Periodical cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches, and when those eggs hatch, the resulting baby cicadas, or nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow into the soil. Both male and female cicadas infected with Massospora flick their wings to draw in amorous, soon-to-be-infected males. Billions of periodical cicadas are about to emerge in a rare occurrence not seen in centuries. Billions of periodical cicadas are emerging from the soil in the eastern United States and Midwest after living underground for 17 years. Billions of Magicicada periodical cicadas are emerging from the soil in the eastern United States after living underground for 17 years.

Source: CNN May 13, 2024 17:51 UTC