```html

Cicadas Emerge After 17-Year Hibernation

Massive Brood X Set to Swarm Eastern U.S.

Millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from their underground burrows in the eastern United States this spring, marking the end of their 17-year hibernation period.

Brood X, as it's known, is the largest and most widespread brood of periodical cicadas, and its emergence is a major ecological event. The cicadas will spend the next few weeks mating and laying eggs before returning to the ground for another 17 years.

Cicadas are harmless to humans and animals, but their sheer numbers can be overwhelming. They are known for their loud, high-pitched mating calls, which can reach up to 90 decibels. In some areas, the cicadas may be so thick that they block out the sun.

Despite their abundance, cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem. Their larvae aerate the soil and provide food for birds and other animals. Their emergence also coincides with the blooming of many wildflowers, which provides a valuable source of pollen for bees and other insects.

```