Answer to the Front Page Picture of the Week Question for May 24 - June 17, 2004
This is the periodical cicada, Magacicada septendecim.
It is present in parts of the Arboretum right now, particularly in Fern Valley.
This fascinating insect lives most of its life underground feeding on the sap of tree roots.
Periodical cicadas emerge every seventeen years to transform themselves into adults so they
can breed. Check out our new "Cicadas Emerging" photo page.