Brood X: ‘Trillions’ of cicadas to emerge after 17 years

Brood X cicadas emerge in April or May across 15 states and the District of Columbia after 17 years underground. They live for about four weeks, focusing on mating. Males attract females with acoustic sounds, and females respond by snapping their wings. After mating, females lay eggs on tree limbs, and adults die. The hatched nymphs fall to the ground, burrow, and feed on tree roots for up to 17 years. Volunteers can help document this emergence using the Cicada Safari app, as guided by University of Connecticut professors.

In which states do Brood X cicadas emerge?

• Texas and Florida

• Oregon and Washington

• Illinois to New York and New Jersey

• California and Nevada

How long do Brood X cicadas live after emerging?

• One week

• Four weeks

• Six weeks

• Two weeks

What sound does the male cicada make to attract a female?

• A chirping sound

• A whistling sound

• A clicking sound

• A buzzing sound

What happens to cicada nymphs after they hatch?

• They stay on tree limbs

• They immediately start mating

• They burrow into the ground

• They fly away

How can volunteers help document Brood X's emergence?

• By writing articles

• By planting more trees

• By capturing cicadas

• By using the Cicada Safari app