When a strange movement takes hold of my old oak tree: a surprising and disturbing discovery!
While I was quietly gardening this morning under a clear August sky, my eye was caught by a strange mass moving along the trunk of my old oak tree.
It was about 10:35 and I was pruning some branches when I noticed this unusual movement. At first I didn’t understand what it was. Intrigued, I moved closer, narrowing my eyes to get a better look. Dozens, hundreds maybe, were actively moving across the bark. My heart started beating a little faster.
I’ve never seen anything like this in my garden. What could it be?
When I later found out what they were, I was shocked. Their numbers, their agility, all of it scared me. Deep down, I knew I had to keep an eye on them and try to deal with them properly to protect my plants.
After a moment of confusion, I decided to look for answers. I picked up my phone and started searching for clues online. I quickly discovered that it was the “firefly cicada” (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive species of cicada.
Native to Asia, these insects are known for their distinctive appearance with marbled black and red wings.
I learned that they can cause damage to trees and plants by feeding on their sap, which worries me about my garden. They are not dangerous to humans: they do not bite and do not carry diseases. However, their sticky honey sap can attract other pests and make surfaces sticky and unpleasant.
Slightly disoriented, I decided to keep a close eye on the situation. Perhaps I would contact a local expert for advice on how to combat these invaders.
For now, I continue to work in the garden, watching what is happening more closely, between admiration and disbelief. This unexpected encounter reminded me how much nature can surprise, even in such a familiar place as my garden!
