Brood X Cicada Invasion 2021

May 26, 2021

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–After spending the last 17 years underground millions of Brood X (10) periodical cicadas have emerged. The insects make their way to the surface usually after a good rain and soil temperatures about 8″ under the surface hit 64F.

When cicadas come out of the ground they are called a nymph, and they try and find a tree to shed their nymph skins. Once the old skin is shed they spread their wings and change color as an adult cicada. Soon after the cicadas make a loud noise to attract a mate. Females will then lay eggs on a tree then after the eggs hatch the small cicadas drink tree sap and make their way back down the tree and start their life for another 17 years below the surface.

Brood X will emerge in Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. 

Fore more detailed information about cicadas see the Cicada Mania website.


Brood X (10) emerge from the ground in Princeton, New Jersey on May 26, 2021