Jun 3, 2008 5:38 pm US/Eastern
Cape Braces For Mating Call As Cicadas Emerge
MARSHFIELD (WBZ) ―
The long-lost cicadas have finally made their appearance on the Cape after being gone for 17 years. Residents are bracing for the annoying mating call of the cicadas, which could begin soon.
Residents in Marshfield have been finding the critters all over their yard this week, though they are quiet for the moment. Experts say the cicadas, which only emerge from the ground once every 17 years for mating, have yet to make their infamous pulsating sound that has long annoyed Cape residents.
Marshfield resident Peter Bertling has found a tasty reason to make the best of the visitors.
"Cicada stir fry. Cicada rhubarb pie, and just in general I would fry up cicadas with garlic powder and a little salt and pepper," Bertling explained.
Entomologist Dave Simser explained that the bugs come above ground for mating purposes and are nearing their peak.
"She's hardened up. She will fly to the treetops very soon, and the male will make his piecing cry, and that's going to bring her to him," Simser said. "They mate. I call it 'livin' la vida cicada.'"
Experts say the cicadas won't damage trees or shrubs, and while they can be annoying at times, cicadas do not sting or bite.
The bugs are expected to start their mating call in the next couple days.
Send us your cicada photos Cicadas only live as adults for about three weeks, during which time they mate and lay hundreds of eggs on trees. The adults then die off. Several weeks later the eggs hatch, and the new generation makes it way back underground.
At their height, the mating sound from swarms of male cicadas is known to be so noisy, it can keep you up at night.
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