Limited Edition 2016 Cicada Wing Bracelet

2016 was the year of the Cicada...the 17 year Cicada. This bracelet is part of a limited edition series to commemorate the emergence of  Magicicada septendicim.

Cicadas are a common insect, and I associate their song with the end of summer, the days growing a little shorter, and school soon to start. The Periodic Cicada, however, is a rare bug indeed, at least in the sense it only comes around every 17 years, there have only been 6 emergences in the last 102 years.  But when the come they are anything but rare - they're everywhere across the Eastern US!

Many people think they are a locust, but they are not true locusts, which are actually a type of grasshopper. In the spring of their 17th year, a few weeks before they emerge, the nymphs construct tunnels toward the surface of the ground. These are visible as approximately 1/2" diameter holes in the ground.  They emerge a few weeks later, seemingly overnight, when the ground reaches a warm enough temperature, usually in June. Shortly after emergence, the males begin their chorus to attract females. This chorus is thought to be one of the loudest sounds in nature due to their sheer numbers, which in some areas can reach 1.5 million per acre. After mating, the female can lay up to 600 eggs in nests she carves in tree branches. After 6 to 10 weeks, the eggs hatch, the nymphs drop from the trees, burrow into the ground, and begin their 17 year cycle all over again. 

After the mating period is over, the hollow shells of the adults are everywhere, attached to trees, on windshields, in swimming pools. In the summer of 2016, I collected hundreds and hundreds of shells, and spent all winter recreating their beautiful gossamer wings.  

There won't be another opportunity to get these truly one of a kind pieces until 2033, so get them while they last! Bundle with any pair of Cicada Wing Necklace or Earrings and save $15.00.

• Fine Silver Cicada Wing measures 2.25" long x 0.5" wide.
• 7" Leather Bracelet available in Black or Brown. 
• Closure is a Fine Silver Pebble 
• Due to the handcrafted nature of the process, no two wings will be exactly alike
• If you need a longer or shorter bracelet, just specify in check-out notes and I'm happy to adjust it for you.

Your bracelet will arrive ready for gifting in a recycled, re-usable gift box with a woodland surprise.