Book Review - The Cicadas of North America - Owlfly Publishing

     It is a distinct pleasure for me to review this book, a magnum opus  by any standard, with a firm emphasis on magnum.

     This is the second work by Chris Alice Kratzer, following on the heels of her magnificent The Social Wasps of North America. The level of commitment, the unwavering excellence, the artistic superiority, the dedication to detail and her encyclopedic knowledge combine to make this a book to be reckoned with. The mere concept of a monograph on cicadas is a giant leap of faith, and it will become a cherished addition to the library of every naturalist worth her hand lens or binoculars. 

      Interest in cicadas, it seems to me, has experienced a bit of a revival in recent times. I recall seeing a television documentary narrated by that scion of nature, Sir David Attenborough, and that's an endorsement that's hard to beat. Even he would benefit from this book!

     The opening sections of the book provide a complete introduction to cicadas - and I mean complete!

     When you have finished reading pages 5 through 65 you will really understand these intriguing insects, and I suspect many of you will come to love them. Most people are familiar with the legendary eruptions of cicadas after thirteen or seventeen years, but this behaviour is the spectacular exception; most species live a more conventional existence and are fully grown within one to five years, depending on the species.

      When cicadas do emerge in overwhelming numbers they provide food for a host of other species, from wasps, to spiders, to birds and small mammals - even bears are known to gorge on cicadas which are rich in fat and protein.

     In many parts of the world insects are routinely consumed by humans. In North America we have a deep-seated, illogical aversion to "bugs" and we eschew high quality food. As a burgeoning human population continues to pillage more and more of the Earth's resources we may have no choice but to reevaluate this attitude. The lowly cicada may become protein du jour.

     It might come as a surprise to many of you, even to some committed naturalists, that there are 374 species of cicada in North America (for the purpose of this book Central America is included), in 53 genera. All are covered here, including regional colour forms.

     Range maps are included for each species, but it should be noted that the distribution of some species may be expanding or shifting, due to climatic variations brought on by a warming planet.

     Where known, the following useful information is provided: Field ID rating, Abundance, Field Identification, Size, Habitat, Host Plants, Flight Season, Song, and Scientific Name. The artwork is staggering, a shining example of how to do it right!

     How one person - and Kratzer is only twenty-eight years old - can produce an entire book of this quality, writing every word and furnishing exquisite artwork, is beyond my level of understanding. It certainly exceeds the capacity of most of us. The front cover alone is worth the price of the book!

     Kratzer says, "[Cicadas]....are round creatures with big eyes, and no capacity for violence. They eke out a peaceful existence by just doing their best, and I love them for it."

     If only we could speak so well of humans.

The Cicadas of North America - Owlfly Publishing

Chris Alice Kratzer

579 pages - 400 full colour illustrations 

US$27.99 - ISBN: 978-1-7378927-3-1

6 x 9 inches (15 x 22.5 cm)

Publishing date: 01 September, 2024