicadas can affect a golf game (did anyone watch the tournament in Ohio yesterday?)

– most children have a natural curiousity and very little fear… but many/most adults are afraid of the size and movement and sound of cicadas.Anyone want to add anything? Holly, Indianapolis, In

They Are Here!

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
We have been seeing these unique creatures for at least two weeks now. More are showing up daily. Desiree, Fayetteville, TN

They are here

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
The Cicadas are here in Monmouth Jct, NJ about 5 miles northeast of Princeton. I love watching the birds dive bomb to eat them in mid air! Golfman, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Performing Outdoors with cicadas

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
To the actor from New Jersey-

we postponed the opening of an outdoor Shakespeare production in Maryland because of the invasion- we’re now reahearsing outdoors to open in a week, the great news is that by 8:00 PM, they get real quiet and stop flying around. As long as you’re doing a show in the evening- you’ll be fine! Ian, Ellicott City, MD

To Priscilla from Smithville

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
Hi, I posted to you previously…we would definately love to see the casings you brought back from Princeton..my students are beginning to think I’m imagining these buggers. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get any here! We are in school until the 16th of June…hope to hear from you! Kim kim, Smithville, NJ

The Cicadas scared my pet

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
Just a few days ago I was taking my pet wombat(a good friend of Punxsutawney Phil) for a walk in a nearby park when the sound of the cicadas became quite deafening. My poor wooly wombat Willy became very frightened. The only way I could calm him down was to hum the theme song from Leave it to Beaver( his favorite show). Hope these things leave soon! Clive Carbunkle, Punxsutawney, PA

WHen ??????

Date: Friday, Jun/4/2004
When can I expect them to be around MI and how do I scout for the nearest forest where I can find sheds. Is there a particular tree or something they like? Please help I dont wanna miss the show. Rob, Jackson , MI

Still no sightings

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I havent seen any cicadas yet.Have been as far as Princeton KY and none spotted yet. In a way I am glad but I would like to see a few before the next cycle emerges. Adrienne, Hopkinsville, KY

Investigation on Long island

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Update on LI Cicada Hunt: Today I investigated an area in Port Jefferson Station where I had been told that cicadas were present in 1987. I found several hundred acres of old-growth oak trees, and a few possible holes in the ground. (I don’t know how long the holes appear before emergence) One longtime resident told me that his wife had stated that this was going to be the year for cicadas in their nearby backyard. A second resident described seeing cicadas flying around in 1970, two cycles ago. The weather here has been quite chilly (and will be so miserable this weekend I postponed a trip to Princeton) and unpromising but I remain optimistic, and will conduct an immediate investigation as soon as hot weather arrives. AJay, Suffolk Co. Long Island

Fascinating

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
::shudders:: I cant belive I let one crawl
up my arm. They were noisey and all over
the Place Here in VA. I wonder
how old I will be for when they
ome out again in 2025??? Betsie Beadling, Fairfax, Virginia USA

no cicadas here either

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Like Greg in Brunswick I am wondering where are the cicadas just over the river here in Lovettsville? Christy, Lovettsville, VA

concert in Indiana

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Was planning to go to a Rush concert tomorrow outside of Indianapolis…suspect cicadas will affect my enjoying the show…and word on similar occurences? Vicki, Columbus, Oh

Black colour is definitely kind of protection

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Thanks, Joe from Vienna – you have confirmed my guess. I generally wear black – and I was spared so far, not a single cicada landed on me. There are several guys in my office with whom I regularly go outside for smoke breaks. I am seeing those buggers bumping into my smoking buddies every minute. They seem particularly like WHITE and RED. So – if you are as disgusted of them as I am – wear black colour. It is not 100% safe, of course, but it’s less attractive to the enemy. Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA

Not here, thank GOD!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Ok, so I’m in a “holding” pattern waiting for these things to come already. So far, so good..none to be seen. Sorry folks: I am a city gal, and bugs are evil as far as I’m concerned. Small bugs are ok I guess. I was living in Baltimore the last time they came (1987), and boy was I hating life. I cringed after reading the post about Jenkintown…that’s like 15 minutes from me…nooooo! I’m hoping against hope that they won’t show up. I just don’t have the physical strength to be ducking and dodging cicadas all dang day long (I am a dialysis patient with so-so health).

Crossing fingers and praying for a miracle! LOL! LadySycamore, NE Philadelphia

Still none Near Philly?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Live in the burbs near Philadelphia, still no sign of any cicada’s. I work in Princeton where there are billions but nothing here. The noise is out of this world. Very active in Princeton, flying around, noisy, and happy. They seem to be very localized, . A few patches here and there near New Hope,PA. As I head home from princeton I’m starting to here more and more closer to Philly so we’ll see. I’m starting to lose hope for an appearance in my area, they are starting to die in Princeton. Tim, Abington,PA

Cicada location in Princeton and feelings about the buggers

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004

When the cicada’s first emerged, they were all at another part of the campus in Princeton and I was BRAVE, seeking them out, until the first one dive bombed into my neck. Now a week later, I don’t want any harm done to them, but I sure would like them to go away. At this point, all my co-workers have new routes to pick up mail, get lunch, and all the other things we did without fear of these little bugs (irrational fear, I know! but it’s not fun having them dive and splat all over the place). Anyway, if you really want to see them (millions I’d say), go to Princeton, to Alexander and College Road. You’ll hear them and know they have arrived!!!! Enjoy *s* Lori, Princeton, New Jersey

We went to Princeton…

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I homeschool my children; we took a field trip today to Princeton. We’d read about the cicadas, and seen pictures, but there’s nothing like experiencing it yourself!

I got a good picture of a cicada with its wings outstretched…I hadn’t seen a picture like that before.

One cicada hitched a ride on the windshield wiper of our van…we probably made it about 40 miles or so before it lost its grip. So, if 17 years from now there’s an unexpected emergence around Route 195 in Jackson, NJ, we’ll know why! Rhoda, Toms River, NJ

Not a single Cicada in site!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Not a single bug or any noise in the Brunwsick, MD area (in Frederick County). I am begaining to wonder if we’ll have them at all. I am near /along the Potomac river so I would have thought they would be here by now. Anyone know if they are just “sleeping in” ? 😀

Greg, Brunswick, MD

what is that?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
why does white stuff come out of the cicadas body when they mate? jensen, ohio

Scared of them

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
if you are scared of cicadas i think that they dont like black clothes.ive watched at my school and they dont go on people with black clothes.write back if you have any thoughts about it. joe, Vienna VA

Will they be here?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Does anyone know if they will be hitting Central PA, around State College? If so, when?

Tom, Central PA

Cicada locations in MD

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I heard them in Hagerstown during Sprint Car races last Sat night, but not in Deep Creek Lake area (1&1/2 hrs West) on Sun & Mon?
Dick Dick Bolt, Bowie MD

Cicada airplane with two cicada engines

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I just built two balsa model planes using cicadas as engines. They printed the story with photos in todays Bowie Blade.
During early engine testing, I found out the males fly upward & the females land down ward. I think 2 out of 11 females did go up.
Planes are 2$ each at hobby store.
Super glue is slow to dry & results in less fingers being used for a few hours!
% minutes in freezer kills them. 15 Minutes in a refrig makes them act like dead, but they come back to life in few minutes. Its for easier gluing.
They were mostly removed from my fruit trees where the females are killing the
tips of my nut & fruit tree branches.

For results, tune in at 10!
Dick, NASA Engineer in MD Dick Bolt, Bowie MD

Missin hind quarters possible answer

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
A possible answer is a fungal disease. If you go on to University of Michigan cicada site in the links it has listing of diseases and deformities. It states that Magicicada are subject to infection by the specialized fungal parasite Massospora cicadina Peck. Cicadas infected early in the emergence develop asexual spores, which become evident as the rear of the infected individual’s abdomen breaks off, exposing a white, chalky mass of spores. This infection sterilizes the cicada but does not kill it immediately. These spores spread among the population, infecting other cicadas who will develop a secondary infection and whose abdomens will later break open, releasing sexual resting spores to infect the next generation of cicadas. This site is very good it has a lot of wonderful information about periodic cicadas. I hope this helps.

Heidi Hubbell, Arlington, VA

washington crossing

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I was there just last weekend and there was no sign of them so don’t count on seeing them there. joe, nj

Just go to Princeton already!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
If you live in Jersey or New York, just go to Princeton within the next 14 days. This weekend is prime! Dan, Cicada Mania Headquarters

performing with cicadas in Washington’s crossing?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Is anyone out there from the Washington’s Crossing State Park area? Did our little friends invade the Park in a big way 17 years ago?We’re about to open in a show in the Park’s open air theatre, and we’re wondering how much we’ll be sharing the stage with them! There were no signs of them last week, but who knows? Any recollections would be very much appreciated! An actor prepares! JQ, NJ

Where Will They Be?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Am I too late to catch an emergence with my son? Where will they be on June 5/6th? on June 12/13th?

Are they still emerging in Princeton?

Thanks! Paul Rader, Canton, NY

Alive & missing hind ends….????

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
To Shirley in Silver Spring…I have noticed several cicadas alive & flying around but missing their backs as well, they have all been males..Anyone know why this happens?? Bird attack?? Staci, Beltsville, MD

cool weather and cicadas

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Seems like with the weather affects cicada sound and movement–we’ve had cool days here for a week, and they’re much calmed down. Disappointing, cause I thought they’d be here much longer.

But thanks to this list, I find cool weather does have an affect on them, as so amny are reporting it. Great! We’re extremely heavily infested, and though the smell in some areas is picking up, that’s OK, it’s part of the process.

Behnke’s Nursery here told me they wouldn’t hit the crepe myrtles–WRONG!!! Branches are dropping like flies!

This is a wonderful event-I am eagerly awaiting any brood we have coming next, though I regret having to wait 17 years for the next Brood X.

Merry Merry, Chevy Chase (Rock Creek Forest area), MD

Have arrived here!!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
After visiting Princeton for lunch everyday, I was wondering if we would see them around here. We are only 5 miles from Princeton. The started emerging 2 days ago and are now in full swing. I love it !!! it’s starting to ebb in Princeton and starting here. I wonder if I will see an emergence in my home town of Keyport? Ed Hawley, Monmouth Junction

NOT A SIGHTING: NEED YOUR HELP!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
This is the gyst of what I TRIED to say before I hit the wrong key(s): WHERE are they emerging so my son and I can see them on the weekend of June 5/6? June 12/13th?

Thank you.
Paul Rader, Upstate New York

17 year cicadas at Haverford College June 1

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004

Walked by Haverford College and saw
red eyed cicadas on side walk and
heard loud squealling sound like
a fan motor with a bad bearing.
But it was coming from all directions.
and for miles. High pitch steady
not quite as high pitch as Hor Osc
of TV set [16KC]. Jeff Justin, Philadelphia Pa

still nothing

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
Still seeing holes in the ground but no cicadas.We have had tons of rain and was wondering if that was the reason. If they don’t appear soon does that mean they arent coming at all? It’s amazing they are so close by and we haven’t seen any, yet. D.C., Devon, Pa.

NOT A SIGHTING: NEED YOUR HELP!

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I am the hope-I’m -not-too-late father of a 14-year old who still thinks bugs are cool. Paul Rader, Upstate New York

Noise level

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I had a speaker in my classroom last week Friday. He had a decebel meter because he was giving a talk about sound to my students. With my windows open, it was 60 decebels from the cicadas. Shirley Jefffods, Silver Spring, MD

theyre everywhere

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
We have them all over. they are covering the trees, they’re everywhere. if you want to see them come to dayton theyre everywhere! Tim, Dayton, OH(miamisburg)

To Chelsea in Ellicott City…..Got Wings?

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
To Chelsea in Ellicott City, MD….can you save me some well preserved cicada wings that you find lying about. This board will not allow me to post my email address so we’ll have to figure out some way to hook up…for now, I just want to know that someone is saving some wings for me…maybe 5 or 6…their wings are so beautiful. Thanks ever so much! Debbie, Seattle

Don’t Give Up on Long Island

Date: Thursday, Jun/3/2004
I investigated a false report published in NY Newsday about cicadas in Setauket. I went to the precise streets mentioned: No shed skins, no holes in a nearby park, not a single chirp. HOWEVER I was told today by a fellow in a nearby Circuit City that there was a massive and deafening invasion in Port Jefferson Station a long while back. His wife INSISTED it was the year before his 16 year old son was born. That means 1987. (Wanted to be sure it was not brood XIV) He told me that they did not appear until MID JUNE and stayed beyond July 4. Will carefully investigate the location tomorrow. Hoping to have a tasty cicada pizza and some nice video is a couple of weeks! I hope my informer was correct! Meanwhile I am jealous of my friend from the Travel Channel who lives in Silver Spring, MD. They invading his house, yard and even his office bathroom) AJay, Suffolk Co Long Island

Nationalistic Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I just returned from my weekend vacation to D.C. for memorial day, and I did not march alone in the parade. Everywhere I went, there were these monster size bugs flying off people, leaves, and cars. Being a city girl, a little house fly can creep me out. Good luck to all those who actually live in the heavily populated cicada areas. Mikai, Brooklyn, NY

For you folks near Philly: Green Lane is the place!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
For you guys in Philly, Jenkintown, other parts of Montgo county PA: If you want to see some cicadas, get a map of Western Montgo County. Go up Rt 29 toward Green Lane Park. (Formerly called “Upper Perkiomen Park”.) Turn L. on “Deep Creek Rd.” There is a parking lot on the Left and a big lake a bit farther up on the Rt. As you approach this area the rattle-buzz of the Cassini species (the ‘weed-whackers’) will be unmistakable. Once you get out of your car you can hear the Septendicim (the “UFO’s”) singing as well. At least, that is what I heard on 5/22. (I will warn you I saw a LOT of dead ones clustered around a few trees. PA must not be as healthy for them as VA and MD.) I took a ride up the Perkiomen Bike Trail, and as soon as I passed Spring Mountain I began to hear them. Not in the quantity that Arlington VA has them, but certain groves were rockin’ and I could also hear individual calls. If I were you I wouldn’t delay. I’m going back this weekend–hope the Brood is still hanging in there! (I hear they are also plentiful near the Haverford train station on the Main Line. Haven’t gone there.) Laura, Oaks PA

They’re All Over Princeton, NJ

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I work in Princeton, NJ and they are all over the place. We go walking at lunch and the noise from these bugs is so loud, it gives me a headache after about 10 minutes. My sister in CT came here for the weekend and I took her to Princeton so she could see them. Yet, as soon as you leave Princeton, there’s none. Pretty neat. Victoria, Hamilton Square, NJ

We are moving in 15 years!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I am sick of this. Since the invasion, we sweep our back porch EVERY day. We are now using the snow shovel to heave them into the mulch pile. Boy do they stink! I now have to mow the lawn with shoes since the mower doesn’t move them, and when I’m done the lawn flutters with their wings. And what is up with their attraction to our Blue recycle bin and my blue tarp they are swarmed all over it? I have advised my better 1/2 that we will move before they return… Ross Clemens, Silver Spring, MD

I have now seen 2 species in my brood X emergence

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I have now seen two species: M. cassini as well as M septendecim here at my property. I am still looking for the third species. I have pictures at
http://www.batw.com/CicadaID.html

The pictures I have of the cassini are all females because the cassini males
keep getting away but I plan to catch one tomorrow. Bonnie Dalzell, Hydes Maryland, north of Baltimore City

wonderful occassion

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I think it’s wonderful that so many people are communicating with each other! The cicadas bring out the good in us! ilona, grove city

No Cicadas Sightings on Long Island

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
It has been raining here, still haven’t seen yet a one. Have given up and have taken the netting off my small shrubs. Kathy, Long Island, New York

Found A Nymph Skin!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I’ve been searching on a daily basis around my home and in some woods nearby for signs of cicadas. I finally found a nymph skin in the woods today. I am about 15 minutes from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I hope more are to come! I lived in Springfield, Virginia the last time they were around and it was a spectacular sight and sound. Hoping to see it all again in Michigan this time! Lindsey, Canton, Michigan

They’re everywhere!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
If you wanna see a lot of Cicada’s come to good ol’ Indiana University, I guess human’s aren’t the only one’s who know that IU is known for parties, the trees here are a magnet for the lil buggers. When walking through campus more often than not you will see girls screaming and running in zigzags or guys trying to “deke” them out. It’s actually really funny, however it’s starting to become a pain because whenever you walk there’s a distinctive crunch sound that follows you around. Not to mention the noise that cannot be completely drowned out by loud music. Oh well, I’m thinking there’s only going to be a couple of weeks left b4 they start to die off! Amos, Bloomington, IN

Blue eyed Cicada

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
My husband has found a blue eyed cicada. Who is requesting them for research?

