I. What is the Larva of a Cicada Called?
The nymph, also known as the crawling monkey, is the larval stage of the cicada. It primarily inhabits tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, being less common in colder climates. The newly emerged adult cicada is referred to as the "reared cicada." Note that some misconceptions exist, leading people to mistakenly believe that the larvae of scarab beetles or dung beetles are cicada larvae.The scientific name for cicada larvae is also known as cicada dog or cicada monkey. The nymphal stage of cicadas is called cicada monkey, cicada dog, or cicada turtle.Artificial cultivation of cicada nymphs is simple, requires minimal investment, and yields quick results. They feed on tree root sap, lay eggs underground during the summer, and emerge after two years of growth. Every part is valuable: the larvae are rich in high-protein and edible, while the exoskeletons serve as traditional Chinese medicine for improving eyesight. After summer harvest, storing them in freezers preserves freshness for year-round consumption.
II. Techniques for Finding Cicada Nymphs
Mastering cicada nymph hunting involves five key skills: keen observation, sharp hearing, swift action, bright lighting, and extended duration.
1. Keen Observation
Start by examining the burrows of the crawling cicada nymph before dusk. These burrows range from the size of a sorghum grain to that of a broad bean, with irregular shapes.If the hole is smooth, a small one is likely an ant nest, while a larger one could be a dung beetle burrow or an empty grasshopper hole. As night falls and the nymphs emerge, they can be caught on the ground or tree trunks. By around 10 PM, they climb onto branches, grasses, or corn leaves to molt into beautiful young cicadas.When poking crawling cicadas on branches with a stick, the miner's lamp must follow the insect as it falls to accurately locate the landed cicada. Finally, remember to watch your step for pits, thorns, dog droppings, and frightening toads or snakes—they often cause trouble.
2. Listen Carefully
When poking tree-climbing cicadas with a stick, listen intently to pinpoint their landing spot for tracking. Thus, cicada hunters typically remain silent or speak sparingly.
3. Speed Matters
Before dusk, when visibility is clear, you can move faster.When entering a forest with others, remember: the first to arrive gathers the most. A moment's delay brings regret. Move swiftly when searching trees, but slow down when scanning grassy areas or corn leaves.In the same forest, a bright light illuminates multiple trees at once, penetrating dense foliage to reveal treetops, while a dim light only gathers scraps, leaving you frustrated.Generally, if you catch 30 between 7 and 8 PM, you can reach 100 by 10 PM, and 200 or more by 1 AM.
III. Anhui Villagers Hunt for High-Value Cicada Nymphs
Along the banks of Su Jiabu in Lu'an City, Anhui Province, thousands of poplar trees are wrapped in sticky tape.This is done to capture cicada nymphs—the larvae of cicadas, also known as cicada pupae—which are a delicacy on the dinner table. Locals can sell them to vendors for 35 yuan per 500 grams after catching them.
According to Phoenix News, each night locals navigate the poplar groves with flashlights to hunt these "cicada nymphs." One resident surnamed Liu explained that wrapping smooth, wide adhesive tape around the trees at a one-meter height traps the nymphs, making them easy to collect—yielding 2.5 to 4 kilograms per night.
To maintain freshness, many vendors set up stalls along village roadsides, purchasing the nymphs by lamplight before swiftly reselling them to out-of-town merchants.
At night markets, vendors deep-fry thoroughly cleaned cicada nymphs and season them, transforming them into delectable dishes. Wild cicada nymphs boast not only a distinctive flavor and high protein content but also significant health benefits. Consequently, market demand has surged in recent years, driving prices to soaring heights.