original art © Joe Kazimierczyk

Cicada 1

In May of 2004, Brood X of the 17-year periodical cicada began emerging in Central New Jersey.  This is one of the discarded exoskeletons (exuviae) of a cicada nymph.  I haven't seen or heard too many, but there are isolated areas nearby where the sound is very impressive (almost nightmarish).  Brood X is sometimes called the 'Big Brood' because it's the largest of the various cicada populations.  The 17-year life cycle of the periodic cicada is the longest of any insect, and the male cicada makes the loudest sound in the insect world.

Brood X Cicada t-shirts, mugs, calendars, clocks and other items, available in the gift shop.