Brood X is the 17-year periodical cicada that is expected to emerge in the millions, filling the air with their buzzing mating-call. These cicadas require a deep soil temperature of 64°F in order to emerge from their underground slumber. Given the fair weather we are experiencing in Nashville, it is likely these conditions will be reached this week. Although cicadas are harmless to humans and play a valuable role in our ecosystem, these insects can cause damage to young trees. Female cicadas cut small slits into the twigs of deciduous trees in which they lay their eggs. This can result in long-term structural weakness to the branches.
Check out this video from filmmaker Samuel Orr to learn more about the emergence of cicadas!
Return of the Cicadas from motionkicker on Vimeo.