Thanks Cindy Cindy, Oella, MD

Splat

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
Cicada’s are really nasty when they splatter all over your windshield. Miranda, Tennessee

Now we’re seein ’em

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
In Hagerstown they are not too plentiful, I have seen some on the wing but I have not heard any large gatherings. However cicadas are very plentiful on the mountains to the East & west of here, as well as on the
Potomac river. BTW for those of you who fish, they will make great bait. I am going to preseve some by freezing and we’ll see how it works come late July or August…
Greg M., Hagerstown, Wash. Co. MD

Cicada Love

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I really enjoy reading everyone’s messages! I have a suggestion: why don’t we change things around? Why can’t we have cicadas every year and mosquitos & ticks once every 17! LOL!!! Now since someone else mentioned he watched a Cicada Mama laying eggs, let me describe a tender moment. I saw a male & female positioned face-to-face. He seemed to be holding hands with her & stroking her w/his orange front legs. Maybe he was crooning some sweet nothings? Then I went back to look a bit later and they were positioned end-to-end. Aww, how Romantic! Laura, Oaks PA

Close up in Va.

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
Last week, went to races in Charlotte NC. On the way down, in the Eastern panhandle of WV (Martinsburg WV/Winchester VA area) they are out by the millions. From Edinburg southward I saw & heard no evidence, and in NC I only saw one- a male -decim. Brood X apparrently is not active in the central/upper Shenendoah valley. Today I went to Clearbrook VA (WV/VA border) and spent some time in several places where they were gathered by the millions. I observed their behavior close-up. I find it fascinating! In one brushy area, the sound was nearly deafening and one could see them flying in such great numbers it looked like snow. (Cicada-blizzard!) I observed 3 seperate species, identfied on the net as M. Septendecula, -decim and cassini. I can also make out some of the song differences I am spending some extra time with this phenomenon since it is so rare, but God willing I will see it again.
Greg M ., Clearbrook VA

Nowhere to be seen in Jenkintown Pa.

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
We are just outside Philly in Eastern Montgomery County and I have yet to see any Cicadas

Anyone had any sightings in this area?? Greg, Jenkintown, Pa.

Finally!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
My husband brought home a friend from work today. Apparently our lil “Brood Xer” found my hubby attractive enough
to land on the back of his neck. The only one we’ve seen so far. So thrilled he stopped by for a visit! B&L, SP,NJ

To Holly in Indy

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
Thanks for the post on Skiles Test Park. I took my children and my grandmother there this morning (Wednesday), what a wonderful experience. I can’t believe that my oldest will be 23 when they come back. I sure do hope that she remembers this and is as excited the next time they come around. It is truly awesome!!
Kim, Indy, Indiana

to Lisa Hornel from ny

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
If you want to see them go to wilkes barre pa. I was there and I guess its the closest to you so far. They are in the woods next to a Best Western on route 115. Take route 115 and turn on wildflower ave. When you get to the top off the hill there will be woods to your right. Go threw the woods cross another little road and they are right there. You will here them so just follow the sound. Ray , NJ

I’m Overwhelmed!!!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
They are definitely here and are starting to wear out their welcome.

I have alot of trees and they are loaded with them. Their dead shells are all over the place.

But I have noticed that everytime it rains, they go away for a while.

Lisa, District Heights, MD

Woo Cicada Hoo!!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
Thanks To Buzz at CM..we went to Princeton.. Nassau and Vandeventer.. it was awsome! The hover sound was unlike anything we ever heard! The chirps were neat too but the “ufo” hover sound was really something to write home about. My four kids had mixed reactions.. but my oldest daughter had them on her back, her legs.. her hair.. in her shirt.. it was great. We took lots of pictures. Well worth the trip. My twins.. Emily and Maria call them tickle bugs : ).. My lil man Anthony just kept saying Bug.. Bug! Mom & Dad had a swell time watching thier reactions and experiencing another one of Nature’s great awes! YaY Brood X! The Steitz Family (Nicole & Company), Westfield NJ

The Howard County Swarm

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
I grew up in College Park and was there in 1987, but I think there are more in the Ellicott City/Columbia area. Mowing my lawn has become fun, dodging them as they come at me. I have loads of dead ones (and the smell too), but there are just as many if not more flying about. My backyard will seem kind of boring when their gone. I can watch them for hours because they have no sense of direction. But, they are getting better using those wings. John, Ellicott City, MD

Cicadas attempting to leave Baltimore!

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
After suffering withering losses on the killing fields of the 695 Beltway, it appears that the cicadas have begun to defect via BWI. Massing on and around the parking garage, a few can be seen inside the terminal. One was spotted on the shoulder of a gentleman about to leave for South America. Alert security prevented this from happening. Homeland Security has upgraded the alert to “Red Eyes”. Mike, Lititz PA

cicada behavior

Date: Wednesday, Jun/2/2004
Shirley: They definitely make less noise when it’s cloudy and cool. When the sun comes and it gets hot they will resume raising hell. greg, towson, md

None in Philly region = predation or delayed emergence?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
I took a trip up to Lake Nockamixon today to see and hear the cicadas. They were out in full force near the boat rental parking lot on the north side of the lake. I’m still puzzled that they haven’t been seen closer to the Philly suburbs and wonder if they a) have been overcome by urbanization and the remaining few eliminated by predation 17 years ago, or b) some climatological event has occurred to make them wait another 1-4 years before emerging. If so, would we have a new brood on our hands, specific to the Philly area??? Mike, Chalfont, PA

Milky White on my wall

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
There it was, a perfect description of the Brood X phenomenon. One inch, milky white and stuck to the side of my row house. The transforming cicada. Who would have thought that these guys life cycle could survive in an urban atmosphere. I only seen one. We have a large tree and a few bushes in front of the house. I will asume he survived off one of those. To think three life cycles ago our houses weren’t here. I wondner if there are more to come there sure are alot of holes in my yard. Johnny Johnson, Philadelphia/Mayfair

Do they sing only when it is warm?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
We had colder weather (60’s and 70’s) this passed weekend and there was little or no singing at times. Do they sing less if it is cold? My students and I noticed some cicadas with their back portion missing but they were still alive and moving. What happened to them? Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

Scared Sisters

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Can anyone tell us where we can get up to date info as to when the Cicadas are supposed to arrive in our areas.. Im on Staten Island and my sister is in East Stroudsburg PA. We are both freaking out at the thought of these meaty little buggers landing on us or in our hair! Yes we are 31 and 37 respectively.. lol…

Any advice. Lisa & Diana, Staten Island NY & East Stroudsburgh PA

Friendly cicadas…

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
There are a lot of cicadas in this area; the poor things litter the sidewalks and roads. There are a lot of places where the ground is littered with wings only, their bodies long gone… quite weird.
Saw a deformed cicada today, with three wings… unfortunately, my hands were full, or I would have taken it home to photograph!
Anyway, there are still plenty of living cicadas; sometimes I find them lying on their backs and flailing their legs, so I pick them up and right them. Often they will cling to my finger for a good period of time, or will crawl about… They really seem very sweet, somehow, despite their limited intelligence. They’re quite possibly the friendliest bugs I’ve met, and I’ve grown quite attached to a few despite myself. I let them all go free, of course, but it’s nice to hold them for a little while. There’ve been plenty of run-ins with cicadas. I’m very glad they’re here. Chelsea A., Ellicott City, MD

To Bob in Baltimore

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Take a good picture with a good camera. The eye color will disappear when the cicada dies, no matter how you preserve it. Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas

Cicadas are Princeton’s school colors 🙂

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Laurel, that’s interesting…I don’t remember them singing at night in 1987…I thought they all went silent…they just want to sing you to sleep ;)…..My friend is back from NJ and said they were all over Princeton, who’s school colors were black and orange. Since the cicadas are black and orange, they were used in a school reunion theme 🙂 The other day I saw a news story out there that they are breaking the law in MD…their legal noise limit is 90 decibels and the cicadas come in at 92! Am still looking for a way to get some cicada wings….. Debbie, Seattle

The Party Has Resumed

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
My Cicada friends in Elkridge, Md have resumed their cherubic chatter after three straight days of sub par weather. Uh oh, I see storm clouds moving in to threaten the fun. George, Elkridge, Md, USA

Pesky Cicada Critters

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
What is all the excitement about these pesky little bugs. I must take cover when leaving my house. When !! anyone!! will these creatures leave my area? Sharon S, Indianapolis Indiana

Where are they?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
I know not to expect an answer but I am still hoping that I will get one… I would love for my kids to experience this. BUT where are they? We live near Rochester/Elmira New York… We haven’t seen any? What is the nearest location that they have been spotted, we are willing to travel.

Thanks & I’ll keep looking! Lisa, Hornell, NY, USA

my beagle and kids love them

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
IT’S WIERD, I DON’Y HEAR THEM UNTIL I GET TO MY HOUSE (5 WOODED ACRES) THEY LOVE SITTING AROUND ON MY HOSTAS. MY BEAGLE THINKS THEY’RE BERRIES OR SOMETHING. MY KIDS LOVE THEM. ME, CREEPY LITTLE THINGS…(THE BUGS). BUT THEY JUST LET YOU PICK THEM UP. MY SON LIKES TO OFFER THEM A BRANCH OFF THE GROUND THEY HOLD RIGHT ON AND HE CARRIES THEM AROUND…I GUESS ALL IN ALL THE NOISE IS THE WORST PART…. christina, marengo, ohio

New Englanders: Go To Princeton To See Them!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Sunday, May 30: From what I could gather from the experts at Uconn, UMich, local officials, this messsage board (Thanks!), and others, the closest place to New England to see Brood X is Princeton University, NJ. All OVER campus – 1000s alive and dead, can’t miss them. Land on pedestrians, cars, sidewalks, etc. Not present just two miles away. Dave Norris, Princeton, NJ

Good Riddance!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
I am not quite a prisoner in my house, but I would prefer to stay indoors. I’ve lived through the emergence of the cicadas, pulled the shells off my trees and shrubs (with gloves), and am now trying to cope with them flying around all over. I cut the grass this morning and had to wear a hat and swat at them to keep them off me. We have a lot of them, but from what I can tell, no where near the number that are elsewhere in northern Virginia. I can’t wait for them to disappear as they are ruining the spring and early summer for me. I want to take my grandchildren to the park but too many cicadas are flying around. Does anyone know when they will really be gone??? I don’t mind the noise, just the flying BUGS! Alice, Vienna, VA

Cicada Calendar

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Well, this has been the longest three weeks of my life (except for the last brood X attack 17 years ago). I have an extreme fear of cicadas. And, yes, I know it’s irrational. Does anyone know how much longer we have until their numbers start to dwindle? Is their an up-to-the-minute calendar on the Web somewhere that tracks the current progress of this invasion? I read that the emergence was about a week early, so I was hoping that the end was near. Is it?
Scared to Death, Fairfax, Virginia

Can hear them from the mountains

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
I haven’t seen any in my backyard but if you go up into the mountains of Western NJ in Warren County they are everywhere. Sound is so loud you can hear them from my back yard which is over a mile away. Merril Creek is a great spot to see/hear them for anyone interested. Jimmy, Warren County NJ

For folks in DC area

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
I have read some messages from people around the DC area like Fairfax, Wheaton, Silver Spring, etc etc who were really grossed out by these nasty things (much like I am). Some people asked where to go to escape them, and I have good news. While I work in Rockville and have to run to and from my car with arms flailing to avoid the nasty buggers, once I travel out 66 past Centerville, they are gone. Have not seen or heard a single Cicada in Manassas. So there you go, that’s where you can move 🙂
Make it stop!, Manassas, VA

Cicada infestation wrecks havoc on HVAC

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
According to the building engineers where I work on Eaton Place, a cicada infestation in the HVAC system has shut down our air conditioning today (June 1). They are currently working on the problem. It feels like 90 degrees in my office and it’s only 10 am. Luckily I have a small fan to circulate some air around me, otherwise it would be unbearable. This building was constructed in 1988, one year after the previous Brood X emergence. Maybe these cicadas are mad because their previous habitat was destroyed, and this is their way of getting even. Mike, Fairfax, VA

well where are they???

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
All the hype said end of May. Well…it’s June and none in sight. What is up with that? susan miller, somerset county, new hersey

Loads of them here!

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
We were in this town 12 miles south of Baltimore this past Saturday. My car had several plastered on it. We were watching a soccer game and the players kept running into them. They were also landing on the spectators. It was a funny sight! Dave, Ellicott City, MD

Are Cicadas Blind

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
are Cicadas blind? Some people have been telling me that is why they fly so poorly, but I can’t find anything to prove or disprove this. Ken, Gaithersburg, MD

Where are they?

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
It’s already the beginning of June and I still haven’t seen one little cicada. Any sightings anywhere in Metro Detroit or Livingston County? I really want to see these little guys and I’ll drive to see a large number of them. Please let me know… Peggy, Plymouth, MI

Invasion of the cicada’ s (while on riding mower)

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
Does anyone find it impossible to mow, particularly with a riding mower. The Cicada’s attack!! We have a mowing service and my 21 year old (former football) player son is finding it impossible to mow the baseball fields because of the invasion of the cicada’s…We’re talking 50 to 60 landing on us and swarming around. Any tips you can offer. I’m sure it’s the noise but what can we do???! vikki, Covington, Kentucky

Maryvale Castle Events

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
For anyone having a wedding or event, during the day the Cicadas are definitely singing a loud song, but not flying around – (we were scared at our wedding rehearsal which was at 3:30 pm). But, the wedding day (May 30), at 6:00 pm, the Cicadas were quiet! Night time and cooler temperatures really make a difference. Good Luck! Julie Maguire, Brooklandville, MD

m.cassini

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
where i captured blue/gray eyed individual the m.cassini outnumbered m.septendecim 10 to 1.i have many extra cassini.thanks. robert gardner, red lion penna

Washington DC

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
We saw thousands of them in Washington DC this past weekend. Gross! Svante Pettersson, Malmo, Sweden

Cicadas emerging in Michigan

Date: Tuesday, Jun/1/2004
They’re finally coming out in Ann Arbor! The trees around Oak Trail School (that Jim mentioned below) were teeming with them today. Tons of larvae were climbing up the tree trunks with many in the process of climbing out of their skins. The lower leaves were filled with hundreds of adults, just sitting there quietly. The ground was littered with shed skins. But so far no noise. That should come soon when the adults fly up into the trees to sing. Marshall Park off Dixboro Road is another place to find them. There’s not quite as many of them there but they are still abundant on the trail near the parking lot. Neil Richards, Ann Arbor, Michigan

I had the ride of my life!

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I was in Maryland over the weekend riding my bike and so many cicadas flew on me and started flapping their little wings that I became like Elliot in the E.T. movie and flew around about 15 scenic miles. It was awesome! I love those little guys. Joey Shnook, D.C. Metro

blue eyed cicada

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I found a blue-eyed cicada! It is in my bug box-but it died. Carly, Cross Junction, VA

Where to find cicadas in Indianapolis

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I posted a couple of days ago about finding big numbers if cicadas on the east side of Indy, north and south of 56 street just west of 465.

