Tracking Down the Emerging Brood in the Chattanooga Valley
I’ve been seeking out the flora and fauna of Eastern Tennessee for the last few weeks. This week I caught up with the 17 year cicada brood. Known as “brood VIII” there are plenty more out under the ground waiting to emerge. Other than providing the local fauna with a viable food source, the emerging brood doesn’t really do anything other than sing. While these tiny bugs strike fear in the hearts of many, they aren’t poisonous and they don’t bite. They pose no threat to pets or humans and the good news is they’ll be a distant memory in about a month and a half.
Last weekend, I traveled to Chattanooga’s Reflection Riding to seek out these tiny bugs. If you want to see them up close, I’m happy to report the grounds are filled with cicadas. Along with the shells left behind, you can also find the tiny holes they emerged from. Lastly, the cicada’s song can be heard high above in the trees. It is no exaggeration, they are everywhere! I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.
So here is a gallery below for some detailed images of the 17 Year Cicada, and remember not all insects are bad. Now, maybe the next time you hear them sing, you can put a face with the name, or song in this case.
I’m always looking for more things to photograph , so please leave a comment below if you have some suggestions! Bonus points if you can lead me to the subjects you suggest!
Matt