@RozKdW9X1615263@HiddenHistoryYT While I canβt accept an apology on behalf of those involved I can appreciate the spirit in which it was offered. Thank you.
Texas is home to dozens of cicada species (around 55 noted in some sources), with the most noticeable being the larger, greenish dog-day cicadas (e.g., Neotibicen or Tibicen species, such as the superb dog-day cicada). These produce the loud, buzzing βpreheatβ soundtrack of Texas summers, often starting in late spring/early summer (AprilβJuly) and peaking in the hottest months.
General Cicada Life Cycle
Cicadas have a simple three-stage life cycle (egg β nymph β adult), but the nymph stage dominates their existence:
β’ Eggs: Females use a saw-like ovipositor to slit small twigs or branches and lay 24β28 eggs per pocket (up to 400β600 total per female). Eggs incubate 6β10 weeks (or 6β7 weeks for many species).
β’ Nymphs: Tiny ant-like nymphs hatch, drop to the ground, and burrow into soil to feed on xylem sap from tree/shrub roots. They go through 5 instars (molts) underground. This phase lasts 2β5+ years for annual species or 13/17 years for periodical ones. Nymphs create tunnels and can reach depths of several feet.
β’ Adults: Mature nymphs emerge (usually at night when soil hits ~64Β°F/18Β°C), climb a vertical surface (tree, post), and molt one final time, leaving behind their exoskeleton (cast skin). The soft, pale adult hardens, darkens, and develops wings. Adults live only 3β6 weeks, focused on mating. Males βsingβ via vibrating abdominal membranes (tymbal organs) to attract females; the sound can be deafening in choruses.
Visuals of the process: