Cicadas: The Sound of Summer

What makes cicadas the song of summer in many parts of the country?

A. Male cicadas sing in a very loud, distinctive way.

B. Cicada shells can often be seen clinging to tree trunks.

C. Some species of cicadas emerge from the ground every 17 years.

D. Cicadas can damage a young tree when laying their eggs in the tree's branches.

Answer:

Some species of cicadas emerge from the ground every 17 years

Cicadas are a type of insect known for their loud and distinctive singing during the summer months. This unique sound is a defining characteristic of summer in many parts of the country.

One of the fascinating facts about cicadas is that some species of them emerge from the ground only once every 17 years. This long period of dormancy followed by a sudden emergence has intrigued scientists for centuries. This pattern of emergence every 17 years has been observed and studied, leading to a better understanding of the cicada life cycle.

Male cicadas are known for their loud and distinctive singing, which adds to the summer soundtrack created by these insects. Their songs can be heard from afar, making them a prominent feature of the natural soundscape during the warmer months.

While cicada shells can often be seen clinging to tree trunks after the insects have molted and emerged, it is their unique life cycle and singing that truly make them the song of summer. Despite their harmless nature, cicadas can damage young trees when laying their eggs in the branches, which is a natural part of their life cycle.