periodical cicada

periodical cicada

n. Any of several cicadas of the genus Magicicada of the eastern United States that have a 17-year or 13-year life cycle and spend most of their lives underground as nymphs. Broods of periodical cicadas in a given region emerge synchronously in large numbers, metamorphosing into winged adults that mate, lay eggs, and die shortly thereafter.

seventeen′-year` lo′cust

n. a cicada, Magicicada septendecim, of the eastern U.S., having nymphs that live in the soil, usu. emerging in great numbers after 17 years in the North or 13 years in the South. Also called periodical cicada. [1810–20]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

periodical cicada - North American cicada; appears in great numbers at infrequent intervals because the nymphs take 13 to 17 years to matureMagicicada septendecim, seventeen-year locustcicada, cicala - stout-bodied insect with large membranous wings; male has drum-like organs for producing a high-pitched dronegenus Magicicada, Magicicada - seventeen-year locust