Yesterday I visited my family’s house in Metuchen, New Jersey. I looked in the backyard and found loads of cicada holes — a hole every 6″ to 12″. I was also clear that animals, like squirrels and raccoons, had been digging at many of the holes. Today I got a spade and gently dug around one of the holes. About 3″ down I found a Magicicada cassini nymph, about 1 inch in length, legs wiggling slowly, red eyes.
Here’s the hole:
Here is the nymph:
It’s clear that the cicadas are ready to emerge, and are just waiting for the temperatures to get a little warmer (to warm their bodies to around 64 degrees F/18º C). Today reached 72 degrees F. It will reach 77 F on Friday, and some will likely emerge. Saturday temperatures will be back down to 39 F. These cicadas will likely be confused for a little while.
More holes, many of which were widened by predators looking for a cicada snack!
Also visit: updates on the emergence.
I suspect this is a nymph hole. I only found two holes but I wasn’t searching too hard. This spot was packed with cicadas 17 years ago. http://www.flickr.com/photos/blazer8696/8669625299/
@Ed, looks like a nymph hole to me.
Thanks for posting…this is going to be cool!