Cicada Sighting in Ozark, AL
Sightings Category: Cicadas
Cicada Sighting in Ozark, AL
Sorry if I spelled it wrong. We have found quite a few shells around our house. My daughter (3 years old) asked about it. I explained about the insect coming out of its shell. Later that day, I found a living one. It was kinda whitish. After a couple of hours, it is no longer moving. Is it dead or starting the process? Couldn't find any info online. I appreciate the info.
Nicole
Date Posted: 2009-08-28 Comments: (2) Show Comments Hide Comments
Comments
Posted By: Massachusetts Cicadas | On: 2010-12-06 | Website:
Hi Nicole,
No, you didn't spell it wrong. That is definitely a cicada. That particular species is known as Tibicen auletes and it actually is probably dead or dying. It has no doubt did its job where it mated with a female (perhaps more than one female) and has completed its life cycle. Out of approximately 150 species of cicadas in North America Tibicen auletes is the biggest species.
The white stuff on the cicada is actually indicative of all Tibicen cicadas. It is actually a form of wax that covers most cicadas undersides but in Tibicen auletes it covers them all over.
I am currently constructing distribution maps for all cicada species in North America. In order that I may add information on where the specimen was located to my database could you please provide the following information, it would really be helpful:
State
County
Town
Street Address
Date collected:
Time of Day
Outside Temperature
I realize this information may be personal but I promise, it is not shared with anyone.
Posted By: Nicole | On: 2010-12-06 | Website:
Thank you for replying. Very informative!! He was so huge! About 2-2 1/2". I hate that he died because I would have loved to have let my daughter actually witness his emerging. She would have thought that was the neatest thing and talked about it for days. She played with 3 skins today. Called them her babies and put them down for a nap!!!! I answered your questions in your post.
Thanks!