We have also discovered that you can visit these noisy friends in a couple of public places… Skiles Test park and Skiles Test Elementary School. Also, if you drive toward Fort Harrison, you will likely find a few public places to experience the sights and sounds.

We discovered that their singing cooresponds with temperature as well as light. They will not sing if it is chilly, even if it is light. Once it warms up, they are singing, chirping, buzzing and hummmmmming and flying around.

My oldest daughter found one that sounded almost like a chirp when she held it… the next day (in a different place), many of them made a loud buzzing sound when they were touched. I wonder if the chirping one was a different species or one with a malformed buzzer. Has anyone heard one of the big ones make a chirping/blurping sound?

If you want to visit these swarms, be aware that they like to crawl up your legs or land on the tallest object around (which with me and my girls is usually me!). I love these creatures, but I still get creeped out when they come buzzing and flying at me like tiny out of control airplanes.

My personal goal before this is all over is to be able to not scream and duck when one wants to land on me. I’m in awe of my children who (rightfully) have no fear. Holly, Indianapolis IN

North of the Turnpike, Dinosaur Rock

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
Well, I finally found some cicadas. If you live in Lancaster county in Pennsylvania, go North of the PA Turnpike. Also if you know where Dinosaur rock is, take a trip there, there are tons there. Josh, Manheim, Pa

cicada sightings

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
i dont have any cicada’s in my area but i just got back from visiting family in baltimore and they are all over the place there. we watched birds flying around haveing a field day catching them and eatting them. one even flew in our moveing car and hit my husband in the cheaek while he was driveing tabitha, virgina

I Have Heard of them before – Finally saw them!

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I have been hearing a lot about Cicaddas in the past few months but have never seen them. My mom, brother and I went to Springdale, Maryland to visit my aunt & uncle. The sound was incredible, they were flying (blindly) everywhere, on every tree. I will never forget it. We took some dead ones home with us. I am writing a report for school. Isabelle Jackson, Blackwood, NJ

Cicada Count: Zero

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
Nothing yet. Jim, Bridgewater, NJ (Somerset County)

Not here but tons in in southern West Virginia

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I just returned today from a trip up north. I took 81 South through Maryland and West Virginia into Virginia to 66 East. I could hear and see them in the in the last 10 minutes of West Virginia on into Virginia. I must have hit at least a dozen with my car. I left interstate 81 to head east on interstate 66, and then I exited interstate 66 for a McDonald’s at Front Royal. There were swarms of them in the trees and bushes surrounding the restaurant and gas station. I am originally from upstate New York and have never seen nor heard anything like it! Based on the fact that they kept flying in my face and hair – I hope I don’t see them near where I live – I was happy to get away from them. Kelly, Richmond, VA

Not a Sound!

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
Not one sound of the pests here in Ballsville. Just waiting for now.Jack Pollio. Virginia Jack Pollio, Ballsville, Virginia

Kind treatment of Cicadas and egg laying.

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I am a science teacher in the Maryland/DC area. My 4th and 5th graders have been going outside to study these unusual insects. They are not allow to hurt them. They are allowed to handle them gently. I also work in our after care program so the same rules apply. All the teachers are making sure that the students do not hurt them.

Today I saw several females laying eggs on the tree in my yard. My husband took some great pictures. I should have taken movies but I wanted to watch. After the female inserts the body part (I forgot what it is called)into the branch, she pumps her abdomen up and down. It take about a minute. Hope you all can see it.

Shirley Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD

Cincinatti is loaded with Cicadas!

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
My family spent this past weekend in Cincinatti… it seems that the Cicada love the Cincy area. We just heard the Cicada in the masses while driving, but we were almost attacked by the hordes of Cicada at the Cincinatti Zoo. A Zoo worker said it best “This is Ground Zero for Cicada”; I think she was right. Tons of Cicada flying around, landing on people, freaking out little kids. Once jumped in my van and hitched a ride to Columbus. They were neat and you could hear them while driving (with windows up and with the A/C and radio on). Truly amazing. Erik, Columbus, OH

Bike Riders Beware!

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
We have plenty of cicadas around here. When riding bikes on the bike path along the Big Miami River the cicadas are flying everywhere and their singing is quite monotonous! You’d best not open your mouth for any reason or you just might experience a nice tasty cicada snack! Karen , West Carrollton, OH

Another bathroom cicada encounter!

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I work on the south side of Capitol Hill in DC, in a fairly new building. I have seen only a couple of cicadas around there so far – which didn’t surprise me, since the ground has been torn up quite a bit around there in the past 17 years. What DID surprise me was that yesterday, in the bathroom at work, I felt something on my shirt, which I went to brush away – and then looked down and saw I was holding a cicada, and jumped about a mile! I’m not really afraid of them, he (she? It was the women’s bathroom) just startled me.
My home is in Cleveland Park, DC. I haven’t seen that many on my street – maybe 20 total. Just a few streets away, though, my neighbors say they have tons. Elizabeth, Washington, DC

Any in Long Island Yet?

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Planning a trip to see (and hear) the cicadas. Was hoping to hit Long Island bacuase it is a shorter trip than New Jersey, but I have not heard of any showing up there yet. Any sightings at all? Al, Westborough,, MA

Pssing Through

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
On a road trip from middle tennessee to monmouth county NJ, we used interstate 81 north. We left Roanoke Va at 9:30 am, May 30th, didn’t see any cicades until we hiy West Virginia around 1:30pm. They were lots as the highway wound through the more wooded areas. Once until Maryland we saw very few and once in PA, we saw none. West Virginia had plenty. I do not know how to estimate, but through many miles we were hitting a cicada about every 2 or 3 seconds. (was driving a truck).
Bob, Aberdeen NJ

No Cicadas here !

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
We are still waiting here. There were exploring in a few areas and noticed just west of here in Berks County. Heavily infested pockets seem to be the rule. Steve, Pottstown, E.Coventry Township PA

Can anyone explain this??

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
We have had cicadas emerging here since at least May 12th. We are in the middle of a 500 acre forest at 2000 ft altitude just west of Murphy and near the TN border.
The mystery IS that we have not heard any of the cicadas singing in the trees surrounding our house although we see them flitting from tree to tree, but we have heard them for a week or so in the distance to the east of us.
Why don’t they make noise in our trees or anywhere around our house???
We usually feed hundreds of birds here with our feeders but they have been gone the last few weeks apparently on an Atkins diet of cicadas instead of our sunflower seed so I can’t see that the cicadas would be afraid of our bird population…they aren’t here!
Can anyone venture a theory? We’re mystified. We want to hear them up close and personal. 🙂 Hope, Murphy, NC

Located in North Georgia Mountains – Amicalola Falls

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
We hike at Amicalola Falls State Park almost every weekend… 05/23 and 05/30 we saw many holes in the ground, the Cicada Nymphal Skins on the trees and Cicada Periodical adult bodies on the ground… then of course, the mating calls in the trees. All very cool! I grew up in Delaware with the Dog-Day Cicada which I saw/heard every year. It is fun to learn about the different species.

No Cicada Periodical sightings in Gainesville GA (just 35 miles away) C Dew, Gainesville, Georgia

Protect your ears

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I have somewhere between 30-50,000 in my area and have found the sound interesting but uncomfortable. I decided to measure how much sound they were producing.

Standing on my deck mid afternoon the din is a steady 85-90 dBA.
Per O.S.H.A’s guidelines 8 hours/day is the limit before hearing damage may occur. Many audiologists believe hearing damage may happen in a shorter period of time.

If you are working out in an area where Cicada’s are bountiful you may want to consider hearing protection for the next few weeks. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10625
Karl Freudenreich, Columbus, Ohio

A lot of Cicadas

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
Near the University of Cincinnati Ryan, Clifton, Ohio

Are they gone already?

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I went away last Friday to the mountains where there were no cicadas, when I left they were chirping as loud as ever, when I returned home yesterday, I heard no chirping & saw many dead or dying cicadas…I was able to catch a few males & a couple of females. Today, it’s rainy & only in the upper 60’s, could the weather have something to do with this??? Anyone?? Also, how can you tell that a male has mated? Or can you? I have heard that males can only mate once then they die… Staci, Beltsville, MD

WARNING: Cicada’s and Skirts

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
I don’t know how many other women have had this experience? I’m tired of it. I can’t until they are all gone. These nasty bugs keep flying up my skirt. It seems to happen mostly when I’m about to go into my car. I start driving, have to pull over and get them out. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

Only a few more weeks and it will be just a memory. Lori, Pikesville, MD

New photos of Terpnosia vacua

Date: Monday, May/31/2004
New photos of Terpnosia vacua (Japanese name is Haruzemi, which means ‘Spring Cicada’) are available from my Cicadae in Japan website:

http://zikade.world.coocan.jp/Zikade.html

Please enjoy them. Yasumasa SAISHO, Hiroshima, JAPAN

Cicada Panic

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Has anyone heard if they are headed for Staten Island? You guys in PA are freaking me out! I have never seen a cicada and I am not looking forward to it. I may have to live under a bug net for the rest of the summer. Karen, Staten Island

They are in Gettysburg…I heard them today!

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Today, my husband, son, and I drove down to the Boyds Bear Country Barn in Gettysburg, PA. On the road to the Barn, my husband said, “do you hear that?” Well, our windows were all rolled up, our airconditioner was on full blast, and my son had his CD player blasting (headphones half off his ears, of course). Heck no, I didn’t hear THAT! Then, he slowed down the car, turned off the air, and my son got quiet also. When we rolled down the windows, it sounded like a million crickets in the creek gone haywire. A non-stop buzz that could drive you nuts if you lived in the midst of it. A gleeful grin came over my husband’s face…CICADAS!!!!! We have been waiting for them for the last month…talk about media hype….but have had no signs whatsoever. I truly hope that today’s encounter will be my one and only experience with these bugs. Heard but not seen! Nancy, PA

VDOT Against Cicadas?

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Prior to the emergence of the cicadas, I noticed VDOT workers every morning (I drive 150 miles round trip on 81 South everyday) spraying some kind of liquid on the medians and hillsides.

Was this intended to reduce the number of emerging cicadas? They certainly weren’t watering the plants.

Just wondering.

Cardo, Winchester, VA

in my neighborhood, finally!

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
When the cicadas were first to emerge, i went out everynite with my flashlight and hoped to see one emerge from its shell. i gave up hope, and realized i was just going to have to listen to them at work, in severna park. but two days ago, i started to hear them in my area, and now they are everywhere. I say that i am very brave, because i actually go outside during the day. For the last 3 days the weather was very warm and sunny, and those little guys were singing their little hearts out, and flying everywhere. today was cool and overcast so they were not as loud or active. i did have a close encounter at work on friday, i heard this growling noise behind me, and when i turned around i was eyeball to eyeball to one. boy did i run.
carolyn, glen burnie, maryland

To “Unique Blue Eyed Cicada”

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Release your cicada so it can breed more blue eyed cicadas. If it is already dead, bring it to your local university’s biology department and ask the teacher there most likely to know about insects how best to preserve it without harming the eyes (an entymologist, or other biologist). We have no cicadas here in the triangle. I’m disappointed. SG, Triangle, NC

Cicadas

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I have seen so many cicadas and dead cicadas in my yard! before I used to be freaked out with them but now they are ok. Im 9 yrs old so the next time ‘I see cicadas is when I’m going to be about 26. Im trying to enjoy the first time I meet cicadas because I wont see them again for a very long time! Mary, Maryland

South Jersey cicadas

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
For the person who asked about cicadas in South Jersey: There are not many sites in that area for this brood, but there is a decent population along Woodstown-Alloway Rd., S. of Woodstown, NJ, and mainly north of the Timberman Rd. junction (and in that general area). You can also look along Pierson Rd. off Commissioners Pike. Those locations are in Salem County, NJ. There are also odd spots scattered around NJ to the northeast of that, but I do not know the specifics. Much of NJ, including the northern areas connecting with the Hudson River Valley of NY, belongs to a different brood (Brood II) which emerged last in 1996, so most New Jerseyans do not have them this year.
Dave Marshall, Evansville, Indiana, for the next few days

None In Hagerstown…

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I left my cicada ridden neighborhood for the mountains of northern MD & not a SIGN of even one cicada…..It was much cooler there than it is here in the D.C. suburbs. They may stink, but it was nice to come home to their singing…..This happens only every 17 yrs, that’s alot of time, I think we should make the best of them for the short time they are here…Buy your child a “bug cage” or a “Critter Keeper” available at any pet store. They are pretty cool to watch & listen to when there are only 4 or 5 in the cage….Make sure you put plenty of sticks & leafy material for them to eat & drink from, I change mine daily, let the cicadas go & catch new ones & fill the keeper with fresh branches & shrubbery. I keep a water squirt bottle close to spray them occasionally. I think this is really a very interesting time, they may stink, but they are harmless & cool to watch! My 3 yr old will be 20, omg, when Brood X appears next!!!! Does anyone know hoew to keep the dead cicadas on some kind of display behind glass?? I would like to keep a few males & females & compare them the next time they come around, God willing I am here 🙂 Staci, Beltsville, MD

Bummin’

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
According to the Michigan website, I won’t be getting any cicadas… I’m so bummed. Can anyone confirm or deny this? I’m about an hour north of the PA border. I’ve been soooo anticipating this, too. Sebastian , Binghamton, NY

None in Rochester but alot in D.C.

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I was just in D.C. last weekend this weekend and there was thousands of cicadas. Especially in Arlington Cemetary. There are none in my part of New York. Probably never will be. Brendon, Rochester, NY

None here but plenty there!

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Still none in my area, but I went to Hagerstown MD yesterday and heard none down I-95. Heard some around Baltimore, but not on I-70 and none in Hagerstown. Went from Hagerstown to Artemas PA and started hearing and seeing them as we traveled on I-70. When we got to Artemas we saw plenty! We then went to Hannicey-nice MD for dinner and saw plenty there also by the canal. It was great to see them. Today we went to Antietam National Battlefield (a great place to visit) and saw a few there but heard many in the surrounding area. On the trip back I heard them all the way until the Newark DE exit on I-95. David, Media PA

Found Them!!

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Kept waiting for these things to show up at the house and they didn’t so we went looking. Found them in Southern Lancaster County. Loads of them driving on 340 tword Pinacle Point in Holtwood. Stopped at Pinacle and got dive bombed! Loved It!!The sound is amazing, so incredibly loud. So, if your hunting, just take a drive in the southern end of Lancaster, keep your ears open and pull over when it gets really loud. Kelly, Lancaster, PA

Plenty on the Mountain

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Lots of cicadas in the western part of Hillsborough, especially up the Sourland mountain. Sounds like a million tiny little chain saws buzzing in the trees! christine, Hillsborough, NJ

To Kelly in Columbus, Dated May 24- White Cicada

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Hi, Kelly!
Yes and yes! I have seen and photographed an albino cicada, too! Isn’t it exciting?! The white body really shows up the striking red eyes, doesn’t it? Makes it look rather alien. 😉
In my necka the woods, the cicadas have peaked in noise level and are now dwindling down a bit. We are having coolish weather, now, so I wonder if that has anything to do with it, because when it was hot last week, boy, the cicadas really buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzed and flew around!
If anyone knows the answer to this question, please do post it: Now and then, we’ll hear, above the “running water” droning sound, a sudden burst of a low, buzzy, WEEEEEEEEEEEEohhhhhhhhhh, WEEEEEEEEEohhhhhhhhhh sound, like it’s from an individual cicada. Does anyone have any clue what that means/is? THANKS IN ADVANCE!

+Becki, Who will miss them when they’re gone! +Becki, Landover Hills, MD

I HATE CICADAIS

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
THEY ARE THE WORST CREATURES EVER I HATE THEM AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BETH, LALALALALALALALALALA

When will they arrive? Not here yet….

