Cicadas are insects that have been on our planet for over 200 million years, with some species remaining largely unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. They have a unique life cycle, spending most of their lives underground before emerging in massive broods, and are able to produce a loud, high-pitched noise using specialized organs called tymbals. Despite their unusual characteristics, cicadas play an important role in many ecosystems, helping to prune trees and stimulate new growth.
