A Deep Dive Into Brood X with the Cincinnati Zoo's Mandy Pritchard
If you lived in Cincinnati in 2004, chances are you remember the sound — a deafening, otherworldly drone that filled the air, along with crunchy sidewalks and bug-covered windshields. That was the last time Brood X cicadas made their grand entrance. Now, 17 years later, they’re back — and we’re celebrating with T-shirts, of course.
On Episode 168 of The Cincy Shirts Podcast, we sat down with Mandy Pritchard, insect expert and keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, to get the lowdown on what makes these periodical cicadas so fascinating — and why this natural phenomenon is a once-in-a-generation spectacle you don’t want to miss.
Meet the Brood
Brood X (that’s "ten," not "ex") is one of the largest and most famous of the 17-year cicada broods. Unlike the annual cicadas that pop up each summer, these guys spend nearly two decades underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots before emerging en masse for one raucous summer of singing, mating, and — let’s face it — confusing and creeping out the general public.
Mandy helps explain the science behind this bizarre life cycle, and why the timing of their emergence is such a marvel of evolutionary strategy. “They overwhelm their predators with sheer numbers,” she says. “There are so many of them, predators can’t possibly eat them all.”
Bugs, Myths & Music
Of course, no cicada conversation is complete without addressing the sound. If you’ve never heard the cicada chorus in full swing, you’re in for something special — or maybe slightly terrifying. Mandy breaks down the mechanics of their mating calls, how different species have different songs, and why it’s only the males doing the shouting.
The episode also busts a few myths — no, cicadas don’t bite or sting — and touches on the difference between cicadas, bees, and wasps. Spoiler: not all insects are out to ruin your picnic. In fact, cicadas are surprisingly chill. They don’t want to hurt you — they just want to hook up and vibe in the trees for a few weeks.
Zoo Life & Insect Education
Beyond cicadas, Mandy shares some behind-the-scenes stories from her work at the Zoo’s World of the Insect exhibit, one of the largest and most respected bug-focused displays in North America. Her passion for creepy-crawlies shines through, as does her dedication to educating the public — especially kids — about why insects matter.
From pollination to decomposition, bugs are a foundational part of the ecosystem, and Mandy makes the case that cicadas might just be the gateway bug that gets people to care.
Why We Made Cicada Shirts
We couldn’t let a natural event this epic pass by without honoring it the only way we know how: with weird, wonderful shirts. Our Cicada Collection includes vintage-style graphics, playful puns, and even glow-in-the-dark designs that celebrate Cincinnati’s place at the center of this buzzy phenomenon.
After all, it only happens once every 17 years — and in this town, we’ll find any excuse to make a shirt about it.
🎧 Listen to Episode 168 here: Cincy Shirts Podcast – The Cicadas
👕 Shop our Cicada Collection: cincyshirts.com/collections/cicadas
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