In Exostis, while many cicads were seen on citrus trees, most of their exuvia were found on grass or at soil level (right).
Cicadas
Cicadidae
(Hemiptera)
The largest of the 'hoppers'. These are mainly sub-tropical but
many are found in southern Europe or even further north. The nymphs live
underground on the roots of trees or other plants - often for several
years (the 'periodical
cicada' of North America Magicicada septendecim takes seventeen years
to mature). The nymphs eventually emerge from the soil, climb plants and
moult. The emergent imago mates almost immediately and dies very soon
thereafter. Cicadas are best known from their stridulation and species may be
identified by their sound. They are, however, often elusive for those who seek a
view of them .....
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Cicadas are numerous in southern France and incorporated
into iconography - left mediaeval arms in Arles. I've never caught one there
but in Tuscany during 2003 there was a chance encounter with a mass
emergence onto pine trees. Below the pines were numerous exit holes,
at least 1cm in diameter. |
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The exuvia (outer skins of the larvae) were present in large numbers on the trees. These ghostly remnants all faced upwards in their direction of movement - some seemed to be preparing to mate before they had fully emerged (right) |
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Many dead cicadas were found, but none photographed very well (left). However, better results were obtained in Greece (2005, right). The darkly veined wings with large clear cells are characteristic of this group. |
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Being a fairly large insects it is possible to examine the
head structure easily. Antennae are very small; in addition to the large
compound eyes, there are small ocelli towards the centre (left). In Exostis, while many cicads were seen on citrus trees, most of their exuvia were found on grass or at soil level (right). |
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| Cicadas do have their enemies. That to the right was held down and impaled by a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) which was sucking out the internal juices. It's likely that most dead cicadas are recycled by ants. |
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CREATED 28/09/05