During my online class, our discussion unexpectedly shifted to cicadas and crickets.I shared a recent experience where I saw a cicada attacked by ants .I tried to save it- carefully picking it up , blowing away some ants clinging to its body, and placing gently it on a leaf.
What first caught my attention was its iridescent green color, which blended beautifully with the leaf.It’s transparent wings likely would've looked stunning f touched by sunlight, but I couldn’t bring myself to expose this fragile creature to direct light for a photo.Still, I could imagine how gorgeous it might have looked — dragonflies came to mind with their shimmering wings catching the sun. I was simply captivated watching it close. I often hear cicadas in the afternoon, but this was the first time I had seen one in person — though sadly, in such a vulnerable state. I felt a strong sense of sympathy for it— poor little creature. I decided to take a few photos for remembrance and to write about the encounter because, for me, it was something worth remembering and sharing. I rarely came across cicadas. My Mom once told me they usually hide from people, climbing trees slowly, and when they make loud sounds, it’s said they’re calling for rain. I enjoy listening to them— though when it gets deafening, I usually go back inside the house. Nature always draws me in. Staying curious about it has become an outlet for me— something that helps me cope with life’s uncertainties.Nature draws me in. Staying curious about it has become an outlet for me— something that helps me cope with life’s
My student shared that it Japan, the appearance of cicadas signals that summer is approaching,while the emergence of crickets means autumn is near.me that in Japan, the appearance of cicadas signals that summer is approaching, and the emergence of crickets announces that autumn. That was fascinating for me to learn . Here in the Philippines, I’ve only thought of them as part of the food chain — but in other countries, they are seen as “natural weather forecasters”.Locally , cicadas are called ‘‘kuliglig” and crickets are called “suhong’’. I’d love to hear more from fellow Filipinos who might have stories or knowledge about these insects.
My Mom also told me how, as a child, she and her playmates would catch some cicadas and press their abdomens to make them produce sound.(Was this the inspiration for baby toys that squeak when squeezed?) Those that didn’t make noise were set free.
Unfortunately, the cicada I found didn’t make it. When I went back to check on it, it had fallen to the ground. Though I though I had secured it, it must have crawled and fallen to the ground. Nature took its course , and there was nothing more I could do.
All photos are edited on Canva.