Chapter 8:

Tibicen Cicada

 

Insect Info:

Cicadas are large winged insects that live underground for most of their lives. Some species emerge from their nests after lying dormant there for either 13 or 17 years, while other species emerge every year. They make a plentiful and nutritious food source that can be located and collected easily in the wild. Some species of cicadas can bite, though they very rarely do.

Cicadas are common across North America, particularly on the East Coast of the U.S. Native Americans have been known to eat cicadas and they are increasingly popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The most common cicada in the U.S belongs to the genus Tibicen, which emerge every year and measure 1-2 inches in length. Often, they have green, brown, and black markings. A less common specie is the Magicicada, which emerges every 13 or 17 years.

Cicadas emerge in late spring or early summer. Typically they live for 2-6 weeks and die off once they have laid their eggs. Since cicadas feed primarily on plant roots, it’s worth avoiding land where you suspect the use of pesticides or herbicides. It’s best to look for cicadas as the sun is rising, since cicadas emerge from the ground during the night before shedding their nymph skin and climbing a tree or plant. Cicadas cannot fly until their wings and exoskeleton have hardened and often climb upwards to escape predators. Often, when searching for freshly emerged cicadas, known as teneral cicadas, you’ll find discarded carapaces at the base of a tree. Cicadas can easily be identified by their clear wings like a dragonfly, their prominent eyes that are set wide apart, and their bulky bodies, which range in color from brown to grey to black. The earlier you arrive in the morning, the better your chances of collection. Cicadas can also be identified by their loud clicking sound, which male insects produce by the contraction of internal muscles, which is then amplified by the insect’s largely hollow abdomen.

How To Eat:

It’s best to eat cicadas as soon as possible after collection, since their carapaces harden quickly. Cicadas should be cooked before eating. A good method is to boil them for a few minutes, though they can be roasted or fried. They can also be roasted, dried, and stored for later use. Remove the wings and legs before eating to avoid a bitter and unpleasant crunch. Because cicadas feed mainly on juices from plants and trees, they are rich in protein and other nutrients. Cicadas are 46%-72% protein, are low in fat, and provide little carbohydrates. Cooked cicadas have been compared with shrimp because of their taste and general appearance.