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The inch-long insects, which are sometimes mistakenly called locusts, have been reported hatching in the Midwest after a 13 year hiatus.

Why are cicadas back?

Professor Gene Kritsky, editor of the journal American Entomologist, told BBC Radio 5 live: "The males, after they come out of the ground, gather in the trees."

"They sing, waiting for a female to respond," Prof. Kritsky explained to Rhod Sharp on Up All Night.

"On a nice warm night the nymphs will crawl out of the ground, like a scene from the movie Night Of The Living Dead."

You can hear other BBC Radio 5 live highlights by visiting the Best Bits section on the website.

Up All Night broadcasts seven days a week 0100 - 0500 on BBC Radio 5 live.