The “Magic’ is Back!

Magicicada septendecim. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1214954

The year, 2016. The season, late spring, early summer. The buzz … well, it’s magical … the return of the 17-year cicada.

The year, 2016. The season, late spring, early summer. The buzz … well, it’s magical … the return of the 17-year cicada. Brood V (five) of the 17-year cicada will be emerging in the eastern part of Ohio, and a few other states. Why “magic”? The Genus of the 17-year cicada is called Magicicada and there are 3 species that will emerge (Magicicada septendecim, M. cassini and M. septendecula), each having slightly different coloration on the abdomen and having different calls. ​

The nymphal stage has lived underground, plowing through the soil for 17 years, feeding on the sap of tree roots. In just a matter of weeks the entire brood, millions, if not billions, of individuals, will emerge from the ground to reproduce and begin the cycle again. It will be amazing. If you are a bird, a skunk, predatory insect, or even a plant, this will be a load of nutrients at your doorstep ... what a protein feast! Birds will gorge themselves and their young on cicadas, as will fish, frogs, squirrels and so many other species of wildlife. Birds and other animals may have larger broods or be more successful in raising their young due to the plentiful food source. Plants will relish the nutrients returned to the soil as dead cicadas decompose. A wondrous cycle.

Do not fear these large insects since they do not bite nor transmit any diseases, but they might blunder into you as they fly. Use this natural phenomenon as a learning experience. Go on a walk with a naturalist who can explain the life cycle. Take photographs and record the sounds. Check out websites, such as the ones listed below. Then go outdoors and be in awe. Watch as the nymphs climb trees, fences, poles … yes, even your home. Look at the legs, the shape of the body … there might even be a little bit of dirt on them since they have just emerged from the soil. Watch them move. The nymph’s exoskeleton will split along its back and slowly the adult cicada will begin to emerge, the body pale in color at first, except for the red eyes, then darkening as the exoskeleton dries and wings unfurl and are pumped with fluids extending them to their full length. Look at the adults and see if you can tell males and females apart. Collect the nymph’s exoskeletons and stick them in your hair or on your shoulder … then walk into a store and see what reaction you get. Educate those who might be fearful, the cicadas will appreciate it. ​

As summer progresses the number of cicadas will dwindle, their calls will diminish and we will get on with our lives. Don’t forget, the cicadas will have laid eggs in twigs and branches of trees to continue their lives as well. The nymphs will hatch from the eggs, land on the ground and burrow to spend the next 17 years below ground, plowing through the soil, feeding on the sap of tree roots. Where will you be in 17 years? How will your neighborhood change? The 17-year cicadas will be here, unnoticed, until they emerge once again. Say goodbye until next time but enjoy the spectacle while it lasts.

​Recommended links:

• Cicada Mania
• Periodical Cicadas @ Magic Cicada
• Periodical Cicadas Distribution Map, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology
• Thrillist-How To Catch, Kill, And Cook Cicadas (yes, cicada recipes if you wish)

Magicicada septendecim. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1214954

Listen (above) and learn more about "Magicicada septendecim, sometimes called the Pharaoh cicada or the 17 year locust, is native to Canada and the United States and is the largest and most northern species of periodical cicada with a 17-year life cycle.[2]" at Wikipedia here.

Magicicada cassini. By Fontaine K, Cooley J, Simon C (2007) [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

​Listen (above) and learn more about "Magicicada cassini, sometimes called the dwarf cicada is a species of periodical cicada endemic to the United States. It has a 17-year lifecycle but is otherwise indistinguishable from the 13-year periodical cicada Magicicada tredecassini" at Wikipedia here.

Magicicada septendecula. By Fontaine K, Cooley J, Simon C (2007) [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

Listen above to the Calling song (complete song) for the Magicicada septendecula and learn more about this "species of insect in family Cicadidae. It is endemic to the United States" at Wikipedia here.

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Nancy Howell

Nancy Howell has been involved with Western Cuyahoga Audubon almost since the chapter was formed. Nancy presently serves on the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Board as treasurer, in membership and as program coordinator and is the compiler for the Lakewood Christmas Bird Count which is sponsored by Western Cuyahoga Audubon. In the past Nancy has served in the role of vice-president, president, education coordinator and field trip coordinator. Nancy is also one of the many leaders for the Spring Bird Walks, sponsored, in part, by Western Cuyahoga Audubon.

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