NEWS
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Scientists are expecting trillions of large, loud cicadas to emerge from the ground - the only time they come above ground in their 17-year life cycle:" ... The 1 1/2 inch-long black bugs with iridescent wings buzz around, but are basically harmless. They don't bite, and they don't sting. They live above ground as adults for about 2 1/2 weeks to reproduce all they can before dying.
The adult males begin the mating ritual with a long buzzing sound that attracts the females. The chorus from one colony's male insects is so loud that the insects can drown out outdoor wedding events, graduation ceremonies and golf tournaments, researchers say. ... "
> Freep: "They're back: Trillions of cicadas emerge from 17-year slumber"
> See National Geographic Coverage
Posted by Rob at 12:01 AM
