Evolution of 13- and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada)

Abstract

Periodical cicadas have been of interest to biologists since they were first described in the scientific literature more than 300 years ago (Oldenburg 1666). Their appeal has to do with their unique prime-numbered life cycle and their rare but recklessly theatrical appearances by the millions—large, noisy, black bugs with bright red eyes and orange legs and wing veins.