Cicadas representing one of the most fascinating natural cycles. During the early summer of 2021, The Washington, D.C. area was visited by Brood X cicadas. Billions of cicadas emerged from underground for the first time in 17 years. While underground, they survive drinking fluid from plant roots. While their lifespan above ground is short, 4-6 weeks, they find a mate, lay their eggs and hatch the next brood, which will go underground for another 17 years.