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I’m anxiously awaiting their arrival here in the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania, VA area. Can anyone tell me if there were here 17 yrs ago or if they are coming? Terri, Spotsylvania, VA

So fascinating to watch them up close

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Am I lucky to be visiting Cumberland MD this week (was in Arlington 2 weeks ago. I get around!) The mountains are echoing & vibrating with their incredible song. I stood under a small tree and watched them closely for the first time. I saw the females laying eggs with a long ovipositor that she inserts into the twig. And I saw the males fly in & land on a twig and start singing, lifting their abdomen and making their “whee-oh” call. The “oh” part is when they relax their abdomen at the end. It is a soft, mellow call…hard to believe that ambient whistle in the woods is just millions of insects making this little noise all at once. This really is a magical phenomenon. The guy who named them “magicicada” had it right!! Laura Woodswalker, Visiting Cumberland MD

AGGGGGGG

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
TOO MANY CICADAS!!! The sound is INSANE, and they are flying EVERYWHERE!
I fled to my parent’s this weekend to get away from the deafening noise, and to hopefully get some sleep. I have a few that attatch themselves to the screen on my bedroom window and sing to me all night long!! Lucky me. Lauren, Reston, VA

To Priscilla of Smithville

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
We will certainly all be disappointed if we do not see the cicadas here. That would be wonderful if you could share with us your exoskeletal “bounty”. My class and I would greatly appreciate it! I still have hope that they will come….but starting to doubt! Kim Kim, Smithville, NJ

still waiting

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I have seen holes in the ground for weeks but no signs of any cicadas. Don’t hear any either. We live in a wooded area and expected, still do, to be covered. Would like to get this over with. Any sightings near here? D.C., Devon, Pa.

TO CHRIS, Carlsbad, CATO

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Would you like to move into my house? Would you like to be imprisoned in the house with windows and doors tightly closed – so you wouldn’t smell decaying “friends” from outside? Would you like to drive in rush hour being bombed by these lovely creatures, and then spend an hour washing the mess off your car?
That’s very good of you to be such a wise guy, who is reading about cicadas from afar. Come and stay here, then we’ll see how you feel about these “friends”.
Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA

They’re here!

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
Thanks to Mike, my kids and I went to Middle Creek last evening (Kleinfeltersville, PA, just North of PA turnpike)And they’re there by the millions, I would say. The ground is peppered with their holes. We saw a whole lot of cases, adults, but no freshly emerged ones. You have to look UNDER the leaves mostly, and surprisingly, not on the big trees, but the small vegetation (mind the poison ivy!) So, we had to drive 30 minutes to see them, but my kids were impressed. A nice outing, with a happy ending. Steve, Leola, PA

my new friend

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
i was driving home yesterday on a beautiful day and had all my windows open, and next thing i knew a cicada flew in my car! i guess i’m not too much of a girly girl cause i think cicadas are the coolest things ever so i closed my windows and brought him home with me. i showed all my friends my new cicada friend but they weren’t as impressed as i. then i set him free but he only made it a few feet before a bird ate him. poor little booger… Leah, Dayton, OH

Where are they???

Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
We were covered up with them when the 13 yr. brood arose. I have not seen a single one yet this time. Are they coming to this area? Theresa, Southern Middle Tennessee

1987 Cicadas

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
We lived in Reading (Berks County) from March-October 1987. I can honestly say I NEVER saw one cicada that year. Since that was 17 years ago, the sidewalks should have been literally covered with them. We lived near the museum and used to go there several times a week. Saw lots of chipmunks but no cicadas. And I *KNOW* I would have remembered swarms of ANY kind of bug. This whole cicada cycle thing is very puzzling to me. Mindy, Las Vegas, NV (formerly Reading, PA)

For Kim at Smithville School

Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
No cicadas here yet, but my sister and I took a ride up to Princeton today to see them. They were everywhere! And that noise! It was like a million crickets over our heads. They were quite clumsy, and even friendly, as they allowed my sister and I to pick them up and carry them around.

I don’t know if we’ll be seeing them here, but I have a feeling we won’t (too many pines and not enough deciduous trees). If not, I brought home a few exoskeletons and can drop them off at the school for you and your class. Let me know if you want them. You can post it here. Priscilla, Smithville, NJ

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 11:32 am

None Yet!!!!

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Kinda want to get it over with! Alan, Hauppauge. Long Island

Where are they

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I have been watching for them everyday. Nothing yet here =( Frank, Toledo, Ohio

Awaiting the Wonderous Cicadas

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Many storms here over the last week, lots of flooding in S.E. Michigan, cool soil tempertures. Hopefully the babies are in waiting. Envious of those who are now in the midst. Searched in southern Washtenaw County..none so far. Can’t wait for an emergence of Brood X nearby my location in western Wayne County. Has anybody seen them yet in S. E. Mich? And shame on the Humans that are doing the Magic Cicadas harm…watch that your Karma doesn’t whip back around at you. Respect their life. Deb, Western Wayne County, Mi.

airport invation

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
hey they are at cvg (airport) they love apu’s on planes and ac units drew, hebron ky

TN Cicadas…

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Hey, East TN – if ya’ll don’t care,
just keep them there – it’s quiet
in southern middle-TN, so far!
(fingers crossed, of course!) Annette, Summertown, TN (Lawrence County)

Cicadas are still awake even at night

Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Its almost Midnight on Saturday Night.I went outside and just observed at least a Hundred or more still Singing on the pavement of my street in front of my house under the Street Light.It seems that they are attracted to light at night which explains why there are so many out on my front step in the Morning after leaving the front light on all night.I Dont remember this in 87 Ron and Mary, Annandale, Virginia

Noise is peaking here in southern Indiana

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Incredible noise in some areas of town today. Out in the Hoosier Nat’l Forest today the background drone gave the eerie feeling of a Japanese monster movie. I suppose it might get louder yet, but it’s hard to imagine. Mike, Bloomington, IN

epicenter in princeton new jersey

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Took a ride through Princeton today and opened the window…could hear them buzzing and vibrating like there was a UFO hovering overhead. I got out of my car and walked around. I looked at this one tree which may just have been the epicenter of all cicada activity in Princeton…there must have been upwards over 100000 cicada casings on just one tree…other trees in the vicinity were also mightily covered. I saw lots of dried dead cicadas on the sidewalk and driveways. I also saw something interesting…dead cicads which were half way out of their molting process…they were dried up…I guess something happened during the molting process that prevented them from finishing it and they just dried out.

I was quite amazing to hear their shrills in the air. It sounded like two distinct waves of noise…one was the general chirping and the second was the UFO type noise like it was hovering overheard and vibrating back and forth. I live about 10 miles north in Belle Mead and none have made it there so I think Princeton and Skillman which is a couple miles north is as far as they will get. mark, belle mead, nj

OMG

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in the Cresent Hill area of Louisville and we are crawling (and flying and crunching). They are everywhere!!! This area of Louisville and the Highlands seems to be very popular with brood X. Must be all the old houses. We have been seeing more of the bats from Cave Hill flying around. Soon they will be too heavy to fly from all the crunch and munch. Lisa, Louisville, KY

I still haven’t seen any cicadas!!!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
In response to the 5/18 entry from Debbie from Middlesex, NJ: Have you heard of anybody seeing them around here? I haven’t seen any and I’m not looking forward to it at all. In the paper it said that the epicenter for them is Princeton. Has anyone heard anything similar? Thanks. Tracy, Middlesex, NJ

Strange cicada emergence in new jersey

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
You can go a full circle around princeton, NJ and not find a single cicada but in and around the university campus there are millions of them. Maybe there’s some kind of funny microclimate there? Or perhaps they’ve died out in areas around princeton? alan w., new jersey

Green Lane Park PA–They’ve Arrived!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Last week I was visiting Arlington VA–and they were hatching. Next morning they were in full cry. I couldn’t believe their awesome sound!! I was thoroughly enchanted by these weird lovestruck critters. But I didn’t think we’d get them here in Suburban Philly area because I don’t recall them from 87. Today I went up to Green Lane Park and there they were!! It seemed to be a different species. The ones in VA had a lovely mellow tone–these sounded more shrill. They were very heavy in this one field by Rt 29, and I went to look. I saw a huge number of dead ones around the bottom of trees. A lot of them looked deformed. I was kind of worried, maybe the environmental pollutants are harming them? Laura , Oaks PA

None here.

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
There are no signs of anything Cicada here. Planning a trip to Cincinnati next weekend to hang with the cicadas instead. Josh , Ferndale, MI (Just north of Detroit)

Do cicada’s smell?

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We have tons of cicada’s in our yard and we have been noticing a terrible smell lately. We are worried that there is an animal that died that we can’t find but is is possible that it could be an odor from all of the cicadas? We seem to have noticed it in other areas of our neighborhood as well. Does anyone have any info? Kristen, Rockville, MD

Can’t wait to see you!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’m not a friend of creepy crawlies, but I’m excited to see them emerge.
So far I haven’t seen even one. I will take pictures of this event and send them to friends all over the world!

Ilona, Grove City,Ohio

Tey’re everywhere, they’re everywhere

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
There seems to be millions of them. I live in a wooded area and they are all over everything. We saw a lot of them comming out of the shell last night & it looks like they have none or almost no wings at all. Saw a lot of them in different stages, was a very interesting show! Carol, Coopersburg, PA

Pump up the volume

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
They really cranked it up today just north of Baltimore. I live on the 6th floor of an apt. building right next to the beltway and they were louder than the traffic. The noise seemed to start to taper off around 7 pm and they were silent by sunset (8:20 here today). Interesting creatures and all, but the noise is gonna get old pretty soon I suspect. greg, Towson, Md.

Millions!!! Cicada

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Unbelievable! Louder than a chain Saw!!! Trees That were 25 ft apart appear now to connect! This is my 3rd time I’ve seen them in my life. There are so many at my place of employment they cannot all fit into the trees. They have spilled onto the roadway to be pulverized by autos. I have never witnessed so many. It is only their 3 rd day coming out. Dayton Ky is 3 miles southeast of Cincinnati Ohio. runninmn, Dayton, Ky.

What is so awesome about these ugly things??!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
My daughter and I went walking around Ft. Benjamin Harrison, and they were everywhere! It wasn’t until I remembered reading an article earlier this week that I realized what they were. Some of my daughter’s classmates were telling her about them as well. I don’t like the summer bugs that come every year, let alone these nasty things! So, I am limited to the outdoors until the end of June! Traci, Indianapolis IN

Small emergence-Delaware

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We have had a small emergence of cicadas here in my backyard, but so far, I have heard but one or two. I think that most may have been eaten by birds? Have tons of birds out back. About 2 miles away, just on the border of Elkton MD and Delaware, there have been many, many more. The loud humming sound is audible from a mile or so away. shishypat, Newark, DE

They’re here

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I read a message that the Cicadas weren’t visible on campus two days ago. I just moved here from Minnesota and we never have Cicadas. But they are definitely visible now! Holy cow! MG, Miami University

None here!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Someone from this area posted these 17 year cicadas in Massachusetts, but as far as I can tell there are NONE in New England. Not even sure if there are any as far north as NJ. Tom Aloisi, Bridgewater, MA (southeastern Mass)

So loud

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I woke this morning to the sound–I was sure someone had left the water running somewhere. I searched all over the house, but no faucets were running. I opened the front door and sound hit me. I live within 200ft of a major Interstate highway, yet the cicadas drowned out the sound of the traffic. Amazing. Anita, Arlington, Virginia

There here

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Finally found my first cicada’s here on Long Island……….yippy Paul, Deer Park NY

Finally!!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Finally arrived on the northeast side. State Road 37 and 71st Street. Small emergance so far, we will see how it goes. Kim, Indianapolis IN

Big emergence ’round here

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The cicadas started emerging about two weeks or so ago in Annandale (suburb of Washington, DC), and I think they may have hit their peak this weekend. There are literally millions of them – you cannot walk down the street without running into hundreds and hundreds. And the discarded shells are also everywhere. They are so LOUD!

This is pretty cool, but I am also glad to know they will be gone by the end of June. Squished cicadas are pretty icky. And one crawled up the leg of my jeans – ugh! Siobhan Green, Annandale, VA

kevin rasmussen, where exactly?

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
just where are the across from belle isle? anywhere in particular? i need to go and find some… minda, detroit ‘burb

Thank God!!!…

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’m very glad we don’t have them around here — swarms of insects like that, however harmless they may be, just creep me out!!! Kristin, Everett, MA

They’re FINALLY here!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Last week I posted that I haven’t seen or heard any and was VERY disappointed about it. I’ve been walking my dog every day searching for them in the woods nearby.
This morning, I opened the front door and could hear them VERY well coming from the wooded hill nearby. It’s an AWESOME sound!!!
We drove this morning around town to look for them. They can be heard very well on Riva Road in Annapolis.
I wish I could get some photos of them emerging out of their exoskeletons.
Varda, Arnold, Cape St. Claire

Cicada Invasion

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Our back yard is full of cicadas. I was surprised to see so many since we live in town. Our home is 100 years old though and we have an old oak tree in our back yard. At night our yard is fully covered with them with only an inch or two between them. Of a morning our back door and steps are covered with them. They are on everything. The worst part is that the smell of them is starting to get nauseous. Debra, North Vernon,IN USA

Stonewall Manor filled with cicada crooning

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Today (May 22) the cicadas were in full song in my Stonewall Manor neighborhood. Sitting on my deck, I could barely hear the neighbor’s lawn mower over the cicada singing. We are near the I-495/I-66 interchange, and normally the interstate traffic can be heard from my deck, but not today. Even the noise from the jet airplanes heading to National Airport are mostly drowned out by the cicadas. I was in Falls Church in 1987, but don’t remember them being this loud. It’s very impressive. Mike, Vienna, VA

Cicadas are Here & Noisy!!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Hi everyone…during the past two days the number and noise level of the cicadas have increased dramatically in the woods behind our house. Their symphony is at the highest level at the hottest part of the day, about 3 to 4 p.m. or so. Our Border Collie ate his first cicada last night on the porch…apparently, he really enjoyed the experience!

It continues to be absolutely fascinating. I’ll be sad when it is all over!! Cheryl VanDaalen, Falls Creek, Louisville, Kentucky

Cicadas on key.

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The cicadas have been singing their song here in this part of East TN since around May 22. Their steady song seems to fill the nearby wood. TennTom, Blount County, Tennessee,USA

I haven’t seen any here..

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I wonder if I’ll be seeing any cicadas around here. Part of me finds the fact that swarms of these things taking over my town is kind of cool. Another part of me is creeped out, because one bug alone is creepy enough! If they end up showing up here in high numbers, I will totally freak out! Ha-It’ll probably look like that movie “The Birds!”lol!-and at least my cats will have fun! Cait, Bergan County, NJ

How much longer????

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Does anyone know when our unwanted visitors will be leaving or at least becoming dormant? These things are driving me nuts – they’re just plan nasty.

Elan, Fairfax, Virginia

You can have mine, I have plenty!!!

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The Cicadas have taken over my property!!! I dont even want to cut the grass right now!!! I should wait till they quite down and do it at night to see how they like that!!! If anyone wants to take these bugs for research you are more than welcome to them. One condition, YOU MUST TAKE THEM ALL!!! David, Knoxville TN

cicadas everywhere

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
today has been the most exciting day so far… they are busily buzzing all over the place, its very loud. I live off a golf course with lots of trees and I can’t imagine how the golfers are concentrating on their game. My friend and I went for a walk and practically had to yell to be heard! nikki, reston, va

Noisy Cicadas

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
First week of May i did not Know what this noise was,and it was very loud and you new there was alot of them. I thaught at first bats but then i saw a story on good morning america. I then took a good look out in the back yard and sure enough it was cicadas. Hundreds if not thousands…This was the first week of May and they only started around dusk and went till 5 in the morning…Now you still hear them but theres not as many, you can tell the differnce….The Cicadas are in a garden that has a few trees around it on one side of the house but there not any where else around the house.I’ve never had such a noise keep me up through the night,the bed room windows are on the side of the house that looks into the garden…. michelle, (nonquit,)So.Dartmouth.Ma.

