The Buzz of Cicadas: Anticipating the Unprecedented Emergence
Observers have already witnessed the initial appearances in a remarkable occurrence where cicadas are set to emerge in over a dozen US states, encompassing densely populated regions.
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Is it a breathtaking marvel of nature or a bothersome source of stress? Well, that all depends on who you ask.
Naturalists have already seen the first signs of a rare event where cicadas will emerge this spring in over a dozen US states. This includes cities like Chicago, Nashville, and St. Louis, covering the eastern parts of the country with billions, or even trillions, of these flying insects.
The cicadas will be spreading out over a larger area than usual this year due to the simultaneous emergence of two specific periodical cicada broods. These groups of different Magicicada species come out in a predictable pattern every few years, but the last time these two broods emerged together was back in 1803.
The Northern Illinois brood, known as Brood XIII, spends 17 years underground before emerging. Meanwhile, the Great Southern Brood, or Brood XIX, lives underground for 13 years. These two broods will not coincide again until 2245.
Experts have some tips on how to prepare for the upcoming cicada season, even though the full-scale emergence has not started yet.
A periodical cicada that has just shed its outer skeleton crawls among holes dug by emerging cicada nymphs on May 20, 2021, in Takoma Park, Maryland.
A periodical cicada that has just shed its outer skeleton crawls among holes dug by emerging cicada nymphs on May 20, 2021, in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
What to expect
When tiny holes similar to small chimneys show up in the ground close to tree roots, it means that periodical cicadas are getting ready to come out from their underground home.
As soon as the soil reaches a specific temperature of around 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17.8 degrees Celsius), the young cicadas, known as nymphs, start to emerge.
A newly molted periodical cicada is seen clinging to a plant in Takoma Park, Maryland on May 15, 2021. These cicadas, known as Magicicada and part of Brood X, emerge from underground after 17 years once soil temperatures reach about 64°F. They will molt, mate, and die within a few weeks. This phenomenon will occur in fifteen states and the District of Columbia. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
TAKOMA PARK, MD - MAY 15: A newly molted periodical cicada clings to a plant on May 15, 2021 in Takoma Park, Maryland. Once soil temperatures reach about 64°F, billions or perhaps trillions of Magicicada periodical cicada -- members of Brood X -- will emerge in fifteen states and the District of Columbia after living underground for 17 years they will molt, mate and die within a matter of weeks. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Related article
Billions of cicadas are expected to make a rare appearance in what scientists call a 'double brood emergence.'
Once they emerge from the ground, the cicadas immediately head towards a vertical surface, such as a tree trunk or fence. They then shed their tough outer skeletons and unfurl their wings for the first time. For the next four to six weeks, these cicadas will engage in a loud and busy period of eating, mating, and laying eggs.
The first sign that cicadas have arrived is the loud buzzing sound they make. They gather in trees, with male cicadas creating a noisy chorus of thousands to attract mates.
According to Paula Shrewsbury, a professor in the entomology department at the University of Maryland, the noise level can be compared to that of a lawn mower.
"We live close to an airport, and whenever the planes are flying overhead, the cicadas start making a lot of noise. It almost feels like they are trying to outdo the airplanes in terms of sound," Shrewsbury mentioned.
A young tree in Takoma Park, Maryland, is draped in netting in May 2021 to protect its small branches from being damaged by periodical cicadas laying their eggs in them.
In May 2021, a young tree in Takoma Park, Maryland, was covered with netting. This was done to shield its delicate branches from being harmed by periodical cicadas. These insects lay their eggs in the branches, which could cause damage to the tree.
How to prepare
Female cicadas use an egg-laying organ, called an ovipositor, to lay their eggs inside slits they cut into tree branches.
Cicadas are not likely to cause any permanent harm to plants, trees, vegetable patches, or flower beds, according to John Lill, a biology professor at George Washington University.
Lill mentioned that there is a possibility of the insects causing damage to a very young sapling. To prevent this, he recommended covering the sapling with protective netting.
A periodical cicada nymph was discovered in Macon, Ga., on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, while digging holes for rosebushes. Trillions of cicadas are preparing to emerge in numbers that have not been witnessed in decades, and possibly even centuries.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
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A strange fungus could turn young cicadas into deadly 'saltshakers,' according to scientists.
Cicadas are a popular meal for many animals, including pets. One pet owner, Lill, shared a story about his dog needing a vet visit after eating too many cicadas. Despite their tasty flavor described as sweet and nutty, cicadas are not harmful when consumed by pets or humans.
If you are someone who loves to try new foods and explore different cuisines, here's a tip from the US Food and Drug Administration: If you have a seafood allergy, it's best to avoid eating cicadas. These insects are closely related to shrimp and lobsters, so they may trigger a reaction in individuals with seafood allergies.
Not a fan of bugs?
Replace fear with fascination, Lill suggested, and keep in mind that cicadas, which are approximately an inch long, do not bite or sting.
See the simultaneous emergence as a wonderful chance to witness a beautiful and enigmatic natural event that has brought joy to people for generations.
Cicadas don't bite or sting.
Cicadas don't bite or sting.
Join in the fun of community science by using apps like Cicada Safari to snap photos and assist researchers in studying these insects. Cicada nymphs play a crucial role in their environment by loosening and aerating the soil as they burrow, and even after they pass away, they contribute nutrients to the soil.
There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, with only nine being periodical. Out of these, seven can be found in the eastern United States.
The reason behind why periodical cicadas have evolved to emerge every 13 or 17 years remains unclear. This extended lifespan is quite unusual for an insect.
For those who dislike bugs, Shrewsbury recommends either staying indoors or planning a vacation during the peak of the emergence to avoid cicadas.
According to her, cicadas are plentiful and may fly and land on you, even getting caught in your hair. If you really can't stand cicadas, it might be best to plan a trip away to escape them.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming emergence of billions of cicadas in over a dozen US states is a fascinating natural phenomenon that evokes a mix of awe and apprehension. While naturalists eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness this rare event, others may dread the potential nuisance these insects can bring. The article offers valuable insights into the behavior and life cycle of cicadas, providing tips on how to prepare for their arrival. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological significance of cicadas and encourages us to embrace the wonder of their emergence.
Despite the potential annoyance caused by their loud buzzing and egg-laying habits, cicadas play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. Their burrowing aerates the soil, and their eventual decomposition contributes nutrients to the environment. It is essential to remember that cicadas are harmless to humans and pets and that their presence, though overwhelming at times, is a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature. By embracing the curiosity and wonder that these insects evoke, we can transform our perception of them from a source of stress to a captivating natural spectacle.
