A surprise emergence at Lehigh Gorge State Park and surrounding area brought researchers and cicada enthusiasts to Jim Thorpe, PA to map and observe the emergence. It was reported by experts that this may be a disjunct brood from Brood XIV and not part of Brood V, which was emerging at the same time in other states. Hopefully the puzzle will be solved in the future by the experts.
Magicicada septendecim female
Magicicada septendecim male
Magicicada septendecim feeding on Xylem
Male and Female Magicicada septendecims mating
Magicicada septendecim female laying eggs in this tree branch
Magicicada septendecim female ovapositing
What to look for on tree branches after ovapositing by females
The eggs within the branch
Magicicada septendecim eggs compared to a quarter
Sometimes the end of the branch will break if there are too many females ovapositing in the same branch
Two Cicada researchers/enthusiasts - Elias Bonaros and Marten Edwards
Two females ovapositing
Many male Magicicada septendecims gathered together on this tree and created a chorusing center.
This tree is showing a lot of flagging by the female Magicicadas.
Dan from Cicadamania, Marten Edwards and Elias Bonaros
Two females were found with the Massospora Fungus. This is an STD in cicadas that is passed on during mating.
This female Magicicada septendecim Nymph was found in Wildwood State Park making its way up a tree trunk to emerge. Below are a series of photos of the nymphs emergence.Thanks goes to Elias Bonaros for his good eye in finding this one nymph in a forest full of trees and bushes!
The nymph secures itself to the leave to ready itself to emerge from its exoskeleton.
The back of the nymphs exoskeleton splits open to start the process of emergence.
The nymph hangs upside down for a short period of time so that its legs can harden so it can support its body weight.
While hanging upside down the nymphs wings begin to inflate.
When the nymphs legs harden enough it does a sit-up and grabs onto its exoskeleton.
It then pulls out the bottom part of its body.
It continues to hang from its exoskeleton to inflate its wings.
After the wings are fully inflated the nymph brings them in closer to its body.
As the nymphs exoskeleton hardens if becomes darker.
The next day the nymphs exoskeleton is fully hardened and her adult colors have developed.
