I have been surveying this Neocicada hieroglyphica emergence annually for the last three years. Elias Bonaros made me aware of this historically recorded emergence area about five years ago. I had been searching for it for two years before locating the emergence area. Elias had been searching for the emergence area two years previous to myself. So together it took us four years to locate. I have been mapping the emergence area each year to get an idea of how large an area they cover. The N. hieroglyphica set up chorusing centers to try and attract females over a large expanse of trees.
In the three years that Elias and I have been searching this forest of trees for nymphs we had never found one, only shells. As we were searching the tree trunks again for exuvia and nymphs we were rewarded with our first emerging nymph. Elias noticed this N. hieroglyphica nymph already in the middle of it emergence so we hurriedly took photos and videos of the event. It was surprising to note it was only a foot off the ground and still daylight. Cicada usually emerge after dark so they can make it up to the top of the tree to safety before sunrise.
- Annette DeGiovine
Emerging Neocicada hieroglyphica
Emerging Neocicada hieroglyphica
N. hieroglyphica emergence
After emerging the nymph hangs vertically to slowly inflate its wings.
Fully inflated wings
After its wings are fully inflated it pulls them in closer to its body.
After the nymphs wings and exoskeleton harden somewhat it begins to climb up the tree to safety.
Over the next 24 hours the nymph will acquire its adult coloring. This nymph has already begun its color change.
Newly emerged N. hieroglyphica
Newly emerged N. hieroglyphica moving up the tree.
Exuvia of a Neocicada hieroglyphica
Adult Neocicada hieroglyphica color after maturing for 24 hours.
Adult Neocicada hieroglyphica color after maturing for 2 days.
