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Cicada Killer Attack!

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Gina B, Jul 29, 2014.

  1. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    And of course I did not have my camera.

    I am innocently sitting outside when I feel something on my hand. I look down and gasp, because the top of my hand is covered with what appears to be a very scary looking giant wasp, but it is so brilliant and beautiful! It feels soft and feathery. I stand up slowly and hold my hand out, hoping it doesn't sting. It flies up and away, then turns around and heads back for me, so I gently blow on it, and the wasp takes off for good.

    Whew!

    This might explain all the cicada shells! My daughter has collected a number of the shells and saved them in a glass jar, mixed up with dried rosebuds. Her own artistic expression.

    Hopefully the cicada killer won't land on me again. That creeped me out, although I still can't believe it felt that soft and gentle. The wings were like feathers. How cool is that?
     
  2. Rolfe

    Rolfe Well-Known Member
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    Started hearing the cicadas around our home last week. I do not hear very well, but I can definitely tell when they are out.
     
  3. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Gina, is this him?

    [​IMG]

    Found one dead on our farm when I was a kid. Avoiding the stinger, I picked him up and you're right: Soft, almost fluffy feeling. My impression is that they only attack cicadas unless you tick 'em off, but I could be wrong about that.
     
  4. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Yes, but with a lot more orange. Maybe because the wings were spread. I looked them up and it says only one gender stings, I forget which, and it is rare. I have potting mix open and saw a smaller one crawling on it, so I think that may be their home, since the cicada shells aren't too far from it. When I feel brave again I will get closer and check it out with my camera.
     
  5. just-want-peace

    just-want-peace Well-Known Member
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    Don't believe this is a cicada.
    Try this. http://www.cicadamania.com

    If you happen to be around when the cycle (13 & 17 years IIRC) peaks, the noise is deafening, and you can't walk w/o stepping on scads of them!!!!

    After they die off you will find the shed "skins" all over the place, especially on tree trunks
     
  6. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    A cicada killer is a type of huge wasp, which kills cicadas to feed its babies. The babies eat it, leaving only the shell.
    I think it was last year we all were yelling "what?" at each other for evenings on end because of actual cicadas I thought it was neat for about five seconds. Glad they aren't like that every year!
     
  7. just-want-peace

    just-want-peace Well-Known Member
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    My bad!!!!

    I read too fast and missed your actual point. My apologies!!:eek:
     
  8. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    That's okay, you made me learn something new, because I thought the life cycle was around seven years and you're correct on that one.
     
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