In the heart of summer, when the sun blankets Oklahoma with its fiery embrace, a symphony resonates through the scorching air. It’s a sound so quintessentially Oklahoman that it’s ingrained in the very essence of our summers – the chorus of dog-day cicadas. With their distinctive buzzing, these remarkable creatures are as much a part of Oklahoma’s hot months as cowboy boots and sunsets over the plains.

Emerging sporadically every two to five years, these cicadas bring a unique sizzle to the already intense heat of our beloved state.
flickr/Cyndy Sims
The male cicadas, true crooners of the insect world, serenade the Oklahoma nights with their rhythmic wingbeats, a mesmerizing sound that can reach up to 108 decibels, rivaling the honk of a car horn.
flickr/Robert Engberg

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This cacophony isn't just random noise; it's the males' way of attracting females, a natural symphony that fills the air with anticipation. Once a female is enticed, she lays her eggs with precision, using her saw-like ovipositor to secure them into twigs and branches.
fkickr/elnina
After a few weeks, tiny nymphs hatch and descend to the earth below, where they begin their subterranean journey. Living hidden in the soil for years, these nymphs undergo several molting stages, patiently awaiting their moment to emerge.
Then, under the cover of night, the matured nymphs make their ascent, leaving behind dime-sized exit holes as evidence of their emergence. Clinging to trees and fences, they shed their nymphal shells, revealing the winged adults we've come to recognize.
flick/Suzanne Cadwell
As the dog-day cicadas fill our evenings with their melodious hum, let's embrace this uniquely Oklahoman phenomenon.

 

For those no longer residing in Oklahoma, here’s a snippet of that beloved summer symphony for old-time’s sake, courtesy of the Tulsa World YouTube channel.

The nostalgic sound of the Dog Day cicada transports one into a world of cherished memories, harmonizing with Oklahoma’s natural beauty. It reminds us of the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems and the creatures that breathe life into them.

If you’re interested in learning more about Oklahoma’s cicadas, check out our featured article: For The First Time In 221 Years, A Rare Double Emergence Of Cicadas Is Expected In 2024 In Oklahoma.”

I don’t know about you but I’m starting to wonder if I’ll get any sleep this summer!

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