Today, Explained Cicada time
10 snips
May 16, 2024 
Benji Jones, an environmental reporter at Vox, shares his fascination with cicadas, which last emerged during Thomas Jefferson's presidency. He discusses their remarkable life cycle and the rare return of Brood 13 and Brood 19 after over 200 years. The noise they make has even prompted calls to the police! Jones highlights cicadas' ecological impact, providing food for birds and other species, and explores the bizarre relationship between cicadas and the zombie fungus that alters their behavior, showcasing the intricacies of nature.
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Brood X emergence
- People recall the 2021 Brood X cicada emergence on the East Coast.
- This brood was massive, especially in urban areas like D.C. and Pennsylvania.
Rare Dual Emergence
- The current emergence involves Broods 13 and 19, occurring simultaneously.
- This rare dual emergence hasn't happened in over 200 years, since Thomas Jefferson's presidency.
Cicada Life Cycle
- Periodical cicadas have a unique life cycle, spending most of their lives underground as nymphs.
- They emerge after 13 or 17 years, triggered by soil temperature reaching 64 degrees, to begin mating.