Paleo Foraging

Magicicada septendecim (Linnaeus, 1758)

= Cicada septendecim

Periodical cicada, 17-year cicada

Onondaga: ogwä̜yuʹʼda’ (Waugh 1916:139).

Food

Nymphs – were dug up and roasted in a pot, without water, by the Iroquois (Waugh 1916:138-139). They were stirred while cooking, and when thoroughly done, a little grease was added (Waugh 1916:138-139). They were considered good for the health (Waugh 1916:138-139).

Adults – eaten by modern Americans during the periodic outbreaks (FIN 3(3): 3,5). They are considered tasty and meaty, and were deep fried, baked and ground, boiled, or stir fried (FIN 3(3): 3,5).

Note – the name refers to the time spend as nymphs underground before emerging as adults to reproduce. The generations are staggered, so the cicadas emerge every year, but certain generations have huge populations.