Return of the 17-Year Cicadas

There’s a fascinating film that has been made, documenting the 17 year life-cycle of cicadas. It’s called Return of the 17-Year Cicadas. Go and watch it here.

 

Clearly made by people who love the cicadas – "In 2004, the residents of Bloomington, Indiana had the good fortune to be visited by one of the largest and most spectacular biological events on earth, the return of the 17-year periodical cicadas know(n) as Brood X." I’m not sure that the phrase "good fortune" is quite what I would have used – particularly when looking at the nymphs swarming over the ground, or the adults in their final frenzied mating flight. And Enya warbling on the soundtrack while trillions of the little buggers scurry about just didn’t resonate with me. Give me fluffy kittens, every time.

 

Nonetheless, it’s a terrific little film about an interesting example of evolution. If you like it, and you want more, then check out Microcosmos – a full feature-length film on the lives of insects.

 

(hat tip to PZ Myers over at Pharyngula)