All About Cicadas

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Why do cicadas "sing" ?

A popular theory holds that the roar in your backyard is a result of romantic overtures by male cicadas to attract a mate.

However, another theory points to the cicada's strong survival skills.

Their songs are not only irritating to humans, but also to bug-loving birds, who are often repelled by the sheer racket of a cicada emergence.

So, is it a "love call" - or an attempt to avoid being eaten by birds?

Listen to a cicada call

Nature experts and scientists are still puzzled over the exact how and why of a cicada emergence.

It is truly a fascinating cycle of death and rebirth — a perfectly-timed spectacle of song and dance which only occurs every 17 years.

Ask any homeowner, however, and you'll find cicadas are best known for driving the neighbors to distraction with the weeks-long roar of their "love calls."

The Birth & Short Life of a Cicada

The cycle begins slowly enough as various species of black and orange periodical Cicadas spend their formative years underground.

There, they leisurely feed on tree roots until ready to emerge above-ground as fully-formed adults 17 years later. And, as anyone who has witnessed one, a cicada emergence is an awesome spectacle to behold.

As the weather warms in spring, millions of cicadas appear with the only purpose to mate, lay eggs, and die off — so that the next generation can grow to emerge in 17 years ... to begin the cycle all over again.

Here They Come Again

The last great emergence in the U.S. began in 2004 when Cicada Mania gripped the South and Northeast. Most recently, another brood has resurfaced in 2007 in parts of Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, find out what you can do now, and in the future, if your area is destined to be serenaded around the time of their next appearance, in May 2021...

UMMZ Periodical Cicada Page - With a scholarly look at everything you want to know about mating habits, life cycle and more with full-color photos, audio files, and related links.

Professor Chuck Holliday's Cicada-Killer Page - Great info and related links on the subject with advice on using a natural predator wasp to control cicadas nesting on your property.

2007 Cicada Mania Teaching Resources - Kid-friendly activities including downloadable coloring pages, worksheets for grades 3 - 8, a related PowerPoint presentation, and printable fact sheet for classroom use.

Kid's Cicada Hunt - Rediscover a kid's fascination with bugs through the eyes of Aaron and Ethan as they hunt, collect 'em, and get answers about the pesky critters.

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