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Photos © Kim Hosen Above - Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville, VA; Sept. 2009 Left - Dove's Landing, Manassas, VA; August 2008 |
Unidentified Dogday Harvestfly Dogday Harvestflies are the most common member of the Cicada family found in the Northeastern United States. Unlike periodical cicadas, which appear only every few years, Dogday Harvestflies are found in forests every year in late summer. Adults make a very loud buzzing sound that strengthens and fades within 10-20 seconds, then starts again after a few seconds. Dogday harvestflies spend most of their lives underground, where the nymphs feed on sap from the roots of trees and shrubs. Adults emerge from the soil during the "dog days" of summer, when they mate and lay eggs... but do not eat! On the other hand, many animals eat cicadas, including birds and humans. An online search quickly turns up a variety of recipes for soft-shelled cicadas, curried cicadas and chickpeas, and more. |