It's time for the swan song of the 17-year cicadas. Periodic cicadas come out every summer, of course, but this is a big ol' group, affectionately known as Brood 10, spanning much of the eastern region of the US. We haven't heard them yet, but they're due. Wordwind, I understand they're breaking out in your part of the country. Any news?

Brood 10? Nope. We haven't noticed anything yet. I did read somewhere recently, perhaps on this board, that cicadas are very bad for dogs and cats that eat them because of their hard ectoskeletons.

their hard ectoskeletons

never had a dog or cat with an exoskeleton before...

It's time for the swan song of the 17-year cicadas

Swan song? Are they about to die out? Why 17 years? How do they know they are these same critters each year? Explain please!

Here's some information:

http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/michigan_cicadas/Periodical/Index.html

That's a great link, jheem, thanks!!

dixbie, these guys hang out underground for however long their particular cycle is, then come out, buzz around, mate, and die. They emerge in groups of hundreds or thousands and can be horrendously loud. Quite the inconvenience at outdoor parties. Plus they crunch when you walk on them. A lot of people eat 'em, though. Is this already TMI?

…they crunch when you walk on them. A lot of people eat 'em…

Munchies and crunchies. Just the thing for Father Steve's little'uns.

A lot of people eat 'em, though.

Reminds me that locusts are kosher, but escargot ain't. Not sure about cicadas.

A friend of mine (entomologist and mathemtician) and I were forced to watch a film staring the artist formerly known as Prince. Part of it took place in the French Riviera. During a night scene, my friend leaned over and said: "Where is this taking place?" "France," I said. "Then how come the crickets are from southern California?" "Cause the Teamster wouldn't work with French ones?" ...

locusts are kosher…. Not sure about cicadas.

Beetles and grasshoppers, too

Lev. 11, 22:

Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.