Scientists say this is a sign that despite pollution, the climate crisis and dramatic biodiversity loss, something is still right with nature
Trillions of bug-like insects called periodical cicadas are emerging from underground in the United States. These cicadas belong to Brood X — or the Great Eastern Brood and remain underground for almost their entire lives before briefly emerging to mate and then die.
The bugs only emerge in large numbers when the ground temperature reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Centigrade). It is thought that by emerging in such huge numbers, enough of them can avoid predators and live on to mate.
They’ll be in 15 states from Indiana to Georgia to New York; they’re coming out now in mass numbers in Tennessee and North Carolina. The last such event for 15 states including New York, Ohio, Illinois and Georgia occurred in 2004.
America is the only place in the world that has periodic cicadas that stay underground for either 13 or 17 years, says entomologist John Cooley of the University of Connecticut.
This is not something like a locust invasion as these insects don’t bite or carry any diseases. Unlike locusts, the only plants they damage are young trees.
According to a recent report in Indian Country Today, the Indigenous Food Lab in Minneapolis is preparing to revive cicadas as a food source. The recommendation comes amid increased awareness of the environmental costs of beef, hog and poultry production. Scientists say the arrival of Brood X is a sign that despite pollution, the climate crisis and dramatic biodiversity loss, something is still right with nature.
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