Cicadas are fascinating insects that have a unique life cycle and produce loud buzzing sounds. They are also known for their periodic emergence, where certain species appear in large numbers every 13 or 17 years. If you’ve ever wanted to catch cicadas, here’s how to catch cicadas.
What You Will Need
Before setting out to catch cicadas, you will need some basic supplies. These include:
- A clear plastic container or jar with a lid
- A net or a bug catcher
- Gloves (optional)
- An insect field guide (optional)
It’s important to use a clear container so you can easily see your catch. A net or bug catcher will help you safely capture the cicadas without harming them. Gloves can also come in handy if you’re squeamish about handling insects. An insect field guide can be useful for identifying the different species of cicadas.
12 Steps on How to Catch Cicadas
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
Cicadas are most active during the day, so it’s best to catch them in the morning or afternoon. Avoid going out at night as they will be resting and harder to find. And remember, their emergence period only happens every 13 or 17 years, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Location
Cicadas tend to live in wooded areas or near trees, so look for places with lots of vegetation. Parks, forests, and even your own backyard can be great spots to find them. Also, keep an eye out for their distinctive shells on trees, a sign that they are nearby.
Step 3: Listen for Their Buzzing Sounds
Male cicadas produce loud buzzing sounds to attract females. If you listen carefully, you can hear them from a distance. This can help guide you towards areas where they are present. If you’re having trouble, try using a bug catcher to amplify the sound.
Step 4: Be Patient
Catching cicadas requires patience, as they can be elusive and blend in with their surroundings. Take your time, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find any right away. Keep searching until you hear or spot them.
Step 5: Use a Net or Bug Catcher
Once you’ve spotted a cicada, use your net or bug catcher to capture it. If you’re using a net, swoop in from behind and gently scoop up the insect. Be careful not to crush its wings. Also, make sure to handle the cicada with care to avoid getting bitten.
Step 6: Wear Gloves (Optional)
If you’re uncomfortable handling insects, it’s a good idea to wear gloves. This will also help protect your hands from getting scratched by cicada wings. Even though cicadas are harmless to humans, they can still pack a punch with their sharp claws.
Step 7: Identify the Species
If you have an insect field guide, you can use it to identify the species of cicada you’ve caught. Different species have distinct markings and colors that can help you determine which one you’ve found.
Step 8: Release the Cicada if Desired
If you’re only catching cicadas for observation, you can release them back into their natural habitat after identifying them. This is also a good way to practice responsible insect handling and conservation.
Step 9: Keep Your Catch in a Clear Container
For those who want to keep their cicadas, make sure to transfer them into a clear container with air holes punched in the lid. This will allow you to observe them and their behaviors while keeping them safe.
Step 10: Feed Your Cicada
Cicadas feed on tree sap, so make sure to provide them with a small twig or piece of bark from their preferred tree species. You can also give them small amounts of fruit or sugar water as a treat.
Step 11: Release the Cicada After a Few Days
Cicadas only have a short lifespan, with most living for less than a week. After observing and feeding them for a few days, it’s best to release them back into their natural habitat, where they can continue their life cycle.
Step 12: Observe and Learn
Whether you choose to release your cicadas or keep them for a short time, observing these unique insects can be educational and fun. Take the opportunity to learn more about their behavior, life cycle, and the important role they play in our ecosystem.
Catching cicadas can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially during their periodic emergence. Remember to always handle them with care and respect and release them back into their natural habitat after observation.
With these steps in mind, you’ll be well on your way to catching cicadas like a pro! By following these steps, you can safely and responsibly catch cicadas while learning more about these fascinating creatures. So grab your supplies and head out into nature to start your cicada-catching adventure!
9 Safety Measures to Keep in Mind
1) Wear Protective Gear
When handling cicadas, it’s important to wear gloves or other protective gear to avoid getting scratched by their sharp claws. And if you’re prone to allergies, it’s best to wear a face mask. So make sure to gear up before heading out to catch cicadas.
