The last time these exact cicada broods emerged from the ground at the same time, Thomas Jefferson was president. The red-eyed bugs come out looking for love and change forest ecosystems forever. Vox’s Benji Jones thinks it’s magical.

This show was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Rebeca Ibarra.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! vox.com/givepodcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices