The nymphs climb onto tree trunks, low plants or other objects. Under some conditions, the exit hole is associated with a mud cone or chimney 3 to 4 inches high. Fully developed nymphs burrow out of the ground at night, leaving a 1/2-inch hole behind them. As they molt through several growth stages (instars), they may burrow several feet down. They burrow into the soil, seeking tree roots. In 6 to 7 weeks, small nymphs hatch from the eggs and drop to the ground. Female cicadas insert clusters of eggs into the twigs and small branches using a saw-like egg laying structure (ovipositor). Life Cycle: The common dog-day cicadas (sometimes called the annual cicadas or locusts) appear in late summer and have life cycles of 2 to 5 years. Adults emerge from April through July, depending upon species and locality. The periodical cicada species that do occur in Texas complete their life cycles in 13 years, although some emerge almost every year. The smaller periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim (Linnaeus), completes its life cycle in 17 years, and emerges in large numbers (broods) in large geographical areas. Nymphs resemble wingless adults, are brown and have strong front legs well developed for tunneling in the soil. The larger species are about 1-5/8 inch long and 1/2-inch wide with brown or green, black and white body markings. All have prominent bulging eyes and semi-transparent wings held roof-like over their large bodies. Photo by Drees.ĭescription: Adults vary in size and color according to species.
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