Brood X: Billions of Cicadas Emerging in the U.S. Region Starting in May
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event as Brood X cicadas are set to emerge from underground in the DMV region starting in mid-May. This phenomenon, 17 years in the making, will bring billions of cicadas to our area, making it one of the biggest cicada broods in North America.
According to experts at the University of Maryland, Maryland is at the epicenter of this event, with Brood X emerging in 15 different states across the eastern United States. Dr. Paula Shrewsbury and the Cicada Crew are closely monitoring the emergence on the College Park Campus.
These cicadas have been patiently waiting underground, feeding on tree sap and plant tissue for nearly seventeen years. Signs of their emergence can be seen months before the main event, as the nymphs make holes in the ground as they prepare to surface.
Once the ground reaches a certain temperature, usually around mid-May, the mass emergence begins. The primary mission for the cicadas is to find a mate, with the males making loud noises to attract females. After mating, the females lay hundreds of eggs before both adults die off.
While this event may be unsettling for some, experts assure that cicadas are harmless and provide a valuable food source for local wildlife. Once the cicadas die off, they also provide natural compost for the soil.
For those looking to escape the cicada invasion, experts recommend heading to the eastern shore for a few weeks until the cicadas are gone. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the song of the cicadas, as it will be another 17 years before we hear it again.
