periodical cicada

noun

1. seventeen-year locust.

Word History and Origins

Origin of periodical cicada¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

That makes American suburbia “periodical cicada heaven,” he said.

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The research team says this is one of only a few studies that has explored the indirect effects of periodical cicada emergence events on forest food webs.

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These images help scientists determine trends in periodical cicada populations, according to Gene Kritsky, a professor emeritus at Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio who helped create the app.

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While these mites are always around, they become “particularly abundant” in times and places where there is a periodical cicada brood emergence, he said.

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It has been several weeks since the exit of Brood X of the 17-year periodical cicada, and I know I’m not alone in missing these enchanting ruby-eyed creatures and the otherworldly soundtrack of their chirping.

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