Categories

What planet is this bug from?
Found on ground in Missouri.
Thanks
Dave

Hi Dave,
Cicada nymphs live underground feeding off sap in roots. As they mature, they climb to the surface and molt into winged adults that produce buzzing sounds in trees. They are more often seen than heard. The red eyes have us wondering if this is a Periodical Cicada that could take 13 or 17 years to mature, making it the oldest living insect. No brood is due this year according to this site, so it might be an off-season individual. Perhaps Eric Eaton can assist. Here is what Eric Eaton added: “I think the cicada is probably of the 13-year variety (the nymph I mean), though both 13- and 17-year varieties may occur there. There are several online sites for periodical cicadas (Magiciada), some of which include maps of all the different broods, and I’d suggest consulting one of those.”

Related Posts

1. Another Periodical Cicada emerging either early or late (July 18, 2006)
2. Cicada Nymph (April 8, 2006)
3. Periodical Cicada: Brood XIV (May 31, 2008)
4. Periodical Cicada (May 22, 2009)
5. Cicada Nymph (July 15, 2009)