Pink Poogle Toy Forum

Would someone mind explaining what they are?

ci·ca·da (s¹-k³“d…, -kä“-) n., pl. ci·ca·das or ci·ca·dae (-d¶”). Any of various insects of the family Cicadidae, having a broad head, membranous wings, and in the male a pair of resonating organs that produce a characteristic high-pitched, droning sound. Also called cicala.

Cicada own the reputation of being the loudest animal in the world. Producing a loud whining sound with two tymbal structure that is greatly amplified with air-filled resonating chambers, the cicada is also a proficient ventriloquist, making it hard to locate the actual source of the noise. The ancient Greek revered this insect and the Chinese made jade cicada amulets. These amulets were placed under the tongue of the deceased to induce resurrection. This symbolism comes from an observance of immature cicada emerging fresh from their molded skins.

Question: Is it true that someone has offered a reward for blue-eyed cicadas? (5/2004)
Answer: That's false. It's an urban legend. Although rare and cool no one has placed a bounty on their teeny heads.

Question: Why do they stay underground for 17 years? (5/2004)
Answer: There are a number of theories. Most likely they've developed this rhythm to avoid predators. Climate events -- perhaps the Ice Age -- are also factor.

Question: Do cicadas bite or sting?
Answer: No. Cicadas aren't equipped to bite or sting. They do have prickly feet which can pinch or scratch. If they confuse you with a tree branch they might try to drink fluids from you or lay some eggs in you, which you would definitely feel.

Question: Are cicadas toxic or poisonous?
Answer: No, but just in case, try not to eat too many. They will become toxic if you spray them with pesticides - so don't.

Question: How do they make that noise?
Answer: Only the males make that noise (although some females are capable of making sounds). They have drum like membranes on their abdomen that vibrate very quickly, creating the creepy tones. Every species of cicada has a unique call. The frequency and tone of their calls is related to the temperature, and the time of day.

Question: What do they eat?
Answer: To the best of my knowledge, cicadas subsist solely on the fluids of a living deciduous tree. Magicicada adults live off their fatty bodies -- and they are capable of sucking fluids from trees. As larvae and nymphs they suck tree fluids from the roots of deciduous trees. Tibicens and other Genus of cicada do eat as adults. If you capture a cicada, giving the creature a broken branch to suck on probably won't nourish it. You best bet is to take a picture or some video and then release it.

Question: What is a deciduous tree?
Answer: Essentially, a tree that loses its leaves each fall, like maples, oaks and fruit trees.

Question: How long does a Magicicada emergence last?
Answer: About six weeks.

Question: If these cicadas appear every 17 years, then why is it that they are listed to appear as frequently as every 4 years?
Answer: Good question. Magicicadas emerge in what's known as Broods -- which you can think of as families or tribes. Each Brood emerges in 17 (or 13) year cycles. There can be more than one Brood in a state or even the same area, which is why you have emergences happening every 4 years or less in certain areas. Broods never get a chance to interbreed, so they're usually genetically different than other broods, and are often comprised of different species (Magicicada is a Genus name not a species).

*raises eyebrow*

I remember that when I was younger I liked to collect their shells. I thought the actual bug was a creepy looking thing, probably due to its size.

Cool! I love those but I want to hear them....or see them.

I want to hear them as well, I live in England, but I've never heard anybody talking about them. And if it was once every seventeen years, it would be on some wildlife programme or something.

That was very educating ducky, thanks.