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Brood X came out of the ground after 17 years. "There is nothing like it on the whole planet"

Brood X cicadas. Photo:EPA

 

The World Daily | News Desk           MAY  18th   2021

 

Inhabitants of the eastern regions of the United States can hear the sounds made by Brood X cicadas for the first time in 17 years. These insects, after years of development in the soil, came to the surface to reproduce. Local entomologists are delighted with this unique event because, as they say, "there is nothing like it on the whole planet."

 

Although much has changed over 17 years, the lifestyles of billions of red-eyed cicadas have remained the same. All this time they were buried in the ground where they grew and developed. They recently surfaced to multiply and die. They can be found in the eastern states of the USA.

 

"Spectacular event"

"It's just a spectacular event. There is nothing like it anywhere on the planet, or even in the entire universe," said Dr. Michael Raupp, a cicada lover and retired professor of entomology at the University of Maryland. "It's the only place where billions if not trillions of these cicadas live," Raupp said.

 

 

Specific development

Brood X cicadas are about 3.8 centimetres long, have a black body, iridescent wings and bright red eyes.

These insects tend to thrive in the sunny edges of the forest, which often provide warmer weather conditions and grow young trees that provide them with food.

 

Brood X cicadas. Photo:EPA

 

Shortly after hatching, the insects bury themselves 2.4 meters underground. There they drink the juices from the tree roots. After 17 years, they emerge, climb trees and shrubs, where they transform from pupae into adult individuals. During the mating season, you can hear the characteristic sounds that males make to attract their mates.

 

Brood X cicadas. Photo:EPA

 

After fertilization, females cut cracks in tree branches and lay 400 to 600 eggs. Adult individuals die quickly. A few weeks later, the eggs hatch and the cycle begins anew.

 

"Birth, Romance, Death"

This year's "batch" of cicadas will be buried in the ground and will not reappear until 2038.

 

Brood X cicadas. Photo:EPA

 

Raupp said cicadas are not harmful to pets or humans.

“There will be birth. There will be romance in the treetops. There will be death. It will be better than an episode of ‘Game of Thrones’,” he announced. 

 

© The World Daily 2021 | News Desk

Source: Reuters

 

 

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