The Cicada: Nature’s Architectural Marvel
A rare event unfolded in Illinois for the first time in over a century. Two broods of cicadas emerged, filling the state with their unmistakable summer chorus. This unique occurrence, last witnessed in 1893, was a sight.
The 13-year-old cicada appeared in large numbers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, loudly proclaiming their presence. This provided a unique opportunity to capture each individual insect in pictures, showing off their intricate wings, bodies, beautiful colors, and behavior.
Contrary to popular belief, cicadas pose no threat to humans. They don't bite or sting. In fact, they play a vital role in our ecosystem. Their decomposition enriches the soil when they die, and their burrowing action helps aerate it. While they can cause minor damage to young trees, this can be easily prevented by wrapping the trunks in a simple screen. All in all, cicadas are a boon to our environment.
Cicadas do not eat grass, leaves, fruits, or garden vegetables. Therefore, there is no need to use any pesticide or take any action to protect these plants. Therefore, cicadas are not destructive insects for trees and plants. People may witness the leaves of trees flagging when some browning occurs at the tips of tree branches. This is an indication that the cicada has laid eggs. However, the process is not destructive. As the eggs hatch, the nymphs will fall to the ground, burrow underground, and remain for the 13 or 17-year cycle, feeding on the roots of the trees. The nymphs, all baby cicadas, are not harmful to the tree’s root system.
As I photographed the cicadas, I was striving to capture the intricate detail of their wings and body structure. When you see the cicada up close, you appreciate the architectural detail that nature creates in this beautiful insect. Moreover, the color is perfectly designed to blend in with the environment. The cicada is a natural wonder.
The following is a picture of the annual cicada, which appears every year. Although less colorful, the body's structure and the wings' detail show the architectural perfection nature uses to design this insect.
Many people do not like loud noises and find the cicada repulsive. However, looking at this wondrous insect, you can appreciate its innate beauty. It is a natural wonder that you can learn to appreciate. Before photographing the cicada, I had the same feeling that they were mostly a pest. Although I liked their summer song, I had an uneducated view, thinking that this insect was less beautiful than I had found when I photographed it.
Seeing, photographing, and watching the cicada's behavior makes me appreciate nature in new and different ways. Cicadas are part of the natural order to which we belong, serving an essential function for the environment.
I have to say that cicadas are fun.