Let the Symphony Begin!

  The Great Roar is upon us, here on the Bayou.  The almost deafening cacophony begins at dusk and carries on through the night.  For those not familiar with this noise, it can be a bit unnerving but to old-timers, we understand it is an annual occurrence around here.  Instead of complaining, we take it in stride and pull up a rocking chair to enjoy the "music".  I am referring to the annual emergence of the cicadas.  Their loud, buzzing sound tells us that the event is underway and for the next few weeks, it will continue.  The cicadas that live most of their lives underground as nymphs have started digging their way to the surface and morphing into the winged creatures that look frightening, sound deafening and drive a lot of folks nigh to madness each summer.  Me?  I like hearing them.  The critters have been part of my life as long as I can remember so what is not to love?  They do not bite (other than an occasional nip), do not sting and do not transmit disease.  They just come out, sing, fly around hunting for a mate then eventually die.

  A cicada is a funny looking insect that has five eyes (two large and three tiny), short. fat body and iridescent, heavily-veined wings.  The female will lay her eggs in slits in tree branches and after a few weeks the little ones hatch.  They crawl down the tree to the ground where they quickly burrow. Spending the bulk of their lives underground as nymphs, they rely on a change in tree roots to know when to surface.  Once they come out of their underground "city", they morph into winged creatures and the males begin to sing.  The raspy, buzzing songs can bring thousands of adult cicadas together...both male and female.  The males come to sing to the females and the females come to find a suitable mate.  

  Like I said earlier, I am not one that despises these critters.  In fact, I usually throw open the windows to listen to their songs.  These, the crickets and frogs join together in a sublime harmony. There is nothing quite like the peace and quiet of the Bayou...hmmm.....right.  With some ten thousand or so critters all singing, it is hardly quiet but, in all truthfulness, I still find it peaceful!