#mating pair

Japanese Beetle - Popillia japonica

Today's post will be a short one regarding an observation for this prominent specie of metallic Scarab. When the sunlight returns, these individuals do at it again: nibbling on plants while keeping to the shade, eventually forming small groups while keeping out of Toronto's summer sun. It's typical behaviors of these full-grown adult Beetles, and they must eat in order to keep up their strength. As far as their adult diet goes, they've been shown in earlier posts here to be generalist feeders that aren't fickle on which plants they eat. They will also subsist on many different parts of a plant, depending on what's available between leaves, flowers or other important structures (meanwhile the larvae dwelling underground will gnaw away at roots). What surprises me in these images is the seemingly indiscriminate manner in which these individuals consume these leaves. It's a patchwork of literal scenery chewing which leaves only the veins mostly intact! However, looking at what's left behind as a result of these individuals' feeding brings about a tantalizing question: are the Beetles in the Odd-Numbered pictures intentionally leaving behind plant material in between the leaf's veins to maintain structural integrity and a surface to climb on?

I think they might be! If they were to consume the connections between the leaf they could conceivably lose potential food, shelter and a suitable mingling location. Although on the smaller side of the Scarab family, this specie is still hefty, and requires a firm grip to avoid tumbling to the ground. Especially since they posture by displaying the spurs on their hindlegs. Keeping this brief observation in mind, I will more carefully observe this specie (and other potential Leaf-eating Beetle finds) to see how this behavior changes or adjusts depending on the plant chosen for food. I'd like to comment on the Even-Numbered individual on the goldenrod leaf, but they were not made by that Beetle. That individual was one that took a tumble (in defense) from my approach and was re-placed upon that leaf, as my hand was at the ready. To close, experience has taught me that a good few insects are droppers who will fall into the soil below a plant for safety, and as such, a well-placed hand will allow you the chance to catch the insect and observe it further, That said, only attempt this on insects which are positively identified as safe, and be as gentle as you can with them.

Dog-day Cicadas - Neotibicen canicularis - mating pair

On the subject of getting into the holiday season, see above... haha.

Yes, it's because these lovely insects sport a deep green upon their exoskeletons and wing veins, and they are known for their prominent songs which can be heard throughout the season. The summer season, specifically. In a very recent (and popular) post, a few Cicada nymph individuals from High Park were shared to demonstrate their behavior of anchoring to trees and emerging from their nymphal exoskeletons as fully grown Cicadas. If such an insect is strong enough to extract itself, particularly before they are found by a predator such the specialized Eastern Cicada-Killer, the above pictures are the reward. Finding a suitable mate among the summertime trees...or the sidewalk in this case. Meanwhile, the seasons have shifted into wintertime and the cold weather reigns. Canada's adult Cicadas always expire long before the winter, and their bodies have either returned to the soil or have become food for the ecosystem. Goodness though, could you imagine if Cicadas had a resurgence during Canada's season winter? If there would be no silence on snowy days, it could very well be complete pandemonium!

Despite the absence of Cicadas at the moment, there's no need for gloom: there are myriad Dog-Day Cicada Nymphs in various stages of development underground, and they are relatively safe from the cold weather above by inches of soil. The nymphs have like entered a state of diapause (or some form of hibernation/reduced metabolic function) near the tree roots that they feed on during the warmer months. Furthermore, with photosynthesis slowed for most trees now, there's not as many resources to metabolize for these hardy Bugs when temperatures are cold. All that the developing larvae can do is rely on their reserves and carefully monitor for changes in temperature, reflecting warmer weather and the return of ample vegetation and sunlight above. And of course, when that does happen, Canada's newest wave of emerging Cicadas will erupt from underground en masse and the cycle will repeat itself, leading to more Pictures like the ones seen above. For me, it would be interesting to monitor and observe differences with regards to the emergence cycle and development cycle for Cicadas found in more tropical climates or regions with longer hot or dry seasons. Granted, most Cicadas will spend many years developing underground, I remain curious as to how a more lush, humid, and hot climate would influence Cicada development, and the speed of that development as well.

Pictures were taken on August 31, 2025 with a Google Pixel 8a. And in all seriousness, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Boxing Day as well! May your holidays been joyful and positively delightful!

Dog-day Cicada - Neotibicen canicularis

To celebrate a (hopefully) wonderful Valentine's Day, today the blog features several magnificent specimens enjoying their summer days. I'm particularly found of the individual in Picture 10 cooling off; droplets just slide right off the shell and it has such a lovely eye. Furthermore, I'm delighted to also share a mating pair caught on the sidewalk; both of them have accomplished their imago (adult) mission after so many (1-3) years of molting and developing underground! It's fairly simple to guess which is the male and which is the female. I was happy for them, but one thing that puzzles me is: why are these Cicadas forming a pair on the sidewalk where they are completely exposed to the elements, insectivores and stomping feet? Wouldn't it be better for these big green Bugs to mate in the treetops where it's safe and where all the males congregate? Perhaps so, but maybe not. The responsive clicks of a female may be heard by many singing males at once. Furthermore, the female won't oviposit her eggs immediately after fertilization. She needs a bit of time and would do better to fly to a different and less crowded tree.

As well, an opportunity to mate in the insect world doesn't come about very often, especially if you live for around a month of so. Since that's the case, if the female Dog-Day Cicada favors a particular male because of his steady, shrill song and chooses them, then there's no time like the present. This is further compounded as male Cicadas invest a lot of energy into singing, which puts a strain on their adult lifespan and the attention they can receive from predators. However, male Cicadas are up to the challenge if it means they pass on their genes. They'll need to give their all, but also hone their song. It's not just about having the loudest song or the longest sustained song; in some species of Cicada, females will listen very carefully and favor males who have the fastest tymbal vibrations, and thusly having higher-pitched songs. For more information here on tymbal vibrations and what a Cicada's song is actually composed of in terms of sound, you can revisit this Insect Song post (Part 2).

Happy Valentine's Day!