Periodical Cicada
From Bugwoodwiki
Magiciada septendecim (Linnaeus)
Contents |
Importance
Cicadas (locusts) attack oaks as well as other species and are widely distributed in the East. Egg-laying punctures by the adults often severely damage young, transplanted trees and branches of large trees.
Identifying the Insect
Adults are heavy bodied, and 1.6 inches (40 mm) long. Their wings are transparent with prominent veins. The female is completely black on top, while the male has four or five orange-brown abdominal segments.
Identifying the Injury
Females puncture the twig in straight rows to lay eggs and often damage twigs so severely that their terminal portions die. Large numbers of molted skins of the nymphs may be found attached to trees trunks.
Biology
The adult female cuts the bark of twigs and lays 24 to 28 eggs. Newly hatched nymphs drop to the ground, burrow into the soil, and feed on the roots for 13 to 17 years.
Control
Protect small trees with netting. Properly timed insecticides may be necessary
References
J. D. Solomon, F. I. McCracken, R. L. Anderson, R. Lewis, Jr., F.L. Oliveria, T.H. Filer, and P.J. Barry
