One sunny morning near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, I sat on a stool hoping to spot a lizard. But something unexpected happened. I heard a loud noise, and a cicada fell from a nearby tree. I wondered if it was attacked or something. Did you know that only male cicadas can make that noise?

When I tried to pick it up, the cicada quickly flew to a tree and landed at the bottom. It was in a perfect spot for me to take pictures, but it was still a bit dark. So, I decided to wait for the sun to rise higher in the sky.

Cicada On Tree Trunk

Cicada On Tree Trunk

Discovering the Cicada

After patiently waiting for a few minutes, the sun started to rise higher, and I finally had enough light to capture some photos. I was so excited! I managed to take a few shots of the cicada perched on the tree trunk. It was truly amazing to see it up close and document its beauty.

Bidding Farewell

After capturing those precious moments, the cicada suddenly took off and disappeared into the sky. It was a fleeting encounter, but I will always cherish the memory of seeing this remarkable creature in its natural habitat.

Conclusion

In the midst of the Ouachita National Forest, I had an unexpected encounter with a cicada on a tree trunk. It was a thrilling experience to witness this fascinating insect and capture its essence through my photographs. This encounter reminds me of the incredible beauty that exists in nature, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to appreciate it.

I was sitting on a stool hand holding a Fujifilm X-T3 Camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro.

Camera Settings

  • AV Mode
  • Aperture: f8
  • ISO: 800
  • Shutter speed: 1/500 of a second
  • Focal Length: 400 mm

Here are a few more insects I have recently photographed: Robber Fly Turned For Camera (I read that the Robber Fly preys on Cicadas) – Dragonfly On Dew Covered Leaf

Some Interesting Facts About Cicadas:

  1. Cicadas are often called “locusts,” but they are not related to the true locusts of the grasshopper family.

  2. Arkansas is home to several species of cicadas, including the Periodical Cicadas, which emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years.

  3. Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing or singing, which is produced by the males as a way to attract females.

  4. Some species of cicadas are known for their bright, colorful wings and bodies, while others are more plain in appearance.

  5. Cicadas are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can damage trees and other plants by laying their eggs in the bark.

  6. The song of a cicada is loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans if it’s close enough.