Brood X Cicada Nymph
Magicicada septendecim (nymph)
This long-lived nymph spends almost all of its life underground in the soil around deciduous tree roots. It feeds by tapping xylem fluid with piercing mouthparts, growing slowly through repeated molts. Strong front legs help it tunnel and cling in narrow earthen chambers. Its remarkable timing allows huge numbers of the same brood to emerge after 17 years below ground.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- NT
Growth chain
- Brood X Cicada Nymph
- Brood X Cicada Shell