Newly hatched nymphs are considered best for eating just after they break open their skins, before their exoskeleton hardens. In order to capture these singing delights, simply scoop them up and trap in a brown paper bag. As the cicadas emerge from beneath the earth’s surface upon nightfall, or in the very early hours of the morning, before they have time to climb up out of reach is the very best time to catch them. If the nymphs aren’t available, try to catch the adult females; their bellies are full of fat and nutritious eggs. The male cicada, is however, less desirable. His thin hollow body is only good for creating flirtatious tunes, offering little more culinary satisfaction than a crunch.