The cicadas have come and gone, but not without leaving their mark on Cape Cod.  The insects have caused more damage to area trees than anyone expected, marring thousands of oak trees from parts of Centerville to Mashpee.

The trees in Cotuit, Sandwich, Bourne and East Falmouth look like they are diseased and dying.

Although the bugs are now dead, they left behind plenty of damage caused by their unique mating habits, which they engage in every 17 years.  Entomologist Roberta Clarke says the cicada ritual includes cutting slits in the branches of trees, stopping the flow of water to that part of the branch.

So come fall, residents will be looking at an even bigger cleanup because all the dead branches will be dropping to the ground.  Perhaps that is one of many good reasons why the cicada's 17-year cycle is a good thing.

ABC 6 reporter Parker Gavigan has more...