Cicadia Sighting

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Saw a few starting about a week ago.
This morning there were several hundred on and around the sycamore trees in our front yard. Walt Mills, Springfield OH

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
This is the first time I’ve experienced this chaos. They are freaking me out. They don’t really serve much purpose, but I suppose this is pretty cool:
My husband called our local fly-fishing shop and asked if they thought he could use them as bait & if trout (and the like) will eat the cicadas….He replied “The trout should be pounding them once they figure it out!” He also said they should be huge in the fall. I imagine several other species of animals will enjoy gorging themselves and having a good healthy year. So at least they are good for something.
At the very least, just think of it as a ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET FOR MOTHER NATURE!!
Paula, Reisterstown, MD

Tool using cicadas??

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in an old sea captain’s house on Barnegat Bay. There is a 130 year old Elm tree in the yard and from the amount of mud chimneys, we are expecting a shipload of bugs. However, our chimneys have sticks pulled into the holes, and even some green leaves. The sticks are up to 8 inches tall, some are little twigs,pointing staight up, very unnaturally, all over the place.The sticks go into the ground at least an inch. Our soil is sandy, could they use these sticks to maintain an air tunnel when it rains? Heide, Waretown, NJ.

They’re Here

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
They have come to Bedford. Although my house is a new construction and I feel many were killed during excavation, I have talked to folks to have tons around their homes. Erick, Bedford, PA

None Yet?

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in Mooresville, IN about 40 miles north or Bloomington and I have yet to see any. I am starting to get depressed because I am pumped up for the invasion. The way everybody (media) talked is that they all come out pretty much the same time. The ground temps are far past 64 degrees and we have had lots of rain this week so the conditions are prime. I just hope they save the best for last. Good Cicada Hunting. Tyler Martin, Mooresville, Indiana

Cicadas in Dandridge

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’ve been actively searching and the only concentration of Cicadas that I’ve found in Tennessee were 30 miles or so southeast of Knoxville in Dandridge. Even there, thry were mostly spotty and while definitely loud they were for the most part all in the treetops being camera shy. Fred Hallman, Nashville, Tennessee

Cicadas on South Mountain

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We’ve been hearing Brood X for about a week or 10 days now, all over the mountain. I wnet into an area where many are emerging, and their nymph ‘husks’ are on trees by the hundreds per tree. I don’t think it’s at a peak yet. So far, I have neither seen or heard them in the valley nearer Hagerstown. I don’t know why, just probably havent found the right place. Greg , Hagerstown, Wash. Co. MD

Clusters

Date: Saturday, May/22/2004

this is not the huge emergence we were hoping for but for the last two nights we have seen several thousand in a small cluster of woods next to our property. nymphs, adults, and all in between on low shrubs headed for the treetops. they’re getting louder, it’s a nice sound. Big Daddy G, Gambrills, MD

See what?

Date: Friday, May/21/2004
I have seen where a few people in my surrounding area have seen a few, but nothing here so far, I do leave outside of town in the country area of D-ville, but nothing so far.
I have been waiting, so I can show my kids what I got to see when I was their age!
On another note, I do think dogs can hear them coming! My dog seems to dig a lot lately too, she has been nose to the ground, digging since last week or so. Being as she is only a little over 4 pounds, she will be more scared of them then they are of her, it should be good for a laugh if she gets to see them in full force! Kathleen, Duncansville, Blair County, Central PA

cicadas are weird

Date: Friday, May/21/2004
hi, i woke up one morning to find shells all over the tires of my car. and that droning sound is so annoying. i live in front of a wooded area. anyways, i think they are on the trees somewhere now because i dont see them crawling in the grass anymore.

also, i’ve always wondered what was the point of the cicada life cycle. they are born larvae, live in the ground for 17 years, come out and die. that must be a great life… Drew, Rockville (Montgomery CO), Maryland

Sitting Ducks

Date: Friday, May/21/2004
I have been closely observing the emergence of cicadas here over the past few nights. I am struck by how vulnerable they are for such an extended length of time – molting out in the open. I figured that since most of them emerge at night, they avoid most predators, like birds.

Tonight I found one emerging on my screen door, with a large droplet of dark, almost black fluid dangling off it. Closer examination revealed that they are, in fact, succeptible to predators. While the Cicada was partially emerged, a soldier beetle simply began feeding on it, releasing a lot of liquid. Undoubtedly, the cicada must use that fluid to expand it’s body, cracking and emerging from its shell –

There must be a lot of soldier beetles feasting this week! Richard, Rockville, MD

Dead cicadas everywere

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Ugh, the sidewalks are disgusting with smashed cicadas everywhere. At one point I looked down today and there were at least 20 cicadas within inches of my feet. Taylor, Washington, DC

they are everywhere

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Well, I’ve got about 20000 in my back yard, and the yards not the big. Don’t go out there barefoot! They are crawling everywhere tonight and falling out of the trees. Awesome, but creepy too. Zach Winning, West Carrollton (Dayton), Montgomery CO, OH

Woo-hoo!!! At last they are here!

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Yesterday I saw my first Brood X cicada near Berea, KY in a wooded area — could hear many singing, but only found one down near the ground.. It seems a pretty light emergence so far in central KY. Then today (after appearing on the morning news as a cicada “expert”) I found my first live cicada here in Lexington, right on the lawn of the Living Arts and Science Center! I took it inside to show it to my fellow workers — they had decided I was making up this whole story of cicadas, since we’d seen none so far. I breathed a sigh of relief since I am creating a small cicada exhibit to interpret the emergence — I was worried we’d see nothing here.

So this all got me so excited that I went and got my son out of preschool early and drove up to Cincinnati for the evening to see the BIG emergence in my sister’s backyard near College Hill. Thousands and thousands of cicadas everywhere!!! What a thrill. Now I have dozens of nymph shells to put in the exhibit. We’re having a cicada celebration on Saturday at the Living Arts and Science Center — we’ll be making “cicada time capsules” and cicada origami, among other things. Hopefully I’ll have completed my giant paper mache cicada by then! Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY

I’ve seen a few, but mostly just wings…

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I first posted on May 16th and I hadn’t seen one. Then a friend that lives in Hyattsville brought one over in a water bottle so I could see one up close and personal. The red eyes creep me out, but they are kind of cute. I’ve seen a few near Route 1 and Cypress Street (near Best Buy and Safeway), but none near my house. I think the birds know where they are though because every night I come home from work there are dozens of wings and heads on my sidewalk, walkway and front step. I haven’t heard them yet, but if they are in Beltsville like some of the posts say, I’m sure I’ll be able to hear them in the distance once they start their mating call. Ayanna, Laurel, MD

Cicada Shells spotted at Miami University grounds

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Crunchy shells underfoot on my way to class…they look just like the photos…haven’t heard or seen any flying during the day however, YET! 🙂 A.M. , Oxford, Ohio

No Cicadas yet 🙂

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Have yet to see or hear any emergence in the area. I wasn’t here in ’87 but it seems like a place that would have them. Its an older fully wooded community. I have several trees that are well over 100 years old. Maybe all of the shade keeps the ground cooler. I’ll be bummed if we don’t have any…. Steve, Cape St Claire, MD (Bay Bridge)

they’re here ….

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
The cicadas started emerging here on May 12, started flying and “humming” on the 17th.Every day the noise gets louder and the shells and newly emeging cicadas litter my garden. The sound could drive me over the edge.I live in a heavily wooded area, and the noise is deafening. Let me just turn my radio up a little louder.. Megan, Sharpsburg, Maryland

Nothing to report

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I’ve been looking but not a one seen in yard or in parks near by. Dave Douglas, Grove City, OH

When are they coming?

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Can anyone say when they will emerge here in North-Central Jersey? Kevin, Morris County, NJ

None Yet

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
If anyone has seen any in Yardley, PA, please give your section and what you see! Sharon, West Acres in Yardley, PA

Whre can I find Cicada’s in Ohio

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I live in Medina, OH 30 miles southwest of Cleveland.
I am looking for the closest spot whre I can find Brood x cicada’s.
Thanks:
Gary Gary, Medina

They’re here, too

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I have hundreds of them around my house. They started coming out within the last few days. We’ve had a lot of storms the last week and I’ve found the poor things hanging backwards from the trees, knocked off by the rain. They don’t appear very smart, and can’t navigate during flight worth a darn, but it has been fun watching them. Sure, they are making a mess in the yard and my dog is barfing them up on the couch, but I guess can handle it every 17 years.

Natalie, Winchester, VA

Think I might have seen my first…

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Looks like there’s a nymph dangling from a leaf just outside the entrance to my office. I just hope I don’t have to clean up the walkway every day to rid my path of shells and carcasses! Dr. Jayson Levine, Cincinnati, OH

Waiting patiently and hoping

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
According to the news reports, the Cicadas have been seen in the Scranton area and Mountaintop. But none here yet. I’m about 50 miles north and east of Scranton. I’m hoping they will emerge here. I love the Cicada, and their “summer chorus.” We don’t have the common variety up here either, that is why I’m hoping this brood will arrive. The Cicada brings back many good and happy memories of my childhood, down in the countryside a little north of Philadelphia. I really miss them. Sandra Knapp, Lake Como, Northeast Pa.

Haven’t seen one!

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I keep waiting for the gross, red-eyed buggers to appear around us since everyone else I know has been infested for a few days now. I’m guessing maybe the northeast suburbs are slower to emerge… hopefully that means we’ll have fewer! Jamie, Loveland, OH

Cicada eater!

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I read the article about the yellow wasp that lays eggs in the cicada, but I have seen a BLACK wasp attacking a cicada. It clung onto it and bit off one of the wings, then flew away. It came back and wrestled the cicada off its leaf and subdued it on the ground. It thn proceeded to rip off legs and fly off to eat them, then scissored open the abdomen. When I came back later I saw only a hollow thorax with four legs. I dont theink the wasp laid its eggs in it… ^_^ Luke, Howard County, MD

Coming out in moderate numbers in Valley Forge

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
First couple showed up on 5/15 in the sunniest SE-facing spots here (Valley Forge Mountain.) For the last few days they’ve started to emerge in the shadier areas above the slope and under the trees. Still not in huge numbers, but just walking past the gardens this morning I saw 10 or 15 drying their wings, and many more cases. This is mostly-undisturbed oak forest (last logged >70 years ago I’d guess), so I’d imagine it’s close to ideal habitat. Randell Jesup, Malvern, PA

Still no Cicadas

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Still have not spotted a single cicada. The rains over this past week have probably kept them underground for now. I’m sure that once it gets sunny again, they will be on the move. Mike H., Phoenixville, PA (Valley Forge, PA)

They are all over

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
We are next door to a orcard and they are all over this place. Rebel, Elkton Md

They’re here

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I saw a few in my yard last night for the first time. I am at zip code 19539. Sue, Fredericksville, PA, Berks County

Ode To The Cicada

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Who’s ‘afraida’ a little old Cicada?
We only get to see ’em every 17 years– Kinda makes ya wanna break out in tears!–So fear not when you behold their beady red eyes–For soon enough you’ll come to realize–The insect that tunnels its way through the ground–Just a little while longer will not be found–And if you should almost step on one accidently–Just pick it up nicely and say to it most gently: Oh Cicada, I’m sorry I almost squashed the life from you–And be very glad, for there’s no cicada goo on yer shoe!–The Cicada gets out there and sings its mating song–For it knows deep down it doesn’t have long–You see, the Cicada needs to be findin’ a mate–And it can’t be wastin’ precious time… no, it can’t be late!–So when you hear the Cicadas all ’round you there–Just keep your head down and them outta yer hair–For they will clumsily flutter into your path–How many of ’em you see?–You do the math! I’ve heard it said that they’re fine for cookin’–Man, they’re so ugly they’re kinda good lookin’!–But to eat the flesh of this beady red-eyed bug?–I’d rather fry me up a slimy garden slug!–Oh Cicada, Cicada… as you fly though the air–It’s okay, you can alight on me… if you so care–For I won’t be ‘afraida’ a little old Cicada–So see ya ’round next time…
See ya ‘lata’ Cicada! Lauri Clapper, White Post, VA

are we gonna get some of this X

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
hey, i was wondering if anybody knows if the brood will reach Western Long Island? The news around here mentions it, but there doesnt seem to be much action. If someone could leave a message to let us know it would be great, WE want in on some of this action 2! Joe , Nassau County, Long Island NY

I WISH THEY WOULD GET HERE!!

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I am in lower York County Pa right above nicey-niceeysville Md and I have not found a single one!! We are waiting anxiously!! I did find some yesterday in Reistertown Md outside the Boston Market. They were all over the trees and ground but not an insane amount. Vicki, GLEN ROCK YORK COUNTY PA

Cicada free

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Not a one here. Not that I’ve seen, at least. I lived in PA 17 years ago and remember them well. Tony, Raleigh, NC

Brood X in da house

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Well, not really ‘in da house’, at least not yet. Hasn’t stopped my 4-year old from wanting to bring in some of his ‘buddies’ as he calls them. His daycare in Delhi is inundated with them, all over the parking lot, their playground area, etc. The birds are getting confused as they don’t know which one to chase next, they are a bit overwhelmed (and probably full). I bought a Cicadanator just for kicks. beer_advocate, Cincinnati, OH

Heard them but yet to see them…

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I’ve heard them but I have yet to see them.. Actually yes I saw one flying arounf buts that it. When are the cicadas going to take full effect?! I am waiting and keep going outside to see whther there all around or not haha! Please let me know if there are any sightings around cause I am right by the Somerset border so we should get some here! Jason, Union County, NJ

first cicada

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I saw the first blimpy, bumbling cicada yesterday evening but the surround woods resound with their noise. marianne, ashland, va

im still waiting………

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
hello, has anyone from the lancaster county area spotted any cicadas yet? im anxiously waiting to catch one! im in the city so maybe i need to get out to the county? thanks…. fasteddie, lancaster pa

Cicadas have taken over my yard!

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I noticed a bunch over last weekend clinging to grass and the house,but now they have absolutely covered the ground and trees in my yard.Oddly enough i haven’t seen many in the front of the house but the backyard is covered.They’ve been emerging from their shells over the past few days but not much noise yet.The sheer number of them is amazing and i guess i still have the noise and smell to look forward to. Mike, Newark,DE

hatching on the rivers edge

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
i heard one on monday may 17th and then several today the 19th. i live on the Detroit river across from Belle Isle.

kevin rasmussen, detroit, mi,

Why Are People Happy About Cicadas?

Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I can’t believe some of the posts here. How can anyone be excited about seeing something so ugly? All cicadas do is make noise, fly around and make our lives miserable until they mate and perish.

The cicadas i have seen in reston have been dead.

However every morning you can hear the loud roar.

I will be glad when this is over. joe, reston, va

No cicadas yet

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have not seen any cicadas yet. I have heard them since Monday and they are getting louder. Maybe they will skip my area. One can only hope. Debbie, Severna Park MD

Any Delaware sightings yet?

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I was hoping we’d get them here, though we’re just on the border of the area indicated by the maps. Has anyone heard of any sightings in lower Delaware? When is the last date we can expect them — as in, if we don’t have them by that day we’re not going to get them? Leslie, Sussex County, DE

Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are starting to appear, i have them all over my barn. Tate, white hall,md(harford county)

None yet….

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
So far I haven’t seen any here in Corvette City. My apartment complex is pretty new, though, so I’m guessing that moving all the dirt around probably got rid of brood X in this area… I don’t hear any outside yet. I’m moving back home to eastern KY this weekend. We’ll see if there’s any more over there. Haven’t heard anything from my dad about them yet. I remember Brood XIV from 1991. They were really thick then. Ty Martin, Bowling Green, KY

Here But Not Hear

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Here in East Tennessee we seem to have a rather spotty emergence going on. Some areas, esp. in parts of Knoxville, are seeing the predicted hordes, and hearing the din. However, at my location, there is little to get excited about yet. I went out driving today, and found a somewhat sparse chorous about 2 miles to my east, at Haw Ridge. I am told that slightly further east (Powel), things are buzzing. I have my fingers crossed, but am afraid there may be no calls of “Pharrrroooo” in my neighborhood. John DeMelas, Oak Ridge, TN

Locations

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Does anyone know whether or not the Cicadas are native to Brown County? I am looking forward to seeing them in my own home town, but I am not sure as to whether they are even in this particular area. Any help with this question would be appreciated! Darrin, Brown County, Oh

ground zero?

