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Cicadas emerge fully formed on US east coast as mating ritual begins Cicadas emerge fully formed on US east coast as mating ritual begins
(4 months later)
After 17 years beneath the ground, billions of cicadas are beginning to emerge along the US east coast.After 17 years beneath the ground, billions of cicadas are beginning to emerge along the US east coast.
The inch-long insects have spent their adolescence feasting on nutrients from tree roots. When the ground temperature reaches a steady 64F the cicadas burrow to the surface, shed their exoskeletons, and fly about, making a lot of noise in a bid to attract a mate.The inch-long insects have spent their adolescence feasting on nutrients from tree roots. When the ground temperature reaches a steady 64F the cicadas burrow to the surface, shed their exoskeletons, and fly about, making a lot of noise in a bid to attract a mate.
After several weeks of frantic relations the females lay eggs. A couple of months later, tiny new cicadas hatch, fall to the ground, tunnel to a tree root, and the whole process begins again.After several weeks of frantic relations the females lay eggs. A couple of months later, tiny new cicadas hatch, fall to the ground, tunnel to a tree root, and the whole process begins again.
Earlier this month I went to New Jersey to document cicada nymphs (the name for a cicada yet to shed its exoskeleton) emerging.Earlier this month I went to New Jersey to document cicada nymphs (the name for a cicada yet to shed its exoskeleton) emerging.
On Wednesday the internet was abuzz with reports of real fully grown cicadas, with wings and everything, making a nuisance of themselves on New York's Staten Island.On Wednesday the internet was abuzz with reports of real fully grown cicadas, with wings and everything, making a nuisance of themselves on New York's Staten Island.
Armed with a video camera and no zoological training whatsoever, I went to investigate.Armed with a video camera and no zoological training whatsoever, I went to investigate.
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