If ephemera had a mascot, it would surely be the 17-year cicada
. They are emerging and making the eerie mating noise that fills the forest but once every generation for a few precious days.
Right now, in Biltmore Forest
, the ancient, blue-blooded burg perched on Asheville's south shoulder, the sound is particularly haunting. The cicada's song is cacophonous late at night in the inky-black of Biltmore Forest, they say.
Behold these lovely, gentle, short-lived creatures. And enjoy their ephemeral song and dance.
