Ed says ...

Great photo, Jami! The damage that these cicadas can cause to trees and woody shrubs is from the notches they carve into branches to deposit their eggs. Here’s what a fact sheet from Purdue University says:

“… In fruit orchards and nurseries, cicadas can seriously damage young trees whose main stems and branches are between 3/16” and 7/16” diameter.

“Female cicadas cause damage when they puncture or slit the twigs of trees and shrubs to lay their eggs. Infested branches appear as if the eggs have been stiched in by a sewing machine. These branches will turn brown, die, and sometimes break off. Female cicadas have been reported to lay eggs on over 200 woody tree species and are common on oak, hickory, flowering fruit trees, mountain ash, and grape…

“When possible, avoid planting new trees in the fall before or during the spring that cicadas will emerge. This could be especially helpful in fruit orchards or woody plant nurseries. Also, delay pruning until the cicadas have disappeared. The injured branches can then be removed after cicadas have stopped flying.

“Small ornamental trees and shrubs can be protected by covering them with no larger than 3/8” mesh screening while cicadas are present.”

Looks like Brood XIX may be located a bit to the west of you in Bloomington — good news for the community orchard and your new plantings. Your “worst” brood, I think, is Brood X, not scheduled to make an appearance again until 2023.

Posted at 8:56 pm on May 26, 2011

Jami Scholl says ...

More information can be found:

http://www.magicicada.org/databases/magicicada/map.html
http://www.magicicada.org/magicicada_xix.php

Posted at 12:46 am on June 3, 2011