The 17-year-ciacada in Maryland A fascinating spectacle that takes place in a 17year cycle.Thousands of ciacadas emerge within a couple of weeks (may to july), mate and die. An unbelievable noise and and trees full of thousands of this strange looking animals. The 17year cycle is a relict from the last iceage, in which also Maryland had been covered with glaciers.Apperently, every 17 years there was a especially mild summer, so the the ciacada got adapted to this cycle and they all emerged at the same time to maximize the chances of surviving. As far iam know, there are different species of ciacadas around, 4 different types of 13year ciacadas and 3 types of 17year ciacadas, all in different region along the mideast of the US. Anyway, it was a really, really fascinating to be able to experience this and iam really greatful that that i had the chance to be there.