In the Chicago suburbs, two families stumbled upon a rare blue-eyed cicada, a one in a million find. Greta Bailey and her 4-year-old son, Jack, were collecting red-eyed cicadas in their Wheaton, Illinois backyard when they first spotted the unique insect. Bailey was surprised to see a blue-eyed cicada, as she had never heard of such a thing before. The family took pictures of the vibrant insect before releasing it back into the wild. Another woman, Kelly Simkins, also found a blue-eyed cicada while visiting a nature preserve in the Chicago suburbs. She shared her discovery on Facebook, delighting in finding the rare insect.
The families’ encounters with blue-eyed cicadas were considered rare, but not unheard of. The blue eyes are caused by a genetic variation, according to Gene Kritsky, author of “Periodical Cicadas: The Plague and the Puzzle.” He confirmed that blue-eyed cicadas are indeed one in a million, but there are still hundreds of millions of cicadas in existence. Despite their rarity, the families’ experiences provide a unique glimpse into the diverse world of cicadas, showcasing the surprising variations that can occur within this insect species. The families’ joy and excitement at finding these blue-eyed cicadas reflect the wonder and fascination that nature can inspire.
Greta Bailey shared images of her children holding the small, blue-eyed cicada in their Wheaton backyard, highlighting the insect’s vibrant appearance. The striking blue eyes of the cicada captured the attention of both Bailey and Kelly Simkins, who marveled at the beauty of the rare find. Simkins, who owns Merlin’s Rocking Pet Show, described her discovery as “one in a million,” emphasizing the rarity and uniqueness of the blue-eyed cicada. The families’ experiences underscore the unpredictable and fascinating aspects of nature, where unexpected encounters can provide moments of awe and wonder.
While blue-eyed cicadas are considered rare, the genetic variation that causes the blue eye coloration is a natural occurrence within the species. Gene Kritsky’s expertise on cicadas sheds light on the biology and genetics behind these unique insects, offering valuable insights into their diversity. The families’ discoveries of blue-eyed cicadas serve as reminders of the mysteries and wonders of the natural world, where even seemingly ordinary creatures can display extraordinary characteristics. By sharing their experiences and images of the blue-eyed cicadas, the families engage with others in the excitement of nature’s surprises, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth.
The families’ interactions with blue-eyed cicadas in the Chicago suburbs highlight the beauty and complexity of these insects, demonstrating that even small creatures can captivate and inspire wonder. Greta Bailey’s son, Jack, was thrilled to find the rare blue-eyed cicada in their backyard, showing a keen interest in the natural world at a young age. Kelly Simkins’ discovery of a blue-eyed cicada while visiting a nature preserve underscored the importance of environmental conservation and preservation, as these unique creatures rely on specific habitats to thrive. The families’ encounters with blue-eyed cicadas offer a glimpse into the interconnectedness of life on Earth, where every species, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
The families’ experiences with blue-eyed cicadas underscore the importance of appreciating the beauty and diversity of the natural world, even in unexpected places such as suburban backyards and nature preserves. By sharing their encounters with these rare insects, Greta Bailey and Kelly Simkins inspire others to explore and connect with nature, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. The blue-eyed cicadas serve as reminders of the intricate and fascinating biodiversity that exists on our planet, encouraging individuals to value and protect the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us. Greta Bailey’s and Kelly Simkins’ joy and amazement at finding these unique insects reflect the profound impact that nature can have on our lives, reminding us of the magic and wonder that awaits us when we open our eyes to the beauty of the natural world.
