In their prime: how trillions of cicadas pop up right on time – podcast

Science Weekly Series

Right now, across much of the midwestern and eastern US, trillions of cicadas are crawling out from the soil. And this year is extra special, because two broods are erupting from the ground at once. The first brood hasn’t been seen for 13 years, the other for 17 years and the last time they emerged together Thomas Jefferson was president. Ian Sample speaks to entomologist Dr Gene Kritsky to find out what’s going on, why periodical cicadas emerge in cycles of prime numbers and how they keep time underground

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Clips: CBN News

Everything you need to know about the US cicada-geddon

Brood X periodical cicadas emerge in Washington, DC<br>epa09205845 Brood X periodical cicada nymphs crawl through the well of a tree prior to shedding their exoskeletons after spending 17 years underground in Washington, DC, USA, 16 May 2021. After molting, the cicada's body dries and darkens, then the 17-year-old bug looks for a mate. Trillions of Brood X cicadas are emerging in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US.  EPA/JIM LO SCALZO
Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
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