cicadalike

Cicadalike is a term used to describe phenomena that share characteristics with cicadas, particularly their cyclical emergence and overwhelming abundance. This can refer to the mass appearance of insects or other organisms that follow a predictable, long-term life cycle, often resulting in a sudden and noticeable increase in population. For example, certain periodical insect species exhibit a "cicadalike" behavior when they emerge from underground in vast numbers after many years.

The term can also be applied metaphorically to situations where something appears in large quantities after a long period of dormancy or obscurity. This might include the resurgence of a particular trend, the sudden release of a large volume of creative works, or even a collective awakening of a population to a particular issue. The key element is the contrast between a long period of relative quiet or scarcity and a subsequent, dramatic, and often overwhelming manifestation.

In biology, the term specifically evokes the synchronized emergence of periodical cicadas, which spend years underground before emerging en masse to mate and lay eggs. This strategy is believed to overwhelm predators, ensuring the survival of a significant portion of the population. When applied outside of entomology, "cicadalike" implies a similar pattern of delayed but ultimately abundant appearance. The cyclical nature and the sheer scale of the event are the defining features of a cicadalike phenomenon.