Cicadas are the perfect bug

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Cicadas are the perfect bug

Topic Author: Melanie Shafer

Posted: 7:52 AM Jun 4, 2008

Replies Posted: 19 comments

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Cicadas are the perfect bug

I'm sure many will disagree with me on this one, but I have developed a fondness for cicadas over the last few week, noisy or not! While their constant chirping may send some over the edge, I don't mind it. I'm always surprised at how loud it is when I walk outside initially, but then it fades into the background noises for me. But the real reason I love these ugly red-eyed bugs are because they have provided plenty of entertainment for my crew. There is no reason to argue over who found the bug/gets to hold the bug... there are PLENTY to go around. Even when one gets a little too much "love" from Lilly ... there is always another buzzing close behind. They are pretty sturdy too considering the little fingers grabbing them out of the grass. We have "caught" endless numbers of them, putting them into cleaned out peanut butter jars, wholes drills into the lids. No they didn't survive long ... but there a hundreds more out in our yard to fill the void. My big boys have gotten a science lesson with the 17 year sleeping, the exoskeletons stuck all over the trees. They don't sting, they don't bite... in the words of my sweet Tate, "They are nice bugs, Mommy."

Yes they are! And I'll be a little sad when they go .... yellow jackets are nearly as fun to play with!

Melanie Shafer

Posted by: lou lou i've been stung several times by yellow jackets, they are nothing to play with....

Posted by: Joanna I remember the ugly little beasts when I was in the 4th grade...you could barely walk down the street without them crunching under your feet! So when they arrived this year, I was totally freaking out! But somehow, I got used to them, and by the 2nd week I was actually picking them up! My kids and I actually watched one come completely out of it's shell (we call them "pork rinds"!) Now that they are gone, I am seeing the dead branches on the trees where they have laid their eggs. Hope I can get along with them next time too! What a fabulous thing of nature!

Posted by: Christina Unfortunately, we haven't seen a single Cicada in my area. From the sound of it, my 18 month old Granddaughter and I are missing some serious fun!

Posted by: Linda I can't say the cicadas were much of a problem here. But, I do have a question about the cicada. Just where do they fit in the eco system and the food chain? What is their purpose? I know they make good fish bait but are they good for anything besides damaging trees and entertaining kids?

Posted by: Kim We had tons of them here in northern Wayne County. At first I found them to be bothersome (the noise, having to cover the trees, etc.) but my 4 year old daughter is completely captivated by them. They've sort of grown on me too...red bulgy eyes and all!

Posted by: ronda I have to agree, my kids are having a blast playing with these bugs. My one yr old likes it when they chirp in his hand and the older children find it interesting learning about their way of life.

Posted by: Lou Cicadas are NOT the perfect bug as they absolutely DO bite! My husband has been bitten by one several times, and so have several people at my church.

Posted by: Elwood Take some and sautee them in butter.Pour over linguinie and enjoy.No,no,no really they are a treat.

Posted by: ky gal We don't have many cicadas in Louisa. I think there are more outside of town but still not deafening. While living in Barboursville about 8 years ago, we thought we had a lot of cicadas. During this time, a friend had gone to the Clarksburg area to visit and said the cicadas were so loud that the drive thru windows could not be used!! Melanie, I can just see you and the children playing with and talking about the cicadas. I assume your sweet little girl is fast becoming a "tom boy"!!! I remember the cicadas from childhood. I used to take them off the tree and play with them. I'm glad you are enjoying the cicadas with your children. These are precious times you will treasure when they are grown and gone. According to "David", we may get to see them again before the 17 years rolls around again. Oh, Yeah!!!!!

Posted by: David It never fails, I will be somewhere having a cicada plague every year. I know most people think they only come around every 17 yrs. As we have become a mobile society, we import a fresh batch every year. It is only a matter of time before they increase in numbers to qualify as a biblical locust plague.

Posted by: Pat Seventeen years ago my neighbor boys spent a lot of time with me in my yard as we studied and discussed the cicadas. I've enjoyed the memories of those years more than seeing and hearing them again this year. My dog has enjoyed playing with them, though, and I have enjoyed watching her.

Posted by: Barbara . My husband has been feeding the Cicadas to the fish in his new pond. I remember as a child cathcing what we called Jar Flys and putting them in jars and lightning bugs too.Good old fashion fun.Kept us out of moms hair. Ha Enjoy seeing you every morning.Barbara

Posted by: DJC Years ago my granny showed me something about the cicadas. If you look close, on each wing is a W. Granny said that stood for World War. Just another old wives tale! But it does make you wonder!

Posted by: Anna I agree! My kids (ages 3, 4, and 7)have had the best time with cicadas. The bugs don't sting or bite and aren't dirty or disease carriers...perfect toy for the kids! My husband is a little grossed out by them, though :)

Posted by: Debbie I agree, I don't mind the chirping either. Especially since I know it's just the bugs and not an accumulation of fluid in my ears again, that sounds just like them but going in and closing my doors doesn't help. And unless you have young trees they don't hurt anything. My dogs are afraid of them though. I think you meant yellow jackets AREN'T as much fun to play with. I just hope I'm still around the next time they emerge. Just think Melanie you could be showing them to your grandkids then.

Posted by: Barbara melanie,make some cicadas cookie.go on line under cicadas ,

Posted by: Jess How long do they last into the summer? Up here in Mason we really haven't even got to hear too many of them at all. And I am kinda sad as I looked foward to that this year.

Posted by: missy I work in a daycare and I do agree with you it keeps all the kids from fighting and there are enough bugs to go around.