May 22, 2008 6:53 pm US/Eastern
Cape Cod Prepares For Noisy Cicadas Invasion
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
A phenomenon of nature that only comes every 17 years is underway in Massachusetts. The red-eyed, distinctive-sounding cicadas are ready to emerge.
The particular cicadas making their way right now from underground burrows are known as the 'periodic cicadas of Brood XIV.' Their shrill mating songs will be heard over the next few weeks, before the bugs die-off and the 17 year wait for a new generation begins.
Listen:
The Sound Of CicadasCicadas are emerging in 13 eastern states, from Georgia north to Massachusetts.
Early reports indicate the Cape will likely see the highest concentration of cicadas.
"So for 16 years and 11 months they've been two feet under ground sucking on tree roots," said entomologist Dave Simser.
Then they emerge from their lairs to mate, laying hundreds of eggs on trees.
"The back surface of the shell will split and out from this shell will emerge an adult. The males will make a trill sound -- a trill of a lifetime -- and they will attract females, mate, and do it all over again," Simser said.
The adult cicadas die within three weeks of emerging. Then six weeks later, their eggs hatch, and cicada nymphs burrow their way into the ground, where they will stay for 17 more years.
"They come out and do their thing, which is mating -- singing and mating," Simser said. "Living La Vida Cicada -- party while you can."
Gerry Bunker runs the Web site
Massachusetts Cicadas. He tells WBZ that cicadas tend to emerge once soil temperature is around 65 degrees. He has received reports of cicadas getting ready to emerge in Mashpee, East Falmouth and Bourne.
Cicadas typically don't go any further north than Cape Cod.
If you have heard or seen cicadas emerging in your neighborhood, let us know.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments