Billions of cicadas are expected to rise from the ground in parts of Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia in May when their 17-year life cycle starts to end, according to a report from the Washington Post.
This particular type of cicada has a 17-year life cycle that starts underground. They emerge for a brief adult life above ground every 17 years for one purpose — reproduction. Their adult lives last a few weeks, at most, during which time you’ll hear their signature “singing.”
Females will lay eggs in the bark of trees and twigs. Once they hatch, the nymphs drop to the ground to burrow and begin another 17-year cycle.
This cicada cycle started in 1999. They are expected to emerge in May, once the soil beneath the ground reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Luckily, cicadas don’t chew, so they won’t eat up your plants and trees. But you’ll definitely know when they’re around, thanks to their deafening mating calls!
