Mud tubes formed by the nymphal stage of
Brood XIV of the periodical cicadas in moist soil.
Note: nymph at top of the image in a
tube next to the leaf.
(Click on above image for a larger version.)
Photo credit, Greg Hoover

Evening emergence of periodical cicada adults.
Photo credit, Greg Hoover

Many observant residents of some central Pennsylvania counties are noticing what resembles mushrooms pushing up from moist soil in their landscapes.  When they knock over these mud tubes that resemble earthen turrets, they're surprised to see a dime-sized hole in the center.  These exit holes have been created by the nymphal stage of Brood XIV of the periodical cicada.

Emergence of Brood XIV periodical cicada adults will occur in the following counties beginning mid-May 2008: Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Tioga, Union, and York Counties. The last emergence in these counties was in 1991.

For a free fact sheet on periodical cicadas,
CLICK HERE.

Below is a map of Pennsylvania counties
where emergence of Brood XIV is expected.