These insects have an amazing life cycle, spending 95% of their life underground. During July three to four hundred eggs are laid into the bark of a tree by females. Three months later the larvae hatch. Next, they drop to the ground and dig a hole with their powerful forelegs, remaining in the soil for four years. On a warm June evening the 1% that have survived to adulthood will emerge from the soil. They climb the nearest tree and shed their skins, emerging as light green adults. Their new skin quickly hardens and turns blackish in colour. Males will begin to "sing" using their "sawing organs". The intensity of this activity is appreciated more when we realise that this adult phase only lasts a few weeks.