2) Avoid Using Pesticides
Pesticides can harm not only cicadas but also other insects and animals in the surrounding area. If you’re tempted to use pesticides to attract or kill cicadas, remember that it can disrupt the natural ecosystem and cause more harm than good.
3) Don’t Step on Cicadas
Cicadas spend most of their lives underground and only emerge every 13 or 17 years. So when they do surface, it’s important to be mindful of where you step. Avoid stepping on any cicadas you see, as this can harm or even kill them.
4) Handle with Care
While cicadas are harmless to humans, they can still bite or scratch if handled improperly. Always handle them gently and avoid touching their bodies too much. And remember, never pull on their wings, as this can cause serious injury.
5) Avoid Catching Pregnant Females
During the emergence period, female cicadas are pregnant and carrying fertilized eggs. If you happen to catch a female, it’s best to release her back into nature as she is crucial for the continuation of the cicada population.
6) Be Mindful of Local Laws and Regulations
Some areas may have laws or regulations in place regarding catching insects. Before you start your cicada-catching adventure, make sure to check with your local authorities to ensure that you are following all rules and regulations.
7) Respect Other Wildlife
While searching for cicadas, it’s important to be mindful of other wildlife in the area. Avoid disturbing or harming any animals you may encounter, and always be respectful of their habitats. While cicadas may be the main focus, it’s important to remember that we share our environment with a variety of creatures.
8) Release Cicadas After Observation
If you choose to keep your cicadas for observation, make sure to release them back into nature after a few days. This is not only important for their well-being but also ensures that other animals have access to food sources.
9) Clean Up After Yourself
When catching cicadas, it’s important to leave the area as you found it. This means properly disposing of any garbage or containers used to collect cicadas. Keeping our environment clean and free of litter is essential for the health and well-being of all creatures that call it home. So be sure to clean up after yourself and leave only footprints behind.
With these safety measures on how to catch cicadas in mind, you can have a fun and responsible cicada-catching experience while respecting the natural world around you. Remember to always handle cicadas with care and respect for their role in our ecosystem.
8 Things to Avoid When Catching Cicadas
1) Don’t Disturb Them During Mating
Cicadas spend most of their time underground, only emerging to mate and lay eggs. If you happen to come across a group of cicadas mating, it’s best to leave them alone and not disturb them. If they become agitated, they may release a loud buzzing sound, which can attract predators.
2) Avoid Catching Sick or Injured Cicadas
If you come across a cicada that appears sick or injured, it’s best to leave them alone and not try to catch them. Sick or injured cicadas may carry diseases that can be harmful to other insects and animals.
3) Stay Away from Cicada Nests
Cicadas do not build nests like other insects, but they do lay their eggs on tree branches. If you see a cluster of cicadas on a tree, it’s best to avoid disturbing them and the area around them. So be careful where you step or place your hands.
4) Don’t Keep Cicadas for Too Long
Cicadas only have a short lifespan, and it’s important to release them back into their natural habitat after a few days. Keeping them for too long can cause stress and harm to the cicadas, as well as disrupt their life cycle.
5) Don’t Catch Too Many Cicadas
When catching cicadas, it’s important not to catch too many at once. This can cause a decline in their population and disrupt the natural balance of their ecosystem. So be mindful of how many cicadas you catch and release them back into nature after observation.
6) Avoid Using Harmful Collecting Methods
Some people may use harmful methods to catch cicadas, such as sticky traps or nets. These methods can cause harm or even death to the cicadas and should be avoided. Stick to safe and ethical collecting practices.
7) Don’t Feed Cicadas Human Food
Cicadas have a specific diet and do not need human food to survive. Feeding them human food can disrupt their natural eating habits and lead to health issues. So avoid feeding cicadas any type of human food.
8) Don’t Remove Cicadas from Their Habitat
Cicadas play an important role in their ecosystem, and removing them from their habitat can cause harm to the environment. Avoid taking cicadas home with you or relocating them to a different area. Instead, observe them in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors and life cycle.
Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and responsible cicada-catching experience while also protecting the well-being of these fascinating insects. Let’s all do our part to coexist with nature and appreciate the wonders of the natural world around us. So go out and enjoy catching cicadas, but remember to do so with care and respect for these unique creatures. Happy cicada-catching!
8 Additional Tips for a Successful Cicada-Catching Experience
1) Research the Best Time and Location
Before heading out to catch cicadas, it’s helpful to do some research on the best time and location. Certain species of cicadas emerge at different times and in different regions. Knowing this information can increase your chances of finding them.
2) Use Proper Equipment
Having the right equipment can make a big difference in your cicada-catching success. This includes a container to collect them, gloves for protection, and a net if needed. Having these tools on hand will make the catching process easier and safer for both you and the cicadas.
3) Observe from a Distance
If you’re not comfortable handling cicadas or want to avoid disturbing them, you can still observe them from a distance. Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to get a closer look without getting too close.
4) Take Caution with Children
Catching cicadas can be an exciting activity for kids, but it’s important to teach them about handling the insects safely. Make sure they understand not to harm the cicadas and to release them back into nature after observation.
5) Try Catching at Night
Some species of cicadas are more active at night, making it easier to catch them. If you’re having trouble finding cicadas during the day, try searching for them at night with a flashlight. So be sure to bring a light source and take precautions when exploring at night.
6) Check for Parasites
Cicadas can sometimes carry parasites, such as mites or wasps. Before handling them, check for any signs of these parasites, including white spots on their abdomen. If you see any, it’s best to avoid handling the cicada and release it back into nature.
7) Document Your Findings
Catching cicadas is not only a fun activity but also an opportunity to gather valuable information about these insects. Consider documenting your findings, such as the species you found and where you found them, to contribute to scientific research on cicadas.
8) Share Your Knowledge with Others
After catching cicadas and learning about them, share your knowledge with others. Educating others about these fascinating creatures can help promote conservation efforts and raise awareness about their importance in our ecosystem.
With these additional tips on how to catch cicadas, you can make the most out of your cicada-catching experience while also contributing to a greater understanding of these unique insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Keep Cicadas as Pets?
While it may be tempting to keep cicadas as pets, it’s not recommended. Cicadas are wild animals and have specific needs that are difficult to replicate in captivity. It’s also important to remember that they play an important role in their ecosystem, and removing them from their habitat can cause harm. So, it’s best to observe and appreciate cicadas in their natural environment rather than keeping them as pets.
Are Cicadas Dangerous?
Cicadas are not considered dangerous to humans. They do not have stingers, venom, or any other defense mechanisms that can harm us. However, some species of cicadas may carry parasites or diseases that can be harmful to other insects or plants. So, it’s important to handle them with care and avoid touching your face after handling them.
Why Do Cicadas Make Noise?
Male cicadas make that loud buzzing sound to attract females for mating. The sound is produced by vibrating membranes in their abdomen called tymbals. Each species of cicada has a unique song, allowing them to easily find a mate among the thousands of cicadas in their population.
How Long Do Cicadas Live?
The lifespan of a cicada varies depending on the species. Some species have a life cycle that lasts 13 or 17 years, while others may only live for a few months. Once they emerge as adults, cicadas typically live for about 4-6 weeks to mate and lay eggs before dying.
What Should I Do if I Find an Injured Cicada?
If you come across an injured cicada, the best course of action is to leave it be. Cicadas do not have a long lifespan, and trying to nurse one back to health can often cause more harm than good. It’s important to remember that all living creatures play a role in their ecosystem, and sometimes nature must take its course. So it’s best to leave the injured cicada alone and let nature handle the rest.
Conclusion
Catching cicadas can be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. With these tips and guidelines on how to catch cicadas, you can safely and responsibly enjoy catching cicadas while also protecting their well-being and preserving their natural habitat.
By following these practices, we can coexist with nature and appreciate the beauty and wonder of cicadas in our environment. So get out there and start catching some cicadas – just remember to do so with care and respect!