When Alex found this gorgeous green grocer cicada, he was a little wary. But, of course, cicadas don’t bite – they’re sap suckers – so I encouraged our little people to have a really good look at the marvellous creature.
Once Alex saw Big Sister having fun with the green grocer, he was more inclined to get into the act, beginning with a cautious stalking session.
Then, with some trepidation, he let it creep slowly across his fingers and was actually starting to enjoy the encounter when the impossible happened: the wretched winged wolf BIT him.
Alex’s hands shook and tears began to well but the green grocer clung on with all six hooks and the proboscis too! We finally flicked it off a little less carefully, I must admit, than I’d like. Twenty minutes later, Little Man was off for his afternoon nap, only to wake with a “Cada hurting me, Mama!” nightmare.
So much for instilling a love of nature. More like a Brave New World conditioning session.
PS: If you were under the illusion that cicadas won’t hurt you, watch the reaction of this grown-up:
The Milk Maid Marian 
What camera are you using these days Marian?
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Hi Dave,
It’s a Fujifilm Finepix HS 30.
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Yeah not a bad range those.
We are currently running the Canon EOS 1100D just as a beginner range one but have had this thing for ages! We will be getting an upgrade to the 6D very soon and cant wait to bring it back down to Vic for some farm shots. Canberra is a lovely place to take Autumn pics though. Love the pics BTW Marian
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Oh wow! A 6D will be great! I’ve got a 300D that I treasure but is too bulky (and beloved) to bounce around the farm with me, so I use it quite rarely. Although it’s an oldie, it’s a goodie!
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I have this as a 45rpm single The Cicada That Ate Five Dock….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dklM5oh2QD8
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Bad luck that happened Marian but he’ll get over it. Make a joke about it being hungry and mistaking him for the limb of a tree!
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You’re right Duncan. I don’t think he’s carrying permanent emotional scarring!
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Hi there
you’ve done very well to capture the photos of the cicadas as you have. I’ve seen evidence of cicadas many times (ie Their shells) but rarely seen the cicada.
Cheers
Angus
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It was nothing more than luck, Angus. Zoe found it on a plant right beside the verandah!
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