In the spring of 2008, Brood XIV emerged in Kentucky after 17 years underground. Millions of cicadas were on the ground, on fence posts, on trees and weeds. With up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre of land, there were such large numbers that spring, their song was almost deafening. I loved their primeval sound. I felt as if I had been transported back to the time of the mammoths, because these cicadas have been on earth for millions of years. The conservation status of cicadas is Near Threatened. Habitat destruction and invasive insect species such as the emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of ash trees which once provided food for cicadas, are taking their toll on these amazing creatures.

This painting was selected for the Artists for Conservation 2022 Virtual Exhibition and Companion Book.