Birth of a Cicada. Magicada Preserve, Hamden, CT. © 2013 Clement Kuehn

The cicada was a frequent image in Greek and Egyptian literature - and in the poetry of Dioscorus. It was used to symbolize poets, prophets, and philosophers. 

After seventeen years underground, the cicada lives only for several weeks. Emerging from its cocoon, it climbs to the top of a tree, flies from branch to branch, sings in brilliant choruses, and mates. The cicada has the longest life-cycle of any insect. It is harmless to people and nature.