Cicadas....OT

[DKLA]

...eww, we are supposed to have an invasion of these bugs! How creepy is that! Like locusts!!

How I dislike Ohio!!!

[PK...]

You should have been here in MO a few years ago... A convergence of the 17 and (I think) 12 years hatches... Had not happened in the US since 1776 or 7...

They did an amazing amount of damage to the trees, and it was so loud during the day, you had to shout to be heard outside...

;0))

PK

[DKLA]

Oh, gawd. Sounds awful, literally.

[PK...]

They lay their eggs in small twigs (up to pencil diameter) on trees, and make a series of v shaped cuts to do so... That damages the twigs and they either die and/or or break off.

They decimated our apple trees - exceptionally fond of them, and set them back about 5 years. Not to mention it ruined their shape completely.. We have a couple of really funny looking trees. They may have actually killed our best tree. It leafed out and died the following spring...

The kids should get a kick out of it, their empty husks will be everywhere. I know I was always pleased to find them, they were Kewl....

Hang in there... I'll be comiserating with you, for sure...

;0))

PK

[Cindyloo]

Gosh! I hadn't heard about this. So far, I think we are okay here.

Thanks for the heads up though, DK

Reminds me of that movie years and years ago "The Locusts" or something like that...YIKES!

[DKLA]

Ick.......they are coming soon.....they are not here yet. They are doing warnings on the news, etc. Cover your trees with cheesecloth or something...LOL......sounds incredible to me!

[Jinh]

Pretty good article about them in yesterday's 'Parade'...
..an expert on them says "he likens the taste of cooked cicada to cold, canned asparagus"

So, gee, if you like cold, canned asparagus...you're in luck - LOL!

Really, though, it does sound awful - and man are they LOUD! I was in Albuquerque during an invasion many years ago - that constant hummm makes you crazy after a while...

I also remember how much the cats loved to catch them...they would 'play' with them by the hour...

Jinh

[Cassandra]

Now you guys have got me worried. We're supposed to get new landscaping at the end of this month and now I'm thinking it might not be such a good idea. I don't want to spend money on plants and trees just to have them killed by Cicadas.

[Jinh]

Cassandra. Try this: www.Parade.com and click on weblinks.
You can even hear an audio clip of a cicada 'chorus'...

Jinh

[PK...]

I can second the cat part, Jinh... LOL... And of course, the Sticks brought them IN the house to play... We had to track down a couple of strays who didn't mind singing inside..

Cassandra...

I did some reading up on the brood X hatch this morning. It may not be as bad as it's being hyped...

I think, other than fruit trees, they liked dogwood and oak trees. Ornamental crab apples would be at risk... As would dogwood, but smaller planting and shrubs should be OK.. I can't recall if they hit the lilacs or not, but they would recover quickly.. Smaller shrubs and plants didn't seem to be affected..

I also understand that spraying with sevin is a good deterent. We did that, but I think the liquid sevin we used was way too old and no longer had any punch..

It probably wouldn't do any good to postpone your landscaping, unless you had assurances from the nursery that they netted all their stock until the egg laying was over. It might be worth asking them, though... You wouldn't note the damage until later. Bending the twigs will make the cuts visible. They will look like chevrons...

;0))

PK wondering if these critters could be DK's missing aliens???

[Jinh]

PK ..

The cats were so cute catching them..They would arch their backs and jump sky high and pounce! Then, they would paw and 'play' with them 'til the end...lol

They really did have a great time with those things..

Hey, you gonna try cookin' some of those puppies up if they do show up your way?

LOL

Jinh

[PK...]

OMG, Jinh...

Not even if they jumped in the pot themselves... Road kill is one thing, mammals yes, some reptiles yes, bugs NEVER... <shudder>

;0))

PK

[Cassandra]

Thanks Jinh and PK! I'm sure hubby will talk with the landscape architect before they do any planting. I was planning on an ornamental flowering crabapple and a weeping cherry tree. We have a gorgeous dogwood...hope it's okay. I know the nursery garantees all the plantings for a year, but I don't know about damage from Cicadas.

