As the east coast is preparing to deal with an invasion of cicadas for the first time in 17 years people in other areas of the country are probably curious as to what they are missing out on. Luckily the Science Channel has a live cicada cam that allows you to watch the creatures on your computer safe from them landing on you and giving you the willies, reports the Los Angeles Times.
While cicadas are completely harmless to humans they can be quite an irritant due to the massive numbers that they swarm in and the sound they make. Male cicadas make a distinctive hum using membranes located in their abdomen in order to attract mates as well as to sound an alarm if there is danger approaching, according to National Geographic.
The cicada cam has a soundtrack so you can't hear the song of the loudest insect in the world. Cicadas only make the noise during daylight hours and can be heard from up to a half mile away, according to BugFacts.net. If you would like to hear the cicada you can do so here.
What makes this particular species of cicada so fascinating is that they only appear above ground every 17 years. The vast majority of their life cycle is spent living underground feeding off of the roots of trees, cicadas only live for a few weeks once they come to the surface to breed, according to National Geographic.
Live video by Animal Planet L!ve
Due to their large numbers people assume that swarms of cicadas will cause great destruction, much like locusts. This is untrue. While cicadas may harm smaller trees they do little to no damage to mature plants, according to National Geographic.
Cicadas are unable to sting or bite potential predators. Their primary defense is the vast numbers of their population, Monte Morin told the Los Angeles Times.
"By appearing suddenly in overwhelming numbers, scientists believe that predators such as birds, rodents, snakes and even fish become so full while feasting on the bugs that plenty more remain alive to mate and lay eggs," Morin said.
Humans can also fill their bellies with cicadas. Entomologists at the University of Maryland have created a small cook book for adventurous eaters. Shanghai Cicadas, El Chirper Tacos and Cica-delicious Pizza can be followed by a delicious slice of Cicada-Rhubarb Pie.
