CICADIDAE 



571 



Cicadidae are provided with powerful ovipositors. The eggs 

 of C. septendecim are deposited in the woody stems of bushes ; 

 after remaining there a few weeks the young hatch out, drop 

 to the ground, and, as previously stated, disappear for nearly 

 seventeen years, nearly the whole of which time is passed 

 in the larval state, the nymph -condition existing for only 

 a few days. They feed on the roots of various trees ; it has 

 been said that they are injurious in this way, but other 

 authorities maintain that they suck only a moist exudation 

 from the roots. It is very difticult to obtain information as to 

 their strange, prolonged, subterranean life ; it said that the Insects 

 sometimes penetrate to a great depth — ten feet, even twenty feet 

 are mentioned ; — and as great changes may take place on the surface 

 during their long lives, these Insect Eip Yan Winkles some- 

 times emerge in very strange conditions, and may appear even in 

 deep cellars. When the pupa comes to the surface it hooks 

 itself on to the stem of some plant or other object, the skin of 

 the back splits, and the Cicada emerges. Among the inexplicable 

 peculiarities of this Insect must be mentioned the fact that when 

 emerging it sometimes constructs chimneys, or flues, extending 

 several inches above the surface of the ground. The reason for 

 this is much disputed ; it was said that they are for refuge 

 against inundations, but this appears to be very doubtful. Certain 

 of the broods consist of an almost incalculable number of indi- 

 viduals, and it is very strange to hear woods, or other localities, 

 that have been for many years free from these Insects, all at 

 once resounding with their noisy song. The seventeen-year 

 Cicada is considered to be doomed to a speedy extinction ; the 

 extension of cultivation and building, and the introduction to 

 America of the English sparrow, are likely to prove too much 

 for the Insect. 



Although Heraiptera are classified by many among the 

 Ametabola or Insects without metamorphosis, it is impossible 

 to deny that the Cicadidae exhibit a considerable amount of 

 metamorphosis, and they are usually mentioned as exceptional. 

 The young (Fig. 280, A) is totally unlike the adult in form 

 and colour, and maintains, to a certain extent, its existence 

 by the aid of a different set of implements. The larva of the 

 Cicada is colourless, with an integument of very feeble consistence, 

 rather large antennae, and a remarkable pair of fossorial legs ; 



