The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, has become a hotspot for a rare phenomenon as zoo animals have been spotted chowing down on the periodical cicadas that have emerged for the first time in 17 years. These cicadas, part of two broods, have made a stunning appearance, with some even sporting blue eyes – a genetic variation that is one in a million.
Families in the Chicago suburbs have been lucky enough to stumble upon these vibrant blue-eyed cicadas, with one family in Wheaton, Illinois, capturing the rare insect in their backyard. Greta Bailey and her children were amazed by the unique find, taking pictures before releasing the cicada back into the wild.
Another woman, Kelly Simkins, also found a blue-eyed cicada while visiting a nature preserve, calling it a “one in a million” discovery. These sightings have sparked excitement and wonder among residents, as they witness a rare and beautiful occurrence in nature.
According to Gene Kritsky, author of “Periodical Cicadas: The Plague and the Puzzle,” blue-eyed cicadas are indeed rare but not unheard of. With hundreds of millions of cicadas emerging, the blue-eyed ones stand out as a unique and fascinating sight.
As the cicada invasion continues to captivate the Chicago area, residents are encouraged to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of these rare insects. Who knows what other surprises nature has in store for us next?
