Noisy Brood Emerged this Spring

The periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim, finally emerged this spring at the U.S. National Arboretum.
 
This fascinating event occurs every 17 years, and is a real treat for anyone who has an interest in entomology.  A group of periodical cicadas that live in a specific area, often covering parts of several states, emerge at the same time and are known as a brood.  There are at least 30 known broods, and Brood X, which emerges this year, is the most spectacular and occurs over a large part of the mid-Atlantic region and parts of the Midwest. 
 
Click here for a photo gallery of Cicadas at the Arboretum. You can also click here for more information on cicadas and to learn how to protect young trees.

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