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
ann arbor, ground zero? wow. i’m near there. havent seen anything. maybe more south, towards the ohio border there are some? minda, detroit ‘burb, michigan

cicadas 10 miles south of here, but not here….yet

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
my mom lives 10 miles south of here and has had cicadas for about 5 days. We have some park areas nearby loaded with oaks and maples and no cicadas yet. Could that be because we’ve had more rain recenlty? Do you think our cicadas will be sounding out soon?
Joanne Joanne, Bel Air, Md

cicadas in New York

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
starting to see cicadas in Warick New York Ken, Warwick, New York

THERE COVERING MY HOME

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
ABOUT 6PM YEASTERDAY WE SWEPT THEM OFF THE WALKWAY AND PORCH , BY 11 THEY CAME BACK WITH ABOUT A MILLIONS FRIENDS. YUK! J TIPTON, BOND HILL, CINCINNATI

for Debbie in Seattle

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Hi! There’s a TV station in Philadelphia (WPVI) that broadcast a cicada story from Princeton, NJ last night at 5 PM. The cicadas were everywhere and singing quite loudly (very cool)! I know they have a website, but don’t know if there are video archives of stories. Check it out and see what you get. Good luck! Priscilla, Smithville, NJ

Fairfax…yes….Lessburg…no

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have seen tons of Cicada’s where I work in Fairfax. Just this morning one was sitting next to me on the front steps of my office building. But I haven’t seen any out by my house in Leesburg. This worries me, does this mean they will come in droves?
I better be ready for them to make an appreance soon! Anne, Leesburg, VA

Any one in NYC see then yet?

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Has anyone in New York City, especially Brooklyn, seen any Cicada’s yet?
Just wondering. I hope we’ll get them here. Allison, Brooklyn, NY

Memorial Day Weekend in Darien, CT

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My daughter’s getting married outdoors on May 30 in Darien, CT. Are we likely to be cicadaless? Craig Miller, Milwaukee, WI

Memorial Day Weekend in Darien, CT

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My daughter’s getting married outdoors on May 30 in Darien, CT. Are we likely to be cicadaless? Craig Miller, Milwaukee, WI

they’re coming!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I went and walked the dog this morning and there are hundreds of chimney holes under the trees! Haven’t seen any cicadas yet but I’m gonna go looking tonight. Should see them any day now. Kyle, North Wales, PA

THIS IS UNREAL (PLEASE READ) and comment!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
This is great. each day my apartment has more and more. still metamorphasizing at dusk. at night the sidewalks look like its moving BECAUSEe soooo many mymphs crawling. this is unreal. i was a skeptic at first the the scientists were right cincinnati does have all 5 billion of 3 species of brood x this year. go bengals!, go REDS, Go BROOD X CICADAS!(SMILE) misscube, cincinnati ohio(pleasant ridge)

those things are everywhere

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
where do they go after the emerge? we seen 100 crawling to the trees hae not seen any flying yet tho bobbie saylor, cincinnati(landen) deerfeild township

only one lonely cicada…….

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I saw my first cicada yesterday morning. I found the shell clinging near my back door, and then looked up to find the culprit who came out of the shell. I see reports that they are out in Howard Co, but I have not seen anything except this one. When will the madness begin? I hope not during my party Memorial Day weekend! Kim, Glenelg, MD

cicads crawling everywhere!!!!!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
im a 31 year old mother of one..yesterday me and my son was sitting outside moms and i knew the bugs was coming and all so we had just got talking about the bugs when we looked on some flowers and saw the shells i was some exited but it gave me the chills… well later on that night my moms whole entire block was outside and we came out with flashlights and i mean everywhere they was coming out of the ground all over the pace .. me i was creeped out because its been since i was 13 or so since i remember them and i never remembered this,..,. but they was everywhere crawling to find there ways to the branches it was like ants back to back going up the tree like 20 at a time and they was everywhere………… bobbie, maineville ohio (cincinnati}

Update From North Springfield, Virginia

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I first reported back on 9 May. My yard is now a virtual blanket of Cicadas and their shells are covering everything (walls, trees, brooms,rakes, shoes). I swept up a 2-foot wide pile the other day, only to awake the following morning to have the patio covered again. Their mating call is now at a low roar. Their novelty has worn off, and I’m OVER THEM. Angie, North Springfield, Virginia

None here

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
We were camping in Elizabethtown this past weekend and the cicadas were emerging everywhere. Me grandchildren got to see one actually emerge from the shell and ‘evolve’. But, here in Spring Grove near Hanover, PA we haven’t seen a one, and our property is completed wooded. Helen, Spring Grove, PA

People, if you don’t get them – consider yourselves lucky

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Now – it is not a joke. We are seeing adult cicadas here in Fairfax for only about 8-9 days. And already I can’t open windows in my house. Because the whole neighborhood stinks of week-old meat leftovers thrown outside to rot in the middle of the summer. How cool is that? And what it’s going to be like in 3-4 weeks, when they start dropping dead by thousands? I read somewhere that they have “a peculiar smell” when dead – it is a humongous understatement, trust me – they STINK. You all can be very happy about watching them out of shells, and flying around and about. But I doubt it very much you’ll be enjoying this divine fragrance. Elena, Fairfax. VA

Will we be effected

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I was wondering if anyone know how we will be effect in Florida. I have yet to see one. Becci, Port St Lucie, FL

Cicadas have hatched

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
During the morning of May 17, 2004, thousands of cicadas emerged in our yard, 17 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio. Thousands of cicadas were hanging on hostas, trees, bushes and flowers and their shells were left behind today. My wife reported that she could not see the green on the leaves of our 15 hostas because of the number of cicadas. Mark Koogler, Dublin, Ohio

disgusting cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are really bad around here. You see them on all the trees and tires.At night they are coming out and you can here a crunching noise.They are sooo gross. Michelle, Camp Springs, MD

first sighting

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
First sighting of the cicadas in Fallston, in the woods behind Fallston High School. I’m so excited, I’ll probably eat some! Yummy! Brian, Fallston, Maryland

It’s raining cicads in KY

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Cicadas are EVERYWHERE! They emerged last week and have since multipled by the hundreds. The just love my apartment, I can’t even get into teh place without getting frisked by a few of them. I have recently decided to move. If only I could get out of the house….. Lauren F, Louisville, Highlands

When Are They Coming To Long Island?

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I haven’t seen one yet. Kathy, Long Island, New York

It’s raining cicads in KY

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Cicadas are EVERYWHERE! They emerged last week and have since multipled by the hundreds. Strange thing is they seem to be mostly around my apartment. Lauren F, Louisville KY

No Bugs Here Yet!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Have not seen anything yet! Does anyone have an idea when they may emerge in North Carolina?

I lived thru them in ’79 with two screaming toddlers – now my older girls are still dreading them! Lisa Reinhardt, Charlotte, NC

Brood X Emergence Current Status

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
As reported in earlier messages, the emergence in the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia began a week ago last Monday night (May 10-11). It reached a peak at the beginning of the weekend and yesterday morning (Tuesday morning) I was still seeing a few nymphs crawling along the grass heading for the trees. This morning, for the first time, I saw none, but did not look carefully. At any rate, it appears the emergence has more or less run its course. There is now a steady “flying saucer” din throughout the area, particularly loud in them morning, less so in the evening. This morning, also, for the first time, I saw significant numbers flying about. Up until now they appear to have mainly been roosting in the trees. Now they are on the move. jmgradon, McLean, VA

WHERE ARE THE LITTLE RASCALS

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
hey all i was wondering if anyone has seen them near Corbin I have some scouts that would love to see them i sure wish they would show up in my yard . Linda , Corbin Ky

Cicadas in Indianapolis

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Monday I found two exoskeletons. Today I found over 25 exoskeletons and a lot of wings!!! Do birds dislike cicada wings? I still haven’t seen a live cicada, though.

I was told that in 1987, Indianapolis wasn’t hit as hard as other, more southern places. Does that mean that we won’t get hit hard this year? The temperatures have been in the 80’s for weeks now, so the climate should be favorable. Lori, Fishers, IN

They have finally emerged here!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Last night’s rain must have done something to speed them up, because until this morning, there were very few in this area & no singing to be heard. I walked outside this morning & there were literally thousands of their shells stuck to my house & the 2 large trees in my front yard…Many still emerging. It was kind of interesting to catch one of the nymphs & watch it emerge & harden it’s shell.
My 3 year old daughter likes watching them, but is terrified of touching them!
Staci, Beltsville, MD

Still nothing here…

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
It’s been exceptionally cool and rainy, especially cool at night–probably delaying them. I hear we are supposed to be Ground Zero… Carol Shepherd, Ann Arbor, MI

WHERE ARE THEY??

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have only seen one, flying round. I’m on pins and needles waiting – or maybe they’re not coming to Herndon!! dede, Herndon, VA

First Sighting This Morning!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Today was the first day that I have seen the cicadas on our property. I have only seen about 20-50 per tree, though I think the birds are eating them. We use about 40 lbs. of bird seed every two weeks, but we have not had to fill the feeders for the past two days! Maybe there will be more tomorrow. Kristen Miles, Martinsville, IN

Cicada

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are here, everywhere in my wooded yard. I had seen the holes a month ago so knew they were coming as we had them 17 years ago, also at the same location. Today they are all over my peonies, azaleas, side of my house and elsewhere. Ugh! They can’t leave soon enough! I remember 17 years ago, the awful deafening noise they made. Jan, Solebury, PA

Lots Of Shells But No Cicadas?

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
In the grass around a large tree, there are hundreds of cicada shells but there is no evidence of the adults. Haven’t seen or heard one of them yet. Not really sure where they are? Hope to see them soon! KJ, Wilmington, DE

Under Siege

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Thousands of them. Everywhere. Wonderful and amazing to watch. I highly recommend early morning forays to watch them in every state of metamorphasis to fully appreciate them. They started emerging here on Saturday (5/15), and despite their vast numbers, I’ve yet to hear their song. Anxiously awaiting… Deborah, Stewartstown, PA

found set of cicada wings

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I found a half of a set of wings 2 days ago. I know they were cicada wings because I matched them up with a specimen from the 1991 hatch.I’ve been looking for them everywhere but none found. stimely, central pa

Double ugh

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
In response to Sally from the same area, I was glad to hear that I am not the only one creaped out by the thousands, maybe millions of cicadas in our yard. We have seveal very old trees in our yard and neighborhood, and the bugs are everywhere. We have to sweep them off with a broom several times a day from our porches and garage door opening. They also seem to like the tires on our cars as they attach themselves there too. I do appreciate nature, but this is a bit rediculous. I am definately feeling “invaded!” Heather, Louisville, KY(highlands)

Brood X

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
What’s controlling them from being hee sooner?

What’s Brood X been doing all these years?

How many Brood X’ers will be “invading” ? Kimyatha White, Eastpoint, Georgia

Spotted our first one!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
How exciting…I found the first one in our driveway this morning! I Picked it up to look at it more closely…fascinating! Love their bulging red eyeballs!! We live in a heavily wooded lot so will check out back to see if more have arrived.

My husband saw what must have been several hundred cicadas crawling up the side of a building in downtown Madison, Indiana yesterday.

How fun!! Cheryl VanDaalen, Louisville, KY

Emergence

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I live in southern Blair County, PA. The Cicada have begun to emerge here on the night of the 17th. John, Roaring Spring, PA

Finally!

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
We saw several cicadas emerge from the ground last night after a hard rain. There were a few empty casings attached to tree limbs in the same area. Kristen H., Dublin, OH

Milford, NJ

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Today I took a drive to Milford, NJ after reading a post on here. Well they are definatly out there. Saw hundreds of shells and heard a few calling. Also caught 1 adult male cicada. And took lots of pictures. I just hope they emerge here in Scranton very soon. Rick, Scranton, PA

Our first sighting of the cicadas

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My husband and I had our first sighting of the cicadas this morning(1am)it’s our first time with this type of cicada.
He’s from TX and I’m from WA state. We’ve lived in Bloomington for almost 2 yrs. now. I thought I’d be really grossed out by them(with all the internet pics I’ve seen)but I’ve found I’m more intrigued with watching them shed their shell and head for high ground to dry out. Hmmmm….wonder how I’ll feel in a couple of days when they start their singing……… Marci Smith, Bloomington, IN

Ed’s cicada pics

Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Edward, your pics are *fantastic*…so clear….I am still hoping to catch a news story on them or at least here them in the background of a news report from the east coast….I’m enjoying reading the mixed reactions posted here….they’re really okay…they won’t hurt you if they land on you although the first time one does it will give you a fright. I was 16 in 1970 and remember hearing this loud chirp right in my ear and having one in my shoulder…got really spooked but after that, I was fascinated with them. I keep imagining that I’m hearing them out here. Debbie, Seattle, WA

Nothing yet

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I have yet to see anything in my area but I am hoping that with first sighting taking place in Louisville, KY and Bloomington,IN that we are still a few days away as we are a little farther north.

Anyone seen our guest yet in the Indy area? Kenny, Indianapolis

Cicada sitings

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live on the western side of Annapolis (away from the Bay). Last night and tonight the cicada’s have begun to emerge. I haven’t seen a lot of adults, but I think that will change soon. I work in Bowie, MD and you can hear them all day all around the City. David, Annapolis, MD

Picture of Cicada

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
5/18/04 -I just caught this one on my patio. How can I send a picture to get the brood identified. John Lottinger, Houma, Louisiana

first cicada

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Saw my first member of brood X tonight- It came buzzing right at me….but only one. He must have been the scout. CW, Pennington, NJ

They’re here!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
My son and his scout troop found the dried shells everywhere on our walk tonight. I grew up around brood V in sw PA, and these shells looked small to me. I’m curious to see how brood X will compare! LMB, Denver, PA

They’re Finally Here!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
First sighting this morning, maybe a couple 100 or so in my yard, just coming out of their shells. This afternoon when I got home from work, they were all gone! I guess the birds, etc. got to them. I later went to a cemetery a half mile from my house, there were quite a few live ones there still. None of them fly or sing yet though, I guess that comes after they molt again. David Kirk, Brokkville, IN

Here they come! Watch Out!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Loads of them today coming out in Crofton Park. We shall see how many there are tomorrow. Kevin Stratton, Crofton, MD

None in Pasadena yet, but hoping

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Haven’t seen any in Pasadena where I live, but they are everywhere in Howard County where I work they are wonderful and the sound is incredible Meg, Pasadena Md

First Cicadas

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Found our first Cicada shell today in our yard along with a dozen or so holes in our mulch bed! Lisa, Deerfield Township, Ohio (Mason area)

No sighting yet

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
There is nothing here but the dogs have been going crazy digging for a couple of days. Do they hear them coming? Lyn, Tobyhanna, PA

Finally they arrive today.

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We had our first sightings today. Because we have no direct trees in our yard, we had no nympy holes, but today there are adults flying everywhere. From next door to across the street. My baby is 18mo old, I’m taking pictures and putting in a keep sake box to see when he’s 18 years old. Its kinda neat to see him run after the little critters. He is not afrain one bit. Isaiah’s mom, Evanston, Cincinnati Ohio

Hoping this is a good sign…..

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I am reading many messages of cicadas emerging in other states and some in NJ, but I have still not seen any – and I have been looking. I know this is all very exciting, but I am hoping that the fact that I have not seen any yet is a good sign that they won’t be coming out around here. I remember them from a few years ago when I lived in Edison and I remember how much I hated going outside. If you are from this area and have seen any, please let me know…….I’ll need to start planning indoor activities. Debbie, Middlesex, NJ

Nothing Here Yet

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Can’t see any evidence here yet. This is a new development, but wetlands have been undisturbed. Will check my parents house in Birmingham. I remember finding empty shells there years ago…. Sue, Novi, Michigan

Ugh.

