They Talk … and Tweet! Interview With a Cicada

We recently had the opportunity to interview one of the swarms of tweeting cicadas on Twitter, CicadasXIX, who happen to reside in Nashville. Read their thoughts on everything from the Royal Wedding to Bonnaroo and other musings on life as a cicada.

Does the Great Southern Brood get along with the other broods of cicadas?
A: Not particularly. Little known fact about cicadas – we’re incredibly elitist. We don’t like other kinds of cicadas, especially those “annuals.” They’re so smug with their living above ground several years, bunch of know-it-alls.

Pie or cake?
A: We don’t eat solid foods so we can’t answer this question. However, we may make an exception for some of these food trucks we’ve heard so much about.

What was your favorite part of the Royal Wedding?
A: Our favorite part was, of course, the hats and fascinators. You’ll probably be able to see various types of head ornaments on our female cicadas this year, as the fashion trend has hit a new high amongst us. Several of our relatives were in attendance, and one even snuck into the after-party. Sadly, he was eaten as a canapé by mistake.

Which is more fun for cicadas, Steeplechase or Bonnaroo?
A: Although we love fancy hats, Bonnaroo is where it’s at. Great music and hippies who think twice before stomping on innocent bugs? Sign us up.

This is Music City – what’s your favorite song?
A: There’s been quite a bit of speculation on this subject. One of our favorites is “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett. It really encompasses our overall attitude of disregard once we come out in droves.

Who do you blame for the NFL lockout?
A: Sorry, we don’t follow lacrosse.

What’s your favorite color?
A: Uh, taupe? Just kidding, we’re color blind so we have no idea what any color looks like.

West Nashville or East Nashville?
A: Although both neighborhoods have their good points, East Nashville has Five. We’re excited that it’s come a long way since ’98, and we’re hoping to get stepped on less (see above comments on why we love hippies).

How did you survive the flood last year?
A: What flood? There was a flood? A flood last year and a plague of cicadas this year – Nashville is so Old Testament.

Many people are afraid of you, but what are cicadas scared of?
A: The better question is what aren’t cicadas afraid of? We could go on for days. However, our top three are: big feet, windshields and commitment. Why else do you think we die so quickly after mating?

Disclaimer: This post is intended for humorous purposes. Tennessee Home & Farm, Illinois Partners and Journal Communications have no connection to @CicadasXIX, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.