Annual Cicada
4 September 2014
At this time of year the constant background refrain of cicadas is a familiar sound in southern Ontario. Rarely, however, do the insects seem to reveal themselves. Miriam and I were sitting on the patio when this one landed close by.
Neither of us knew what it was and a search of the literature did little to elucidate the situation. Thanks to Mike Burrell for help in identifying this creature.
It belongs in the genus Tibicen which contains a large number of cicadas in varying colour morphs and the precise taxonomy as to species level is far from clear.
The Latin word Tibicen means flute-player or piper - a pretty adequate description of this musician it seems to me. It certainly added an interesting aspect to a pleasant summer afternoon.
