Trillions of cicadas awakened after 17 years to attack the US this summer

“In 2021, a herd of’Brood X’cicadas launched an air strike on the ground.”

The United States is glistening at the cicada attack that will come this summer. This is because it is the year when Brood X cicadas appear in 17 years. According to the Washington Post (WP) and others on the 10th (local time), insect experts noted the cries of cicadas that recently began in central and southern Kentucky, predicting that billions of cicadas will appear all over the United States this summer.

Brood X, a major species of cicada, has a larva (larvae) period of 17 years from awakening from an egg to full growth. It is also called’Brood 10′ or’Class X cicada’. Unlike ordinary cicadas, it has a black body, red eyes, and orange wings.

The cicada’s larva grows in the ground by eating sap from tree roots. The time to rise to the ground is determined by sensing seasonal changes in plants. Unlike ordinary cicadas, millions of cicadas awaken at a time, so the entire area is covered with cicadas.

Brood X cicadas also appeared in Washington, New Jersey, and Tennessee in 2004. At that time, Brood X was reported to have reached a maximum of 4 million per acre. The cicada swarm gradually disappeared from mid-June after covering trees, land, and skies across the country for about two months.

In 2004, cicadas lived and died on the ground, but lay eggs on trees and left behind their descendants. The larvae that hatched from eggs at that time and then went down to the ground on a tree are coming back up on the tree this year.

Sensitive to temperature and humidity, BroodX cicadas grow rapidly after waiting for the soil temperature to reach 64 degrees in humid weather without rain or wind. I have waited in the ground for 17 years, but it takes about an hour or so for the larva to peel (fable) and become an adult.

Entomologists predict that brood X cicadas will flock to 15 states, including Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Washington in May. The University of West Virginia entomologist Matt Carson predicted that “Browd X will appear this year, ranging from billions to hundreds of billions, maybe trillions.”

The problem is the cry of the cicadas. After growing, the cicadas focus on mating and laying eggs for two months, and the male’s cry to attract females is the level of noise pollution.

According to the University of Kentucky entomologist Jonathan Larson, the highest recorded male Brood X cry was 100 dB, close to the sound of a car engine. Because of the cicadas crying all night long, residents sleep at night, and everyday conversations are difficult. In addition, a swarm of cicadas that suddenly haunt may scare the driver or injure trees and crops. However, it is not at all harmful to humans.

Entomologists explain that the appearance of Brood X cicadas is a blessing to the ecosystem. This is because an increase in cicadas belonging to the lowest group in the food chain means an increase in food for the upper predators. “The best dinner for wild animals this year will be held,” said Cooley. “As food becomes more abundant, the number of wild animals may increase.”

Reporter Lee Min-jung [email protected]