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Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

I have heard this bug called everything from a jar fly to a locust but I have no idea what it really is. Does anyone know what it is and will it eat pumpkin leaves? I suspect they may be munching on mine but not sure yet.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=72653

8/19/2007 5:05:03 PM

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hi Mark,

Is this guy large? If so, then it looks like a cicada to me.

If it is a cicada, then don't worry. It just wants to come out, find a mate, then lay it's eggs around the tree roots it came from.

Tom V

8/19/2007 5:40:03 PM

Mn

Yes it is definatly a cicada. Most likely a periodic cicada. Every 17 years or so they come out of the ground to undergo metemorphis and then mate. Don't woory about him/her they feed on tree roots and the adults (like the one your showing) don't eat.

8/19/2007 6:51:36 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Cicada. He's no enemy to a pumpkin unless the grub is hungry & runs into the roots. The well tended patch will have enough Merit in the soil to keep the grubs in check (usually). Even in a new or organic patch they don't eat a whole lot.

8/19/2007 8:42:14 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Thanks guys, I'll check that one off the list!

8/19/2007 9:09:38 PM