Cicadas

Ever hear a loud “buzzing” in the summertime, but not been able to find out where the noise was coming from? Chances are, it was coming from high in the trees, from large groups of cicadas singing.  

Cicadas are insects with six legs and long, clear wings. They hatch as nymphs from eggs and live underground for anywhere from 13 to 17. While living underground, the nymphs feed on juices from tree roots. When ready, the nymphs tunnel up to the surface and climb up trees, where they molt to become winged cicadas.  

As they molt, they leave behind their hardened skin, which turns shell-like. You can often still find these on trees, even when the cicada itself has flown away! The adults then sit in trees and sing their loud, buzzing songs to attract mates. Once cicadas mate, they lay eggs in trees, the eggs hatch, and the nymphs crawl underground, starting the cycle all over again.  

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