Two separate families in the Chicago suburbs recently came across a rare blue-eyed cicada, a striking and unique find. One family in Wheaton, Illinois discovered the blue-eyed insect in their backyard while collecting the typically red-eyed cicadas. Greta Bailey and her 4-year-old son, Jack, were surprised and fascinated by the blue-eyed cicada, as they were previously unaware of the existence of such cicadas. They took pictures of the vibrant insect before releasing it back into the wild, enjoying the rare encounter.
The Bailey family’s discovery of the blue-eyed cicada is not an isolated incident in the Chicago suburbs. Kelly Simkins, the owner of Merlin’s Rocking Pet Show, found a similar blue-eyed cicada while visiting a nature preserve. Like the Baileys, Simkins was amazed by the unique appearance of the cicada and shared photos of the insect on social media. Despite their rarity, blue-eyed cicadas are not unheard of, and they are the result of a genetic variation, according to Gene Kritsky, an expert on periodical cicadas.
Gene Kritsky, author of “Periodical Cicadas: The Plague and the Puzzle,” confirmed that blue-eyed cicadas are indeed rare, with only about one in a million cicadas displaying this genetic variation. However, he noted that there are hundreds of millions of cicadas in total, emphasizing the overall abundance of these insects. The families’ encounters with blue-eyed cicadas in the Chicago suburbs are a testament to the diverse and fascinating characteristics of cicadas, which are known for their distinct life cycles and mass emergences.
The blue-eyed cicadas found by the Bailey family and Kelly Simkins are examples of the natural beauty and diversity that exist within the insect world. The vibrant blue eyes of these cicadas stand out against their typically red-eyed counterparts, making them a unique and eye-catching sight. The families’ experiences of discovering and observing these rare cicadas highlight the wonder and excitement that can come from encountering unexpected and extraordinary aspects of nature.
Despite the rarity of blue-eyed cicadas, their genetic variation serves as a reminder of the complexity and unpredictability of the natural world. The families’ interactions with these rare insects offer a glimpse into the fascinating diversity of cicadas and the random mutations that can result in unique traits such as blue eyes. Through their observations and photographs, the families have shared a glimpse of the beauty and wonder that can be found in everyday encounters with nature.
In conclusion, the stories of the Bailey family and Kelly Simkins discovering blue-eyed cicadas in the Chicago suburbs provide a glimpse into the extraordinary and unexpected aspects of the insect world. These rare cicadas with their vibrant blue eyes serve as a reminder of the diversity and genetic variability of cicadas, showcasing the wonders that nature has to offer. Their encounters with these unique insects are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, inspiring awe and appreciation for the fascinating creatures that inhabit our environment.
