Singing Cicadas return to the UK after 30 years!
Known for its loud, musical singing sounds, this creature hasn't been spotted in the UK for 30 years... but what is it? It is a special kind of bug, called the New Forest cicada. These insects haven't been found since the 1990's in the UK, but now scientists have brought them back.This week eleven New Forest cicadas were released into a specially-created habitat.
What is a cicada?
Cicadas are amazing, big bugs known for their loud humming sounds and see-through wings and do not bite or sting. Male cicadas produce their buzzing song to attract females and when there a lots in one place these sounds turn into an overpowering humming sound. The cicadas being rehomed in the UK live underground for at least four years before emerging as adults. Some types of cicada can live up to 17 years - though most of this time will be underground!Cicadas are a valuable food for birds and other predators.
How are conservationists bringing cicadas back?
Scientists transported 11 female cicadas from France over to the UK.The team then placed them in a safe, special home in Hampshire, near the New Forest where UK cicadas once used to live.They are hoping these new cicadas will lay eggs so their babies can grow underground. But they won't know if it worked until 2029!In the meantime, the team say it hopes to bring in more cicadas from France to continue the project.Charlotte Carne, Species Recovery Trust project officer, said: "This has been a really challenging project so it's amazing to see New Forest cicadas in England after all this time."If all goes well, the cicadas might be released into secret locations in the New Forest again, and one day we might hear them sing in the wild once more.
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