The Amazing Cicada Experience

Each summer, we love to hear the buzzing of the cicadas. We also love to collect the many, many empty shells (from when the molt) attached to trees, fire hydrants, rocks, chairs, etc, etc. On one hike, we counted over 15 shells on one tree.

This year, the kids also helped rescue several cicadas from wasps that were trying to eat it. We can certainly talk about the circle of life, but they insist that they must do it. Secretly, I am glad that they do. I really am intrigued by these prehistoric looking bugs.

Here is a link to a video anyone interested in cicadas should really see. It is by some folks at the University of Indiana and is the story of the 17 year cicada. Incredible. I watch it every year and am amazed each time. http://sites.bio.indiana.edu/~hangarterlab/broodx/broodxmovies/nsfmovieintro.htm

The following are some photos of the cicada emerging from its shell. It was attached to a metal flag pole in our neighbors yard. It was really fun for the kids to experience this with friends. We watched this little guy for about an hour and a half.

This is the way we first say him. He had already split the shell and was emerging upside down. If you watch the movie link above, you will get to watch them split the shell and wiggle out.

Doesn't this look so cool! Yes, I should have gone to school to be a naturalist! Can you see how bright green he is? Watch the photos to see the change.

Our neighbor, Leif, watching very closely.

Benjamin taking this cicada study very seriously. It's amazing that at the age of 2, he has gotten to experience something it took me almost 40 years to see. I wish he could remember...

Although Samantha seems to be yucked out by the whole thing, she truly was not. If it wasn't for her nature loving ways, our homeschool and life path may not be what it is today!