Chips on a Sandwich | no. 31 | THE CICADAS ARE COMING
Don't trust the frog or the swallow. If the cicada doesn't chirrup, it's not summer. -Greek Proverb
EMERGENCE: Brood X or the Great Eastern Brood of periodical cicadas has superb timing-- they just missed 2020. Since 2004 the billions of bugs have been snacking on tree root sap just a couple of feet below us (oh, if cicadas could talk). Come spring-- or when the soil reaches 64 F-- they will emerge, molt, mate, lay eggs and of course sing en masse. People along the east coast and as far south as Georgia and all the way west to Michigan will be able to hear them and know that summer is not far off.
MOLTING: Periodical cicadas are known for their black bodies and red eyes. Their full wingspan is about 3-inches-wide, and most are about 2 1/2-inches-long. They emerge soft and white and attach to the nearest structure. They molt for the last time and after several days, when their blackened exoskeleton is mature, they’re ready to find a mate. Eggs are tucked away underground for the next brood to emerge in 2038! (I can’t wait to go cicada shell hunting with my son.)
MYTHOLOGY: No one knows why periodical cicadas wait for 17 years or how they all know when to emerge all together. Ancient Greeks embraced and celebrated the insect's peculiar behaviors as a symbol of rebirth-- I can't think of a better year than 2021 to celebrate new beginnings. So, when the cicadas come, marvel and enjoy.
CICADA SWAG: These cicada earrings remind me of my friend Alex who has a similar, less dangly pair. And you could own your very own Brood X 2021 tshirt or cicada wing print.
