One of the Greatest insect OUTBREAKS on earth!

I'm not much of a bug lover, in fact most insects give me the heebie jeebies!

Yet, there are a few species out there that are pretty interesting, and I DO have a certain respect for.

Take into account this little critter: Cicadas a.k.a 'Heat bugs'.

Those are the insects that you hear on those very hot days, that make that strange, loud, and long-winded buzzing sound.

Imagine spending 17 years of your life living below the soil. Guess what? They DO!

When they emerge from the soil, they are nearing the end of their existence. In fact, they live above ground for about 1 month tops! - only to breed, then die.

Not much of a life eh?

Nonetheless, I found the vid to be pretty amazing!

Cicada Video

I wonder why they stay underground for such a long time?

Maybe they need 17 years of rest for a whole month of breeding!HAHA. Seriously maybe it's something leftover in their evolution process.Iam sure there is a reason for their existence other than pro- creation.

Originally posted by AccessDenied
Maybe they need 17 years of rest for a whole month of breeding!HAHA. Seriously maybe it's something leftover in their evolution process.Iam sure there is a reason for their existence other than pro- creation.

That's a helluva long buildup towards their 'end days'!

Most insects NEVER lie dormant that long.

17 years under the dirt is a pretty long time to prepare for ones soul purpose: mating/producing/death.

It really is a long time for a dirt nap.
Sucking roots for 17 years.

Here is my theory for their existence:

They keep the trees healthy.
Taking a minimum of nutrients from the trees, over an extended period.
When it's time to wake up, they molt, they mate, they lay eggs, they die.

When they lay eggs, they do so in a slit (that they make) on the tree branch.
The branch dies at the point of the slit, and falls to the ground.

They are natural Tree Pruners!
They prune the trees, then become fertilizer.
Repeat 17 years later.

Originally posted by spacedoubt
It really is a long time for a dirt nap.
Sucking roots for 17 years.

Here is my theory for their existence:

They keep the trees healthy.
Taking a minimum of nutrients from the trees, over an extended period.
When it's time to wake up, they molt, they mate, they lay eggs, they die.

When they lay eggs, they do so in a slit (that they make) on the tree branch.
The branch dies at the point of the slit, and falls to the ground.

They are natural Tree Pruners!
They prune the trees, then become fertilizer.
Repeat 17 years later.

You're gonna laugh when I say this:

SHAMPOO....LATHER....CONDITION...RINSE!

1. Lay eggs
2. Let squirm about
3. Rest (let sit for a longgggggg time)
4. Emerge!

I'm a sick puppy...I know!

i live in the midwest, and they came out the year before last where i live. it's constant, non-stop noise. i guess you get used to it after a while... :bnghd:

Out here we prefer

Catch
Clean
Cook
Consume

That shuts them up, deep fry their noisy little butts.

Originally posted by ChiKeyMonKey
Out here we prefer

Catch
Clean
Cook
Consume

That shuts them up, deep fry their noisy little butts.

umm, damn. i never would have thought of that to make them NOT make noise. i think i'd rather eat this little bananna, though

Originally posted by ChiKeyMonKey
Out here we prefer

Catch
Clean
Cook
Consume

That shuts them up, deep fry their noisy little butts.

EWWWWWWWW!

The 4 'C's !

Now it's gettin friggin gross! lol