The female desert cicada inserts her eggs just under the surface of a plant stem. Shortly, these eggs hatch and the nymphs drop to the ground and dig into the soil to feed on the roots of a desert tree for three or more year before emerging. The emerged nymphs climb a tree, and sheds their exoskeleton emerging now in their adult flying stage. The shed brown brittle exoskeletons, or exuvia, are easy to find in your yard this time of year hanging from tree trunks and stucco walls. The males sing a

More often heard rather than seen, cicadas are characterized by their stout bodies, clear-membraned wings, and large compound eyes. Males are best known for producing loud buzzing sounds using their abdomens in order to attract a mate. While they may appear menacing to some, cicadas are quite harmless and are a definite sign of hot summer days. #WildlifeWednesday | Connecticut Fish and Wildlife