Jinh...I'm wondering if these are the same things we called tree toads when we lived in Albuquerque. They look like big locusts and are very noisy. I think they were there every year though and I don't remember them doing any damage. Probably not Cicadas....

[Jinh]

I don't know Cassandra - That's what they called them..

Jinh

[PK...]

This is a good url about them...

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMweb.utk.edu/~extepp/cicada/Cicadapage.htm

It's Tennessee based, but the hatch is pretty well spread this year...

Would you believe.... I just had to fend off a vacuum cleaner salesman... OUT HERE in the middle of nowhere.... Poor guy! What tough duty. My first thought was Jehova's Witnesses, but they usually work in pairs...

I hustled him off (BigDog was looking for a snack) by telling him I had a Roomba...... Hah! He had not heard of it..

;0))

PK

[DKLA]

LOL, PK! I heard there is a million per acre and they last about 3 weeks. I am freaking out! My buds in LA are saying "get the hell outa there"....LOL!!

[PK...]

LOL...

That will teach you to go looking for the Aliens in Section 51... You ask, they answer.. And answer, and answer... and answer..

I wonder what the math is per sq. ft. for a million an acre?? At least it's not 2 million... Hmmm...

Actually, unless you go looking for them, you will mostly only hear them, and unless you go looking, you probably won't see them...

These guys are not as large as the regular ones that hatch each year in late summer..

;0))

PK will edit with the figures per sq foot...

That would 23 per square foot... That's a lot of critters... But they will be in the trees, and not spread out on the ground in a grid...

[DKLA]

I am surrounded by trees!

Ixnay!!!

[DKLA]

oK, PK.....a friend of mine say they fly around, albeit clumzy like, into folks hair, etc.....lol

Have a good Tuesday!

I cant wait to see their red eyes....hahahaha

[PK...]

Haha, DK...

Just be glad they aren't cockroaches...

;0))

PK

[Cindyloo]

Hi guys!
I just heard on the news that some people are getting sick from eating Cicadas. So, don't eat them. I haven't seen any signs here in Central Ohio, but I gather, they are in Indiana, that's where the story originated from about not eating them.

I can't even imagine eating them, but some people like them, I guess. They are very toxic. I say...Oh Yeah? Who'da thunk it!..lol

Thought I'd let you all know.

Have a good one everyone!

[Skeeter]

I heard that story, too, Cindyloo. My question was why would you even want to eat them???

I forgot to listen this morning...they were going to have a discussion all morning on WOWO (Ft. Wayne) about them.

:)

Skeeter

[DKLA]

Word I heard was.....they will be in OH by the 20th....eewww!!

[Cindyloo]

YIKES! Hadn't heard that DK...thanks for the heads up...LITERALLY...heads up, with a cicada head and hair protector...lol

[Scoops]

I couldn't even imagine it happening here...I would have to be blindfolded to get me out of the house...oh, and carried, while totally covered from head to toe as well!

That is my biggest nightmare...an invasion of insects. To think it lasts for 3-5 weeks???? One day would be unbearable/not do-able for me.

[Cindyloo]

I hear ya Scoops!

I've been a little concerned about this. I can't imagine what it will be like.

All KINDS of insects give ME the creeps, anyway. EEK!

Believe me, I'll keep you all posted to what it is like...lol

[DKLA]

Supposedly they emerge from the ground after it softens with all this rain and the ground warming......

Does sound like uFO's, PK! LOL!!

[PK...]

For your reading pleasure...

From SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMmembers.fortunecity.com/cicadaman1999/index.html

;0))

PK

1999 Brood V Account

AN ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR MAGICICADA BROOD V FOR 1999:

LOCATION: Findley State Park, located 3 miles South of Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio.

MONDAY, MAY 17th: The first individuals are seen emerging from the ground.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19th: Light emergence observed with no song heard. M. septendecim is the only species found.

