There are about 2,000 cicada species. These are large, noise-producing insects with a stout body, a wide blunt head, protruding eyes and two pairs of membranous wings.

Male cicadas have plate-like membranes on the thorax, which they vibrate like drum heads, producing a loud, shrill sound.

When cicada eggs hatch, the tiny nymphs live underground feeding on the roots of plants for either 13 or even 17 years.

They then leave the ground and begin to climb trees.

While climbing, they grow out of their exoskeleton.

Then they begin their constant buzzing calls, trying to attract a mate. They can chirp so loudly, you can hear them from half a mile away!

When mating occurs, 400 to 600 eggs are laid, the adult cicadas die, and the cycle begins again.