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Published online 25 November 2004 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news041122-12
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Cicada invasion feeds forests
Insect broods kick-start forest ecosystems every 17 years.
A huge troop of cicadas known as Brood X emerges in the eastern United States every 17 years, covering streets, cars and buildings with a crunchy coating of insects. Although they aren't welcome in the cities, the nutrients from the Magicicada carcasses provide a valuable boost to forest ecosystems, says a California ecologist.
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