Book excerpt: Every year, for far longer than there were humans to hear them, cicadas have risen to fill our senses in the steady rhythm of our lives, capturing the innate curiosity of backyard explorers everywhere. For beginners, experts, and everyone in-between, The Cicadas of North America serves as an unparalleled field guide to some of Earth’s most delightful insects. With over 500 pages and 400 full-color illustrations, The Cicadas of North America is the world's first complete illustrated field guide to all known species of cicadas from the boreal shield of Canada to the tropical forests of Panama and Grenada. The book includes detailed information about the life cycle, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, conservation, host plants, and songs of cicadas.