The 17-Year Bug (also called the periodical cicada) is a unique and mysterious creature that appears every 17 years in certain parts of the United States.
This bug is quite unique and can cause great fascination to those who witness it. It has remained largely unstudied helped by its mysteriousness and the rarity of its appearances.
Basics of the 17-Year Bug
The 17-Year Bug is an insect belonging to the cicada family, specifically those belonging to the genus Magicicada. They grow up to two inches long and come in two distinct color patterns. The ‘Dogday’ variety of bug is bright green in color with black stripes, while the ‘Cherry’ variety bug is bright red in color with black stripes.
What Makes the 17-Year Bug Special
What makes the 17-Year Bug so special is its relative lifespan. This species of cicada spends most of its life cycle as underground larvae, only emerging every 17 years. It’s also worth noting that the cicadas emerge in large numbers with some estimates of up to 1.5 million individuals per acre.
The 17-Year Bug’s Life Cycle
The life cycle of the 17-Year Bug starts with the adult cicadas emerging from their underground larvae in the middle of summer. Once on the surface, the cicadas mate with each other and the male cicada begins its nightly serenade to attract a mate. Once mating is complete, the female cicada lays her eggs in the crevices of tree bark. The eggs hatch into nymphs and make their way to the ground and enter their underground larvae stage, where they stay until the next emergence.
Geographical Habits of the 17-Year Bug
The 17-Year Bug is a species found only in the Eastern United States, with the greatest number appearing in the Appalachian Mountains. The states most affected by the 17-Year Bug are Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Distinctive Sounds of the 17-Year Bug
The 17-Year Bug is known for its distinct and loud songs that it produces in the night. The males of the species create this song to attract a mate, and they do so throughout the night from late May to early July. The sound is made by the males by rapidly vibrating their tymbals, which are special membranes located in their abdomen.
Unique Characteristics
In addition to their 17-year life cycle, their large numbers of emergence and distinctive song, the 17-Year Bug has several unique characteristics that makes them stand out from other cicadas.
• Their wings are see-through.
• They have a flap of skin under their abdomen called a ‘subgenital plate’ which is used to attract a mate.
• They have three sets of compound eyes.
• They have evolved the ability to synchronize their development so they all emerge together after 17 years.
Witnessing the 17-Year Bug
For those fortunate enough to be living in the right location, witnessing the emergence of the 17-Year Bug can be an incredible experience. They can be seen flying around trees, gathering in masses on wall, and singing their loud songs in the night
What Attracts the 17-Year Bug
What attracts the 17-Year Bug to an area depends on a variety of factors. The cicadas prefer areas with warm temperatures and plenty of trees with slits to lay eggs. The cicadas also seem to be attracted to loud noises and bright lights, which can be seen as signs of a good food source.
What Attracts the 17-Year Bug
What attracts the 17-Year Bug to an area depends on a variety of factors. The cicadas prefer areas with warm temperatures and plenty of trees with slits to lay eggs. The cicadas also seem to be attracted to loud noises and bright lights, which can be seen as signs of a good food source.
How to Get Rid of the 17-Year Bug
If the noisy 17-Year Bug is getting on your nerves in the summer, there are ways to get rid of them. The most effective way is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the bugs up and dispose of them. Physical barriers can also be used to keep the bugs at bay. However, these should be avoided as they can have an adverse effect on the environment.
Preparing for the 17-Year Bug
It is important to be prepared for the arrival of the 17-Year Bug so that you don’t end up with a lot of unexpected guests in your backyard. The first step is to know when the 17-Year Bug is due to arrive in your area. This can be done by researching the historical patterns of cicada activity in your region. Secondly, watch out for the signs in nature that signal their arrival. This includes the presence of egg-shaped holes in trees and loud cicada songs in the evening.
The 17-Year Bug is an amazing species of cicada that fascinates everyone who has the chance to witness it. Their mysterious and unique life cycle helps make this bug an amazing part of nature and an experience not to be missed. It is important to be prepared for their arrival and to know how to get rid of them if necessary. Despite the noise, the appearance of the 17-Year Bug is a great experience that can help expand our knowledge of nature and its mysteries.