FRIDAY, MAY 21st: The emergence is growing heavier with individuals emerging as late as 0700 to 1000. Again, only septendecim is seen and some faint singing is heard. Emergence is not observed again until 1930 where the nymphs are easily spotted crawling across the ground and can be heard trampling through the leaf litter on the forest floor. By 2030, the ground appears to be alive with crawling nymphs. This emergence continues way into the night.

SUNDAY, MAY 23rd: Many more nymphs continue to emerge with a little more song heard. The first M. cassini and M. decula have also begun to emerge and are found between Camp sites 95 through 99. The first signs of fungus infection are found in a few adults.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th: Cold and damp day. Some song is heard with fresh adult cicadas covering both tree trunks and branches due to heavy overnight emergence. Exuviae and emergence holes litter the ground. Exuviae also decorate the trunks of nearly every tree with some dead and dying adults found laying at the base of the trees due to faulty enclosure and overcrowded conditions. Birds are also observed feeding on the live adults by flying in search of them amongst the branches and along the ground. Some cicadas free fall from the branches to avoid be eaten. More cassini and decula are found near campsites 97 through 99. Emergence of all species still continue through much of the morning hours.

THURSDAY, MAY 27th: More song is heard with increased volume and increased population. More dead adults are found on the ground. More nymphs begin to emerge after 1900 in great numbers.

FRIDAY, MAY 28th: Warm day 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The singing finally becomes loud and continuos. More dead adults are found with no mating or ovipositing observed. Between 1900 to 2100, a large emergence of nymphs begin crawling out of the ground. They are so abundant that they are actually climbing over one another like in a race to reach the nearest support first. Many actually tried climbing the legs of my tripod and one individual made it as far up my pant leg as my knee!

SATURDAY, MAY 29th: Another warm day with increased loud and continuous song. Many more emerging nymphs and freshly emerged adults are seen during the early morning hours. Honey Dew occasionally falls from the trees like short periods of rain drops. The first odor of decay of dead adults is detected with the assistance of the baking sun. Still no mating or ovipositing is observed. The number of living adults is incredible.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1st: Light overnight emergence. Singing is loud and continuous. A few adults are found dead from drowning due to a rain fall the previous day. Fungus infection is noticeably beginning to spread. Still no mating or ovipositing observed.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2nd: Rain sweeps across much of Northern Ohio.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4th: Warm day with pleasant weather. Nymphs are still found emerging but in much decreased numbers. The fungal infection is very apparent and spreading through the population. More dead adults litter the ground and produce a slight odor of decay. Adults are seen on just about everything and are very active flyers. Approximately a dozen mating pairs of adults are found sitting on/or close to the ground. Four females are also found ovipositing in some low hanging branches. Singing has become extremely loud and deafening at the peak of the day due to millions of males forming a chorus in the surrounding trees.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6th: Hot, 90 degree day. The singing is again extremely loud while mating and ovipositing have become a widespread frenzy amongst the population. Females are observed ovipositing in acorn, oak, and maples. The mating urge has become so powerful, that one male was seen trying to mount a dead female whose corpse was still hanging on the side of a tree.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8th: Another hot, 90 degree day. The singing continues to be very loud and nonstop. No ovipositing is observed during the morning hours and appears to resume later in the day. The fungal infection continues to spread and there is an increase in the number of dead and dying. The odor of death is becoming more apparent due to the summer heat. The emergence appears to have ceased altogether.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11th: The chorus is continued very loud and nonstop. Honey dew drops like rain in some areas during the peak of another hot day. The odor of decay is repugnant at the base of several large trees. Mating and ovipositing is widespread and constant. More dead and dying adults are found dropping from the trees.

