Ask the Steward

Question: Are cicadas and locusts the same insect and are they edible?

Answer: With 2024 forecasted to be a big year for cicada’s in Indiana many questions arise. The first question above is fairly common- but not the second. You may often hear the term ‘locust’ and ‘cicada’ casually used interchangeably when referring to this insect, but they are actually quite different. Cicadas are true bugs of the order Hemiptera and include the annual (dog-days) cicada and periodical cicada, both found in Indiana. Locusts on the other hand are a kind of grasshopper of the genus Orthoptera- and today none are found in Indiana, nor even North America. Their life cycles, feeding and damage caused are as different as their physical appearance. Cicadas are sucking insects and feed on the juices of plants (e.g. tree sap) while locusts eat plant material and swarming outbreaks can heavily damage farm crops. As for edibility- cicadas do have high protein content, have a nice crunch when fried, and have been considered a delicacy in parts of the world for thousands of years. You may even have a favorite recipe of your own. If not, cicada cookbooks and recipes are relatively easy to find.  For me, I’m fine with an entre of wild asparagus, fresh morels, and a bit of leek over rice with a slice of wild turkey. Just need a tasty appetizer!

Question: Is Mulberry native to Indiana?

Answer: There are two species of mulberry commonly found in Indiana- White mulberry (Morus alba) and Red mulberry (Morus rubra). But only the Red mulberry is a native species. It is most commonly found in the southern half of the state in moist, mature woodlands and relatively uncommon north of Indianapolis. White mulberry is native to China and was first introduced into the United States in the 1800’s as a preferred food of the silkworm in a failed effort to bring silk production to North America. Since then, White mulberry has spread widely primarily by birds consuming and passing its abundant tasty fruit and can now be found from coast to coast and is common in every Indiana county. It is considered a pest or invasive species in some areas. If you have a messy mulberry in your yard, it is most likely a White mulberry. Taking a closer look during the growing season- Red mulberry leaves have a somewhat rough, duller green upper leaf surface and fuzzy (pubescent) underside compared to White mulberry’s brighter green and glossier upper leaf and mostly smooth undersurface. The leaf margin of Red will be more finely toothed than White mulberry’s larger and somewhat rounded teeth. The fruit of White mulberry ranges from white to red to deep purple, while ripe Red mulberry fruit is longer and almost black in color- both are quite tasty. Neither species has any significant timber value but has an attractive grain and is occasionally used by woodworking enthusiasts.