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The periodical mass emergence of cicadas in eastern North American forests can “rewire” forest food webs .
Cicada
The cicada is a large flying insect that is related to the leafhopper and planthopper.
There are over 3,000 known species of cicadas.
Cicada found all over the world except for Antarctica, Greenland, and Iceland.
Cicadas are best known for their loud mating calls. The males produce these calls by vibrating a pair of membranes on their abdomen, called tymbals.
The females are attracted to the calls and will choose a mate based on the volume and quality of the call.
Cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to aerate the soil and they provide food for other animals, such as birds, bats, and lizards.
What is Brood X cicada emergence
Brood X cicada emergence is a natural phenomenon that occurs every 17 years in the eastern United States.
During this time, billions of cicadas emerge from the ground to mate and lay eggs.
The emergence is a spectacular sight and sound, as the cicadas fill the air with their loud mating calls.
The cicadas that emerge during Brood X are all part of the same generation.
They were born 17 years ago and have been living underground ever since. During this time, they have been feeding on the roots of trees.
The entire process of emergence, mating, and egg-laying takes about six weeks. After that, the adult cicadas will die.
The next Brood X emergence is expected to occur in 2038.
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