MONDAY, JUNE 21st: Warm, 80 degree day. The chorus' of all three species are heard. The sound is strong but slightly decreased. The fungus infection continues to spread while mating and ovipositing has become the driving force of their existence. The first and only cross breeding pair is observed between a male cassini and a female septendecim. More piles of dead and dying adults are found at the base of many trees. Flagging damage is now apparent on many trees and leaves are found withered and branches are easily broken if bumped. The damage is even more noticeable on the younger trees. Some branches bleed sap from the wounds sustained by ovipositing. Egg damage is also found on small thorn bushes next to a young tree canopy.

MONDAY, JUNE 28th: The chorus has greatly diminished as is the number of live adults. Females are still ovipositing and younger trees show much signs of flagging damage. Fungal infected adults are clustered on lower limbs and grasses. One male cassini is observed trying to mount a female septendecim without any abdomen that was lost due to the fungal infection. Many adults are found fallen from the trees with the dying appearing to be more female than male. Piles of dead bodies give off more foul odors beneath the trees. Many of the corpses are being consumed by both ants and fly maggots. The remaining corpses simply bake in the hot sun. More dead and dying adults are found laying on the paved roadways throughout the park. The first Tibicen songs are heard between 3 to 4 males. A half dozen Tibicen exuviae are also found clinging to some small trees.

TUESDAY, JUNE 29th: Cool, damp 60 degree morning due to rain the night before. Many more dead adults have fallen from the trees, apparently more female than male. Dead branches due to excessive flagging are found broken off and scattered under trees. Very few living active adults are seen with many of those infected by fungus. A much decreased chorus is heard. More new Tibicen exuviae are found.

THURSDAY, JULY 8th: Very few living adults are found, majority being females. Faint chorus's of cassini are heard with solitary decula and septendecim singing briefly. Piles of dead adults lay beneath the trees with the odor of decay very powerful. Many of the dead adults are too tired to avoid both detection and/or predation. One female is observed trying to lay eggs but is too weak to insert her ovipositor into the bark. Another female is found freshly deceased with her ovipositor still inserted in a branch. Many young trees have severe flagging damage and branches are easily broken off. Heavily scarred branches lay broken on the ground. More Tibicens are heard singing periodically.

FRIDAY, JULY 9th: Severe Thunderstorms with heavy rains and high winds hit much of Northern Ohio.

SUNDAY, JULY 11th: Cool day. No living adults are heard or seen. Many decaying bodies lay in piles under trees and under branches. More damaged branches are also found and the flagging damage on most trees are very evident. Tibicens are the only cicadas left singing. The Brood V invasion has ended for Findley State Park.

ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR FINDLEY STATE PARK:

Of all the areas I've traveled during the months of May, June and July in search of Magicicada, Findley State Park had perhaps the best emergence site I've ever seen. The Magicicada's extreme abundance was a real treat for anyone wanting to experience a full effect of the cicada phenomena. The weather treated Brood V fairly well and I don't believe this was a major factor in keeping their numbers in check. Often the weather was hot and dry which is what the cicada favors. Park officials were also very cooperative in my field research and I have to compliment the entire park authorities in keeping this area safe, clean, and well maintained. I'll be looking forward to returning to this park again someday when Brood V returns in 2016....

[DKLA]

aaack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cindyloo]

That WAS interesting to read. Thanks PK

Wellington..I've heard of it, it's up close to Sandusky, I believe.

Don't remember that outbreak. I haven't see Cicadas for years really.

I can remember locusts when I was a kid, hanging on trees and bushes.

We have a lot of Maple trees on our farm and am concerned about them.

Oh well..not a heck of a whole lot I can do about it...lol

[DKLA]

netting or cheesecloth!

i am itching now....lol........bye for now!

[Cindyloo]

I've heard of that DK, but we have so many Maples, and they are huge!

I DID hear, if a person has window air conditioners, to make sure, the back of them are protected with screen or something.

The cicadas can RUIN air conditioners. We HAVE window type AC, so need to get THOSE protected.

If it ain't one thing, it's another!...sheesh!..lol

Bye DK, have a good one!

[Wildflower]

Cindyloo,

PM

[Cindyloo]

Sent one back Wildflower.

[PK...]