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
They are all. Over. The. Place.
I was walking the dog last night and made the mistake of looking down… only to see the sidewalk CRAWLING with them. And they are all over our back deck and yard– clinging to fence posts, hanging on to the rails on the steps, there was even one attached to out stone house by the front door this morning. And the noise? Deafening. Reading other people’s messages about having them fly into their shirts or hair has just about completely freaked me out. I may not leave the house till July. Who needs a job, anyway? Sally, Louisville, KY (Highlands)

Coastal Cicadas?

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live very close to the coast, and I am wondering if cicadas are indigenous to coastal areas of NJ. If not, I’d like to hear of any sightings in inland Atlantic County. Thanks. Priscilla, Smithville, NJ

Out in force in Towson, Md.

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The li’l buggers started coming out over the weekend and are now all over the place in wooded areas. Today is the first day they’ve really been making noise. One even hitched a ride into my apt. with the plumber. He was promptly evicted, in a firm but gentle manner. The cicada, I mean. greg, Towson, Md.

My Bullfrog’s Gonna Explode!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The cicadas have been out for a week now. I have a fish pond in my back yard. My frog has been sitting on the edge of the pond every day and he’s been gorging himself. Ellen, Falls Church, Virginia

saw one

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
saw the first one today Trey, Chambersburg PA

ED: Please only submit cicada sightings. If you have a question — email us instead.

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Ed, that’s why we have this note on the “Add your sighting page”: “Please only submit cicada sightings. If you have a question — email us instead.” admin, Cicada Mania Headquarters

Any Emergences in GA Yet? PLEASE NO!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Has anyone seen (HEARD) emergence near me? Went thru 2 years in a row in NC during late ’90s; don’t want a repeat. Thanks. CV Roberts, Martin, GA, Franklin Co., USA

Any answer

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I think the site admin should talk to some expert to visit the message board and answer questions. I see a lot of questions but no answer. Ed, Ga

Thousands and Thousands!!!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
It all started about 3 weeks ago with the mud chimneys, but this week they are everywhere. Probably 10 thousand or so. They seems to like lily of the valley, butterfly bushes, and tiger lillies before they climb the trees. The shells are about 3 or 4 thick on the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen, Randallstown, MD

None Here Yet

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We have not seen any cicadas here yet. Saw some shells a week ago, but no noise, no bugs. Maybe the storm we had in the fall (all the flooding and salt water) jolted their rebirth! One can hope! John F, Annapolis MD

They just keep coming!

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Rates of emergence here have increased at an almost exponential rate since last Tuesday, except for Saturday (15th) when we had unusually cold weather. They are particularly heavy on dogwood, red maple and pin oak. Heavy chorusing began yesterday morning; today it woke me up. I *am not* the Bloomingtonian who ended up in the hospital … although I finally try several tempura battered tenerals Thursday night. Very tasty, but I prefer watching them and listening.
INCREDIBLE NUMBERS!!! Keith, Bloomington, IN

we’ve seen our first

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
we found our first cicada this afternoon – our chicken thought it was a yummie treat! i didn’t think they’d be emerging this far north yet. joanne, tyrone, pa

my cicada emergence picts

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
some of the night photos I think are pretty cool.

http://homepage.mac.com/akbar/magicacida2004/ Edward Delaplaine, Highland, Maryland (howard county)

Hills are Alive with the sound of CICADA’S

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Since May 13th the cicada’s have been breaking through the ground, hustling up the trees and emerging from their shells. There are millions! Each day the mating calls get louder and louder – it is incredible! The only time they quiet down other than at night is when it rains.
We had a “cicada party” on Friday night where all the bug geeks in the neighborhood hung out and watched them climb, emerge and hang.
One question though, when will they stop coming out of the ground??? Theresa Lock, Harpers Ferry, WV, Jefferson County

Is this Normal???

Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Well our little friends came out in a swarm the other night and I thought it was pretty cool, but now they seem to be following me everywhere I go….oh No why are they coming at me….they are attacking!!!! Call the national guard!!! They are eating my brain and spine!!! Helllppp!!! Jim S., Woodbridge, NJ

Comments (0)

Filed under: Brood X | — Dan @ 11:14 am

for PG Residents

Date: Wednesday, Mar/31/2004
I hate bugs. The cicada thing was AWFUL in DC. One got down my back and I almost pulled my blouse off on downtown K Street!However, in PG County, where I lived, they did not seem to be that bad. I don’t recall any getting in apartment or being particularly afraid outside. bughater, Temple Hills, MD

Bee Keeper Outfit (Plastic)

Date: Wednesday, Mar/31/2004
Where can you purchase Bee Keeper Outfits Vannett, Cincinnati, Ohio

Periodical Cicada Broods

Date: Tuesday, Mar/30/2004
We’ve got cicadas here every year (in fact this year they lasted through the mild winter we had).Does anyone know if the Houston area experiences a large scale cicada brood hatch? If so, what is the period (13 years, 17 years) and when is the next brood expected?Thanks! Chuck, Richmond, TX (near Houston) U.S.A.

Cicada Facts

Date: Monday, Mar/29/2004
Facts: The 17-year cicadas will emerge this year with their ugly red eyes. The adults live 2 to 6 weeks and are very clumsy flyers. So if one happens to land on you or fly into you it can’t help it.
The male cicada will be the only one singing its mating call for the females are totally silent.
Cicadas do not eat leaves, fruits, or vegetables. However what the adults do eat (or rather drink)is the juices inside of the branches of trees, etc… The females saw their way (using the back of their abdomen)into twigs and branches of trees and lay rows of eggs usually around 400. They lay the eggs in a line which will look like a slit of about 2 to 3 inches long on the branch. At about the time the males stop singing the egg infested twigs/branches will have died and fallen to the ground or the branch will just die. Then the eggs hatch and the cicada nymphs(babies) dig themselves into the ground where they live off of the tree’s root juices for the next 17 years and then it happens all over again. The nymphs do not cause any significant damage to the roots. It’s only when they emerge that the destruction is done.
Neverthelesss I hate these bugs, I can sympathize with Lisa from Kentucky for 17 years ago (when I was about thirteen) I was walking for the March of Dimes and a boy stuck one of these male monsters into my hair. While “rachelling” ( the term used to officially describe the noise these bugs make) it tried to fly out with no success. After screaming my lungs out someone finally took mercy on me and removed the insect from my then tangled hair. Later, I felt sort of sorry for the bugs when I saw the same boy catching them then pulling off their wings. JD, Maryland

Noises

Date: Monday, Mar/29/2004
My ex wife made funny noises and her name was Rachel.Does that mean she was rachelling ? Daryl, logan county

Pools

Date: Monday, Mar/29/2004
Rick: cicada have no interest in water, but they may fall into your pool if there are trees growing above it. You should be able to take care of the issue with a pool skimmer net, and a good sense of humor. Dan, Jersey

Should I delay opening my swimming pool?

Date: Monday, Mar/29/2004
Do they gravitate to water? I’d imagine that they end up there whether they intend to or not! Rick, Ellicott City

Location, Location

Date: Saturday, Mar/27/2004
Does anyone in Indy remember the X brood here??? I am curious as to where I may take my kids to see and hear this historic event. Thanks for any info, Kim. Kim, Indianapolis IN

Yuck

Date: Saturday, Mar/27/2004
I work outside and i am really not looking forward to this. Any ideas for some sort of cicada suit or something to wear that is lightweight and breathable? I cant stand the thought of them sticking to me while i am watering or unloading trucks….yuck B, Cincinnati

Nasty little creatures

Date: Thursday, Mar/25/2004
Last year I spotted one or two of what appeared to be these nasty creatures. I figured it was a premature sign of things to come. How long will it last? I don’t plan to leave my house until they’re all gone!!!! Margie, Baltimore

Help for Those Who are Afraid

Date: Thursday, Mar/25/2004
When I moved to the Washington area 17 years ago and saw the cicadas, I was lucky to have been living in Lorton, VA, where there weren’t as many flying around as compared to the District. But I SWORE I that would rather find another job (or some out-of-town assigment) than to get caught in the middle of the next infestation. But alias, I am still here, 17 years older (middle-aged), now married (so I can’t leave), unable to run as fast as I used to, and only 15 mintues from DC, and therefore, much closer to the ‘zone.’ I’m in a lot of trouble: if I don’t get myself killed trying to run from them (or wreak my car should one be inside), I will most likely develop vascular problems from weeks of constant stress and anxiety. I can only ask that those who are not frightened of them, please have some passion and understanding for those who do. It is an irrational fear, but a fear nevertheless (ususally brought on by an emotional event or trauma.) (Everyone has fears; this one is just more difficult to hide.) I’ve worked on my problem for years (including therapy 22 years ago), so I haven’t been just complaining or feeling sorry for myself. Progress has been quite slow, but steady. (I can now garden but still have a generalized fear of large flying, mostly stinging insects.) I think that reading and learning about their habits will help in some small way, but not enough, I’m afraid, to deal with what’s to come because there will be so many of them. If there is anyone out there willing to share how they’ve resolved their phobia (short of flooding), please do so. You will be helping a lot of folks, including those too afraid to speak up. I also have a couple of questions about the habits of cacidas: Do they fly around in the dark, and do they favor any particular flowering or vegetable plant? (I may decide to skip the gardening this year.) Thanks. Chay, Prince Georges County ,MD

1998 cicadas in Tennessee

Date: Thursday, Mar/25/2004
Dick – Yes and no — the ones in Tennessee in 1998 were the 13-year species (Brood XIX). Also, this year’s brood will mostly appear in different locations in Tennessee, not the same places as in 1998. Dave Marshall, Storrs, Connecticut

sound

Date: Thursday, Mar/25/2004
The scientific sound of the cicada is termed “Rachelling”. Buzz, Cin

name of circadia’s sound

Date: Thursday, Mar/25/2004
does anyone know the scientific term applied to the sound the circadia makes? dennis, poughkeepsie ,ny

Say It Ain’t So

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
guess what sucks? I have no a/c in my car. so not only will those gross, retarded bugs be flying into me, I also will be sweating to death in my car on the way to work. I hate bugs, and they hate me. I was six the last time they were here in abundance, and can’t remember how bad they actually were. I’m in denial right now, and pray every day they won’t rise from the ground. I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to be in a sci-fi movie, though. I’m so lucky. Julie, Cincinnati

cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
Is it possible that we saw the same bugs in Tenn. in 1998? Dick, Grand Rapids, Mi.

Flight

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
How far do cicadas fly? Laura, Fremont, Michigan

Those Creepy Critters

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
I am terribly afraid of all insects. Please make them go away. Cynthia B, Prince George County -Forestville

Wouldn’t want to miss it

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
Am thinking of planning a trip home to coincide with the Cicadas in Cincinnati this summer. Has anyone nailed down the exact dates that they are supposed to start and peak?By the way, responding to Lisa (previous message), I’m thinking you are probably class of ’88, Highlands? Me too. I’ve got some bad memories as well, particularly from my lawn-mowing summer job (the engine noise really got them interested), but I just couldn’t bear to miss the spectacle. Especially when I think about how old I’ll be next time… Rhodri, overseas

Terrified of Cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Mar/24/2004
I’m 34 years old and I’m embarrassed to say … I’m terrified of Cicadas. While I am somewhat of a bug-phobe, it’s never forced me to stay indoors. I am, however, planning on converting to hermit status mid-May to late June. Don’t know how I’m going to do it, just that I am. Many of you are probably wondering what caused this fear, so let me share. I was 17 years old and taking driver’s ed at my high school. It just happened to be my turn to drive – with 4 other classmates and a teacher, mind you – when, all of a sudden, Larry Riley stuck two cicadas in my long hair. As I was driving, one of the little suckers crawled into my ear opening and screamed. Needless to say, I swerved the car and nearly killed everyone aboard. I recall throwing the car into park, jumping out of the car and running, running, running … as far and as fast as I could. I’m happy to report that Larry Riley got detention that day! I, on the other hand, have never recovered, as you can see. I’m considering buying a bee keeper’s suit for those times when I absolutely have to show my face to the world. Fortunately, I’m laid off right now! Any suggestions? My husband and I live in a condominium overlooking Cincinnati with woods all around us. They’re going to be everywhere – and I mean everywhere! Lisa, Ft. Thomas, KY

opening swimming pools

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
when would it be a good time to open the swimming pool. should we wait until mid June? mike, cincinnati

Protection from Cicada

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
I have planted small pines and some birch trees in the last week. Should I spray these trees. What can I do to protect them. Barb, Nashville TN

broods

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
What is a brood and how many broods are there? Cait, U.S.

How will gardens weather?

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
will they eat our tomatoe plants,squash
greenbeans,onions,lettuce you get the idea. Does anybody know Thanks- Christy Christy, Springfield, Virginia

My tree not there anymore..

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
What happens if I had my huge maple tree in my front yard cut down that was there 17 years ago????? Marsha, Kentucky

Yes, you can work outside

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
No matter how big the cicada event, anyone should be able to work (or do anything else) outside.The biggest danger is if you’re on a ladder or roof and a cicada suddenly gives a distress screech near you. This is quite startling and it’s possible to fall off if you recoil in fright at the sudden noise and sight. Be prepared not to be surprised by sudden distressed cicadas.There’s also the slight surprise of an occasional cicada crawling on you. This shouldn’t be a problem to anyone who doesn’t have a huge phobia of insects.
Eric, Missouri

To Christy in Maryland

Date: Tuesday, Mar/23/2004
Christy, if the 17-year cicada emergence is a “once in a life time thing”, and you were 6 years old last time, guess what? You are going to die, “cause you had your “once”. Sky, Mason

Bugs is good to feast on..i reckon

Date: Monday, Mar/22/2004
I eated many a bug in ma life. But the cicadda is da best to chew and chew ,,oh yea i had tummy ache 2 days oh yea, I reckin all da bugs is good though kentucky lost yeserday to UAB Troy Vespie, Amelia Ohio

Can i work outside

Date: Monday, Mar/22/2004
Can anyone tell me please is it going to be possible to work on the constraction and to do framing job in May or June. Sergei, Cincinnati, Ohio

Cicadas

Date: Sunday, Mar/21/2004
In my last messege I had some typos and or misspelled words. I actuallt ment to say, to make it clear as these cicadas do not bite or sting. I hope you all don’t get to confused by may last messege and read this one instead. Christy, Maryland

I Can’t wait till these once in a life time flying noisy bugs arrive

Date: Sunday, Mar/21/2004
Hey everyone, I came to this website before, because I was looking for cicadia sounds on the internet. I came accrose this site instead. Well bottom line is I was 6years old when they came out of the groud flying and buzzing about. I remember it well. I was over my grandparaents house when i had just got back from visiting Ghettesburg. I look forward to seeing thse bugs as it is once in a life time thing. Thse bugs to not sting now bite. They will cause a horrible time with yard plants. However as for myself I’am not a bug type person as I don’t like bees, spiders, or creepy crawley things. Well this is all for me. Just wanted to leave my mark. Christy, Maryland

Magicicada’s

Date: Friday, Mar/19/2004
Hi, i see your expecting a mass emergence of Magicicada’s. I was hoping that someone there may be able to collect me some and send them on to me here in New Zealand. Or if someone is keen to swap your American species for our New Zealand species.
you can message me at nzcicada [AT] hotmail.com Kees Green, Auckland, New Zealand

For goodness sakes

Date: Thursday, Mar/18/2004
Mia,Do not let anyone play to your fears (or their pocketbooks) . The cicada is a harmless insect. They may cause some minor tree or bush damage, but basically they are just out to reproduce. They do not attack in a sworm, nor do they go out of the way to attack anyone. These neat bugs can be an inconveniece because they are terrible flyers and may bump into you, however, they mean no harm and do not bite…. I hope I have helped…
Klamarr2, Indy, Indiana

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58972-2004Mar14.html

Date: Thursday, Mar/18/2004

washingtonpost.com > Metro > Virginia

Metro
In Brief
Monday, March 15, 2004; Page B03
THE REGION Infestation of Brood X Cicadas Forecast Millions of cicadas are expected to infest the nation’s capital and parts of Maryland and Virginia this spring. Periodical cicadas, who’ve been underground for 17 years, will tunnel out of the ground, fling their winged bodies through the air and sound off day and night. Bug experts say their coming will be of biblical proportions.

