Cicadas in magical scenes: See the viral photos here
These viral photos put a smile on our faces.
Billions of cicadas have begun to emerge across 15 U.S. states after spending 17 years underground.
The insects are part of Brood X (Brood 10) and belong to the genus magicicadas, a group that has an internal clock telling them to emerge from the ground every 13 to 17 years.
Experts expect the brood contains 1.5 million 17-year cicadas per acre in areas between Georgia and New York.
Sightings started to ramp up earlier this month and the cicadas have already become internet sensations, with photos flooding social media.
While most images feature the bugs out and about in nature, photographer Oxana Ware has gone a step further, creating elaborate backdrops for them to investigate.
Many elements are made by hand, from handknit baskets and blankets to bonnets and signs, Arlington Magazine reports. Toys are sometimes borrowed from her young children to complete the scene.
The Arlington, Virginia photographer specializes in newborn photography, but the cicadas appear to have become a fan favourite on her Instagram account and blog.
The cicadas make for great subjects because they naturally cling to things. That's what they do in the wild, after all: hang on to trees and stumps and make loud noises in hopes of attracting a mate.
"I love doing newborn, studio, and lifestyle and family photography," Ware told 7News. "But I'm also a professional wildlife photographer, and that's kind of what we gave me the idea to do silly cicada Brood X adventures."
PHOTOS: BROOD X ADVENTURES
All photos courtesy of Oxana Ware.
