Cicadas Are Coming To NYC!

This spring will mark the emergence of Brood II periodical cicadas. After spending 17 years feeding on tree rootlets underground, the nymphs will emerge later this spring as soil temperatures warm up. In NYC, they will be seen mainly in Staten Island. The adult periodical cicadas are black with orange eyes and wing veins, whereas the annual summer cicadas we hear each July are black with green highlights. To learn more about cicadas, see this link: http://www.magicicada.org/magicicada_ii.php.

Also, visit the Museum's Hall of Biodiversity to see a restored cicada diorama that was first displayed in 1912.The diorama, which highlights the biological features of Brood X cicadas, shows how cicadas emerge from the ground as wingless nymphs, climb the nearest tree, and shed their skin to become winged adults. It will be on temporary display starting May 22nd.

We're looking for your observations - let us know where and when you see and hear these cicadas!

Periodical cicada/Wiki images

Posted on May 22, 2013 01:56 PM by americanmuseumofnaturalhistory