Jun
30

Sidedoor: Ode to Cicadas

Brood X may be gone, but their love song lingers on—in the buzzing tinnitis we’ve developed in our right ear.

Graphic of Brood X cicadas for Sidedoor 6.14

Every 17 years, the notorious Brood X cicadas crawl out of the earth by the billions to deafen Washington D.C. After nearly two decades underground, they spend their few short weeks in the sun singing, mating, and dying so the next generation can start anew. The cicadas’ distinctive sound and strange life cycle have captivated our human ancestors for millennia, inspiring songs, art, royal attire and even some unique burial rituals. 

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Posted: 30 June 2021
About the Author:

Jessica Sadeq has worked in the Central Office of Public Affairs since June 2007. She is the Marketing Manager for the Office of Communications and External Affairs.