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View Full Version : Amazing bugs !



anilkc
May 19th, 2004, 11:21 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4638582/?GT1=3391

Here are some excerpts:

Called periodical cicadas, the thumb-sized insects emerge every 17 years and fly around in a noisy, mating frenzy before dying weeks later, littering the area with crunchy shells.


Three species are expected to emerge from the periodical cicadas and Hevel points out they make noises at different times, almost on a shift basis. Most are silent at night.

How do they count the years?

What amazes scientists is how cicadas know when the time is right to emerge from the soil, where they feed on tree roots for 17 years preparing for their synchronized arrival.


“Often people take pictures of young children with them and then wait another 17 years and do it again.”