Some cicadas emerge annually in the eastern United States. Others come out every two to 13 years. But this variety, known as Brood X, invades every 17 years. The last time they covered the Washington area was in 1987, when remnants of cicadas covered roadways and sidewalks. Residents pulled them out of their hair. And the bugs drove some outdoor events, such as weddings and graduations, inside. When exactly they emerge will depend on the weather. The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History is planning a cicada exhibit in May, complete with sounds and live specimens.

� 2004 The Washington Post Company
Rusty Kochka, Arlington, Virginia

Temperature

Date: Thursday, Mar/18/2004
Thanks Eric for the formula. I remember now that “my” formula was something like T = x(n-y)+ z, where x, y and z were some arbitrary constants. The resulting temperature T was in Centigrade. Maybe that explains the structural difference in the formulae. Ajit, Knoxville, TN

Help!

Date: Thursday, Mar/18/2004
My son is very afraid of flying insects. He would run out in front of a speeding car before he let one get close to him. I have been trying to find some kind of repellent or something for him since he has to walk to school. I don’t think the school will allow me to home school him for 6 weeks. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Lear, Cincinnati,OH

cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Mar/17/2004
I live in prince george county MD.DO cicadas stick to you threw your clothing,about how big will they be and do they sworm you? mia, prince george countyMD

cicadas

Date: Wednesday, Mar/17/2004
I live in prince george county MD.DO cicadas stick to you threw your clothing,about how big will they be and do they sworm you? mia, prince george countyMD

May 22nd, wedding

Date: Wednesday, Mar/17/2004
I am getting married on May 22nd, 2004, which is in 10 weeks, Its planned as an outdoor wedding. How bad will the cicadas be, is it wirth it to change the wedding. I read in the paper that Williamson and Davidson Counties, which is where the wedding will be will not get hit as hard as others in Tennessee. How does that work? ANy answered questions will really help me and my angered/frustrated fiancee. Thanks
Greg Greg, Nashville, TN, Williamson County

Bob from London, England

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
Hey, I was looking up info on the England cicada on the web and came accross this posting (below). If “Bob” is still out there could you please tell me where you heard/saw these cicadas? Was it in England, or were you overseas? My email is cicada900 [AT] yahoo.com.au
Thanks…Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
i saw all these cicadas and they f***ing rule!!! tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss they went! YO! — Bob, England, London Kathy Hill, Willimantic, CT

say it aint so

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
This isn’t really happening — right? Say it ain’t so… I don’t do bugs… not liking life, Silver Spring, MD

To Christy Eicher

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004

Christy, I personally would not plan a wedding outdoors at that time. However, I’d suggest contacting them, and find out if there was someone that was there 17 years ago. If so, maybe they will be able to tell you if that area had much infestation.Good luck and congrats! Jules
Jules, Louisville, KY

say it aint so

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
This isn’t really happening — right? Say it ain’t so… I don’t do bugs… not liking life, Silver Spring, MD

To Christy Eicher

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004

Christy, I personally would not plan a wedding outdoors at that time. However, I’d suggest contacting them, and find out if there was someone that was there 17 years ago. If so, maybe they will be able to tell you if that area had much infestation.Good luck and congrats! Jules
Jules, Louisville, KY

Swimming Pools?

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
A few of us over at www.poolforum.com were wondering if the Cicada will have any effect on our pools?If they are gone by mid-June, should we leave our pools covered and wait until after they are gone to open the pool for the season?Thanks for any info you can give! Jules Jules, Louisville, KY

New to cicadas!

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
Does anyone know if the cicadas will be bad in the Stafford/Fredericksburg area? We just moved here and bought our home! (of course!) WHat do we need to do to protect our property, landscaping, etc.? I’m a bit nervous about this outbreak. Jennifer, Stafford, VA

Noisiest Insect

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
While looking up the temperature formula, saw the next question: what is considered the noisiest insect? “The Cicadas are usually considered the noisiest, but it has been said that the European Cricket (Brachytrypes megacephalus) is louder still and that its note can be heard a mile away”.I’ve been around periodical cicadas and cannot imagine anything louder. The Cassini are almost deafening, and they synchronize their calls to make themselves even louder. The Decim “Martian” call, when in large concentrations, must be audible for at least a mile.
Eric, Missouri

Formula for Temperature

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
The Katydid formula seems to work, though it suggests they don’t sing below 53 degrees, and I believe I’ve heard them on colder evenings (their call is _really_ slow when it’s cold). In my area the Katydids usually start in early July, when it’s usually so hot, the chirps are too fast to count!As to Cicadas, there’s such a variety of calls, one might need a different formula for each species.
From _1001 Questions Answered About Insects_:Count the number of chirps in a minute, represented by the letter “n” below.For the Katydid (Cryptophyllus perspicalis):T = 60 + ((n-19) / 3)For the Snowy Tree Cricket (Oecanthus niveus):T = 50 + ((n-40) / 2)T is the temperature in Farenheit.
Eric, Missouri

Anyone know how bad this can get????

Date: Tuesday, Mar/16/2004
Anyone know how bad this can get in Baltimore, MD I am moving [AT] the end of May and this is the first time I will ever experience any thing like this…. Please shed some light on this! Thank You! R, Baltimore,MD

Tennessee

Date: Monday, Mar/15/2004
Anyone know the likely timing for the emergence in Tenn? I had planned to go camping there the last week in April & they just aren’t my favorite camping companions. Plus we don’t want to move them around on our truck – the old invasive species thing. Meg, Ellicott City MD

Will they ruin my wedding (at Farnsley Moreman Landing, Louisville, KY)?

Date: Monday, Mar/15/2004
Anyone know if the Cicadas are likely to be in Louisville, KY? More specifically, at Farnsley-Moreman Landing…10 mins southwest of Louisville, on the waterfront? I’m getting married there June 5th. Christy Eicher, Louisville, KY

Cicadas and ambient temperature

Date: Monday, Mar/15/2004
To Eric in Missouri,
So what is the mathematical formula for the katydids anyway? It might just jog my memory. Have you ever tried it for Cicadas? Ajit, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

reply

Date: Monday, Mar/15/2004
a PROMINANT WEBSITE STATES THAT CICADA WILL NOT DAMAGE TREES OR PLANTS. IS THIS TRUE? IF NOT, WHAT PROTECTION SHOULD i PROVIDE IN mARYLAND? SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL AFTER TO PLANT NEW SHRUBS? ALICE — ALICE, ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND2/4ths of an inch is the distance you have to move your finger to the caps lock key! mirek, chicago il

Stop The Cicada!

Date: Monday, Mar/15/2004
We Must Put A Stop to the Cicada!!!! on 5 – 1 – 04 we will all Get Together A Build A giant Flame Thrower. Kill Them All!! Before They can start to take over the world.when They begin to come out the ground thats when we start Ed, Baltimore County, MD

Are they coming here this year

Date: Sunday, Mar/14/2004
I need to know if the bugs are coming here this year.Please let me know. Dawn, Charleroi Pa.

Motorcycle Downtime

Date: Sunday, Mar/14/2004
Has anyone ever hit a cicada doing 45-50 miles per hour? It sucks. Feels like a big rock thrown up by a truck in front of you…..smmaaack. I don’t have a windshield, and I’m just bummed because I won’t be able to ride from the middle of April to the middle of May without worrying about knocking one of my eyes out when they hit my sunglasses and implode the lenses. Splaaat!! Michelle D., Cincinnati, OH

When did the cicadas swarm in the 1950-1960’s?

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
I’m trying to remember how old I was when cicadas swarmed here in southern Virginia, and my evil older cousins made me stand still while they “hooked” the shells all over me! I was born in 1954 and I figure it was sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s. Anybody know? (thanks!) Katie, Henry County, VA

Several things about Cicadas

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
The host of a radio garden show made ignorant remarks today about Cicadas. He claimed 2004 has a convergence of 17 and 13 year classes, that they’d emerge around Quincy, IL (a small green patch on the UM page), and that they damage trees. A guest politely explained that trees have strong immune systems and the best way to handle Cicadas is to let Nature take its course, and that their holes are beneficial, aerating the ground.I’m probably going to south central Indiana the second weekend of June in search of cicadas. Anyone who hears them in that part of the country, please post when you hear them.I have an insect book that gives the mathematical formula for the temperature based on the frequency of Katydid songs, but not for Cicadas. The book has an amusing poem about Cicadas, obviously written a long time ago before “political correctness” set in:”Happy are the Cicadas’ lives,
For they live with voiceless wives!”
Eric, SE Missouri

Memories of last emergence

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
I lived in Cincinnati the last time they emerged — we created an exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History all about them. I don’t know what was more amazing — seeing and hearing them everywhere, or watching the insectaphobic people freak out about these harmless creatures. I can still remember walking down Ludlow Ave. with cicadas flying everywhere, landing on people, crunching them underfoot (it was impossible not to). We had to keep the car windows rolled up on the highway in some areas because the sound was so deafening!If you’re freaking out already about the coming emergence, let me reiterate: CICADAS DO NOT BITE OR STING. THEY ARE HARMLESS. PLEASE DO NOT tax our already overloaded environment by trying to SPRAY POISONS to kill them — it’s pointless, there will be too many off them, and you’ll only wind up polluting the streams and rivers (due to runoff) and poisoning songbirds, cats, dogs, and other creatures who will be eating the cicadas. Chill out people! Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY

you’ve been fooled

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
there is no such thing as a cicadanotor. i bet it if you find it, it will be a very expensive fly swatter, available by mail order only. some one is trying to make a buck out of this hysteria! i lived in baltimore, in 1970, and lived thru the spring. yes, its unpleasant, but it doesnt last long. just keep your car windows up! michele, charlotte nc

DAMAGE AND PREVENTION

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
a PROMINANT WEBSITE STATES THAT CICADA WILL NOT DAMAGE TREES OR PLANTS. IS THIS TRUE? IF NOT, WHAT PROTECTION SHOULD i PROVIDE IN mARYLAND? SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL AFTER TO PLANT NEW SHRUBS? ALICE ALICE, ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND

Rarotongan cicadas??

Date: Saturday, Mar/13/2004
Does anyone no if there are cicadas in Rarotonga, you can message me at nzcicada [AT] hotmail.com Kees Green, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand

WILL THEY BE IN THE ALEXANDRIA VA

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
JUST WONDERING IF THEY WILL BE IN ALEXANDRIA VA AREA?? JANINE, ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA

NJ Cicada Schedule

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
Your Chart Says NJ is 1970, 1987, 2004. I grew up in a town in EssexCounty NJ. I Know we were swarmed in 1978. They were coming in our fireplace like a bad sci-fi movie. !
Is there any steadfast rule to 17 year cycle or are anomilies in schedule normal? Ralph, Maplewood, NJ

First Cicadas showing up

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
During the last week I have seen two early risers. Not long before they will be everywhere.Interesting note:
You can tell the temperature outside in Texas from the singing of Cicadas.They all sing at one time together when the temperature hits 78 degrees, 86 degrees, 94 degrees, and at 102 degrees. This is fairly consistent. They are loudest at the 78 degree and 94 degree marks. John, Houston, TX

can’t wait

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
this is going to be cool. cept there has been so much building in Maryland, i bet lots of them will not be able to emerge. gary, montgomery village maryland

Eaten Alive

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
I was told a story about a man that died in 1987 while mowing his grass during an infestation period. Apparently, these bugs overtook him and while trying to drive his John Deere mower to safety, he inadvertently swallowed about 30 of them. An autopsy performed later showed that the bugs were still alive in his throat cavity and where feeding on the chewing tobacco that he had in his mouth. (true story) Amber, Georgia

Cicada spotting circa 1963

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
Madison, NJ was the ground zero of a cicada happening. I was a high school kid and when changing classes, had to put coats over our heads to avoid being covered with the 3 inch bugs. And they would die in big piles and smell really bad. they don’t bite, but they get all over you, smell bad and the noise never stops…Run to your home! Peg, Georgia

Baltimore, Cicadas

Date: Friday, Mar/12/2004
I was in the Baltimore suburbs in 1987 and the cicadas were everywhere. I remember them so vividly because I was just visiting from New York,where we don’t get them. Tmac, Connecticut

Cicadas Are Comin’!

Date: Thursday, Mar/11/2004
They are suppose to start emerging in May around the 21st and only be around six weeks. So for the Bride worried, I wouldn’t be. 🙂 They are harmless bugs, they stay predominately in trees, and on grass. The West side is supose to be heavily hit. Don’t freak out it’s only six weeks. 🙂 I’m not even native here in Cincinnati, and I can’t wait for them to come up! This is going to be cool!
Mary, Cincinnati-East Side

Cicadas and ambient temperature

Date: Wednesday, Mar/10/2004
When I was a kid, an Uncle had given me a simple formula for determining the ambient temperature of the moment by counting the number of cicada chirps per minute. The formula was wonderfully accurate, for I used to verify it from the thermometer hanging in the porch. I can’t remember the formula now. Does anyone know of such a thing? Ajit, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

HELP HELP HELP!!!

Date: Sunday, Mar/7/2004
I HATE BUGS! OH MY GOSH! THIS IS SO GROSS! HELP ME! HELP ME! HELP ME! HELP ME!, READING, PA

FISHING

Date: Saturday, Mar/6/2004
I HAVE LIVED IN THE WASHINGTON AREA MY WHOLE LIFE & I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THEM EVER SINCE I WAS A LITTLE KID!!!
I LOVED TO FISH & WOULD LIKE TO TIME MY VACATION THE SAME TIME THEY WILL BE IN MY AREA.SO WHAT TIME,WEEK, MOUTH, WILL THEY BE HERE?????(I WILL CATCH ALL THE STATE RECORDS WITH THIS PERFECT BAIT!) EMILE DOLEZAL, BETHESDA MARYLAND MO

can cicadas see?

Date: Saturday, Mar/6/2004
Another teacher in my building told her students that cicadas are blind which accounts for them running into everything (and everyONE) in sight. I told the student who asked me about this that I thought they could see….their eyes are surely BIG enough but would search the net for reliable information!
BTW…your site is fantastic!
kinderteacher Kinderteacher, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Cicada summer?

Date: Saturday, Mar/6/2004
Will someone PLEASE tell me when these cicadas are supposed to take over? This summer? Where specifically? I don’t want them to attack my August wedding reception. Thank you, concerned bride Lisa, Millersburg, OH

Vineyard

Date: Thursday, Mar/4/2004
How might one deal with them attempting to eat the grapevine leaves? lynne, darlington, MD, USA

cicadas at the shore

Date: Wednesday, Mar/3/2004
I’m planning a trip to the Maryland Shore(Ocean City) in June. Will cicadas be found there as well?
If so, I may need to cancel. The flies are bad enough! susie, Maryland

When exactly are the expected

Date: Wednesday, Mar/3/2004
Would really like to know when the cicada’s are expected this summer in Ohio as I am trying to plan a summer outdoor wedding for my daughter. was thinking of either late May or August. Any idea which would be better? Vickie, Trenton, oh

sounds of cicadas

Date: Tuesday, Mar/2/2004
I”ve only lived here for 2 years.I’ve been hearing awful stories about these animals.I admit I”m scared.I want to know if anyone knows of a sight to hear there sounds.They say were being invaded with 5 billion this year.Help what are these creatures? What purpose do they serve? stacy parker, kentucky

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