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Dog-day cicada

tibicen robinsoniaus

Description:

The common dog-day cicadas (sometimes called the annual cicadas or locusts) appear in late summer and have life cycles of 2 to 5 years. Female cicadas insert clusters of eggs into the twigs and small branches using a saw-like egg laying structure (ovipositor). In 6 to 7 weeks, small nymphs hatch from the eggs and drop to the ground. They burrow into the soil, seeking tree roots. As they molt through several growth stages (instars), they may burrow several feet down. Fully developed nymphs burrow out of the ground at night, leaving a 1/2-inch hole behind them. Under some conditions, the exit hole is associated with a mud cone or chimney 3 to 4 inches high. The nymphs climb onto tree trunks, low plants or other objects. Adult cicadas emerge from this last nymphal stage through a crack along the back, leaving the light brown cast skin behind. Adults can live for 5 to 6 weeks.

Notes:

I spotted this beautiful mottled green cicada on liriope. I haven't seen this coloration before.

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2 Comments

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

Yes, she definitely has her combat gear on!

LucBertrand
LucBertrand 12 years ago

This great discovery! Looks like she go at war hahaha :) very beautiful pictures !

KarenL
Spotted by
KarenL

Tennessee, USA

Spotted on Aug 29, 2011
Submitted on Aug 29, 2011

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