Periodical cicada Brood XIV has begun to emerge. As one of the few areas of undisturbed soil in the neighborhood, our back yard is a micro-sanctuary for these fascinating insects. (It also helps that we don’t use pesticides.)
I’ve been eagerly awaiting them, and was thrilled to find some of the first few while walking the dog early this morning:
The last time they appeared seventeen years ago, I glanced out the kitchen window and noticed the ground out back seemed to be moving, like I was seeing it through the waves of heat that rise from pavement in summer. Looking more closely, I realized that the grass blades and violet leaves were vibrating because thousands of cicada nymphs were climbing them! It’s a sight I’ll never forget, and I’m kind of hoping to see it again this year. Maybe tomorrow?
The Daily Compost 