U.S. braces for mass arrival of cicadas

Trillions of cicadas are set to emerge, after 17 years underground, across large parts of the eastern United States, bringing their distinctive, high-volume mating calls to towns and cities


BROOD X CICADAS

Largest and most broadly distributed of all 15 broods of periodical cicadas in U.S.

Cicadas do not bite but emit sounds from 80 to 100 decibels – equivalent to low-flying aeroplane or lawnmower

It is thought that huge, synchronised arrival provides protection against predators


BROOD X MAP

IL MI IN OH KY TN GA NY PA WV VA NC NJ DE MD DC

300km 185 miles


LIFE CYCLE
1 Nymph
2 Moult
3 Adult 
4 Eggs
7-10cm

1 May-Jun: As soil temperature reaches around 17C, nymphs burrow their way up from below ground

2 After final moult, nymph’s skin splits open and cicada emerges

3 Fuly mature cicadas mate – males belt out distinctive call to attract females

4 Jul: Females lay eggs in trees which hatch 4 to 6 weeks later – offspring head back underground until 2038


Sources: Nature Conservancy, Science Focus, USA Today
Picture: Getty Images 
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