Here's another good site, complete with photos and the map by counties in Ohio where you can expect the bulk of this year's brood to emerge.. As well as the counties that will experience another brood in 2008.

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMbiology.clc.uc.edu/steincarter/cicadas.htm

Perhaps those people who became ill, didn't gather or prepare the critters correctly... The instructions for gathering, and recipes can be found on that site, too...

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.indiana.edu/~act/cicada/project.htm Shows the expected incidence by county in Indiana...

There is an annual "Dog-Day" Cicada that we see in late summer every year, too... It's larger than these critters..

Hah! I noted that cicadas are wonderful "mole" food while they are underground... That explains why our mole population dwindled rapidly since our emergence..

;0))

PK

[Cindyloo]

Thanks again PK, I will look into those sites.

The fellow that got so sick, he deepfried them and then ate them with butter and garlic. OMG!

Perhaps too much garlic?..lol

I'm not making light of it really. I imagine he was ONE sick fellow.

Gotta get!

Have a great day all!

[Ghost]

No Cindyboo, you don't use garlic on them. It's best to use onions.

and Jinh wrote: Hey, you gonna try cookin' some of those puppies up if they do show up your way?

Jinh, I can give you some of my receipes, lol.

[PK...]

GHOST!!!!!

Now STOP that! Not "THOSE" puppies...

Cindyloo... Maybe he gathered and cooked them after their wings and bodies hardended... The extra "crunch" might have been tasty, lol, but I think they are indigestible and will block the intestines at that stage... ick..

;0))

PK

[Ghost]

Oh, ok PK, thanks for pointing that out. :(

As far as the cicadas, there best when cooked extra crispy, lol.

[Cindyloo]

LOL Ghost...with onions? Oh okay, guess you might be right, onion is good with just about anything. But.....this mama here, ain't doin' no cacadas, onion or NO onion..lol

PK, I went into those sites and was interesting to read. Lord, those recipes! It just gives me the willys to think about it. Those pictures were somethin' else.

Of course, there's people that eat chocolate covered ants...OMG!..can't imagine it!..lol

[DKLA]

they r everywhere!

heard maryland was worse!!

[Cindyloo]

None in MY area yet DK, still waiting though...lol

I heard they were bad in Maryland. I was watching a news report from Baltimore, (unrelated to cicadas)..and you couldn't even HEAR the news guy talking, the cicadas were so loud.

[DKLA]

Actually, they are loaded in different parts of the city. A friend of mine said they are covering her lawn......and you can see the lawn move! Eew!

I do have a new found respect for them though. A bug that lives 17 yrs., and that it really doesn't bite or sting, etc.

[Cindyloo]

Oh Lord, ain't that creepy to think about them in the ground like that, and the ground looks like it's moving?...OMG! I shudder!

I hear ya, about them living that long and won't bite or sting.

[Butterfly]

UC Engineering Researchers Find Mercury In Cicadas
Think twice before you eat one of Cincinnati's Brood-X cicadas. That's the warning from researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering, who have found surprising levels of mercury in these insects.

Because of the once-in-17-years cicada emergence throughout the Eastern United States and media reports of various food dishes involving cicadas, Tim Keener of UC's department of civil and environmental engineering department and Soon-Jai Khang of UC's department of chemical and materials engineering have measured the mercury content of fully developed cicadas taken from three different communities in Cincinnati.

"Our results indicate that there are measurable and, in some instances, significant levels of mercury in the cicadas, with the majority of the concentrations ranging from 0.02 - 0.20 parts per million, but some at higher levels," Keener said. The higher levels, he said, approach those in fish that have earned government warnings.

Keener and Khang are attempting to identify the source of the mercury to determine if these concentration variations are natural to cicadas or if man-made sources are contributing to the mercury levels.

"We recommend that humans, especially pregnant women and young children, limit the amount of cicadas they eat as a result of these preliminary findings. We do not believe that eating a small number of these insects will result in irreparable harm, but mercury exposure may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system," Keener said.