The Periodical Cicada

The Periodical Cicada opens a window into the dramatic life of Cicadas that appear in regular, long cycles and then vanish for years. This authoritative bulletin collects new records and maps the well-known broods, explaining how the insects spend most of their lives underground before a dramatic and noisy emergence above ground. This edition compiles the life history, the differences between the 17-year and 13-year races, their distribution across the United States, and the myriad ways scientists study their habits. It also covers the stages of transformation, the food and mating habits of adults, and the natural enemies that influence their numbers. Detailed life cycle from underground larva to winged adults, with clear stage descriptions.Maps and discussion of the 17-year and 13-year broods and their ranges.Notes on emergence timing, distribution differences, and factors that affect abundance.Overview of natural enemies, symptoms of damage, and practical remedies. Ideal for readers of natural history and entomology, as well as anyone curious about one of nature’s most famous insect events. Read more