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Published online 14 May 2004 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news040510-11

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An army in its prime

Cicadas invade United States to fulfil 17-year cycle.

If you live in the eastern United States, you may already have heard the buzz: a troop of cicadas known as Brood X is back for another breeding season after almost two decades out of sight.

The army emerges without fail every 17 years after feeding on underground roots.

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