Dual Cicada broods set to emerge after two centuries

USAgNet - 04/17/2024

This spring, the eastern United States is set for a rare natural event as two major cicada broods, known for their 13-year and 17-year cycles, emerge simultaneously. Michigan State University’s entomology expert, Hannah Burrack, sheds light on this phenomenon, which won't occur again for another 221 years.

Cicadas, often misunderstood insects, belong to the Cicadidae family, which includes over 3,000 species. However, it's the periodic cicadas, specifically seven species, that draw attention due to their synchronized, long-term life cycles. These insects spend most of their lives as nymphs underground, feeding on sap from tree roots, emerging only to breed and die shortly after.

This year’s emergence is significant because it involves Brood XIX and Brood XIII, overlapping in parts of Indiana and Illinois. This synchronicity is unusual and will cover most of the eastern U.S., giving millions of people a chance to witness the loud, yet harmless, spectacle of cicadas.

While cicadas pose no threat to humans or pets, their mass emergence can affect young woody plants. Females lay eggs in small branches, which can be protected using garden cloth if needed. As for when they will appear, cicadas begin to emerge when soil temperatures exceed 64 degrees Fahrenheit, typically around April and May.

The best places to observe these insects are wooded areas with mature trees. This event not only offers a chance to experience a remarkable natural cycle but also serves as a perfect educational opportunity to learn about insect life and ecological impacts.

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