Millions of Noisy Cicadas Plague the U.S. This Year in a Remarkable Double Emergence

A double troupe of cicadas is expected to co-emerge this spring. The 13-year Brood XIX, and the 17-year Brood XIII will perform their serenade at the same time. As summer approaches, prepare yourself for plenty of loud buzzing as vast swaths of the United States, including New York, Illinois, and south into northern Georgia, will be under a ‘cicada blanket’. The last cicada brood emergence was in 1998, where similar to the 2024 spring event, two different broods emerged at roughly the same time.

Key Facts About Cicadas

Cicadas are most famous for their complex life cycle. They live underground as nymphs for most of their lives, feasting on the sap from tree roots. Then, after a 13 or 17 year period, they emerge as fully grown adults. The choice of 13 or 17-year intervals isn’t random. These are prime numbers, thought to be a defense mechanism against predators by minimizing the chance of synchronization. Historical accounts reported massive outbreaks of cicadas as far back as 1733!

Emerging From Their Slumber

Once they emerge, cicadas get straight to the business of ‘buzzing‘ or noisemaking. This ear-piercing orchestra is essentially male cicadas wooing potential mates. The sound level can reach up to 90 decibels – comparable to the noise of a lawnmower. 

Mating

The next step after emergence is mating. Female cicadas respond to the males’ call, leading to mating. Once fertilized, the females lay clusters of eggs in the bark of trees, effectively planting the seeds for the next cicada generation. 

Hatching

The cicada nymphs hatch, drop from the trees, and quickly burrow into the ground. This is where they will remain, undisturbed for the next 13 or 17 years, feeding on plant roots and waiting for their moment to emerge and continue the cycle.

Harmless but Loud

Adults that have engaged in mating very rarely spend time eating as their primary ‘directive’ is to mate which is why they aren’t a danger to gardens, fields, and other agricultural areas. 

Cicada Sightings Across States

North America is home to nearly 190 species of cicadas, though some species establish a strong presence in definitive geographical areas.

17-Year Cicadas

One such example is the 17-year cicadas (Brood XIII), known for their synchronized emergence. These cicadas expand from Eastern states to the Ohio Valley, reaching as far as the Great Plains states and the Upper Midwest. 

13-Year Cicadas

The Southern and Mississippi Valley States are favored by the 13-year cicadas (Brood XIX) for their consistent appearances, adding their unique harmony to these states’ regional soundtracks.

Brood X

In 2021, Brood X cicadas emerged, captivating the Midwest and some eastern states with their striking presence and distinctive sounds. 

Cicadageddon 2024

Prior to the expected Cicadageddon 2024, an impressive 17 states will experience the emergence of trillions of cicadas from late spring till early summer. This substantial event will take place from mid-May till late June in specific states such as Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, among others.

Annual Cicadas?

Annual cicada sightings are also prevalent in some states, although these cicadas emerge in much fewer numbers than periodic cicadas, and are larger in size compared to their cousins. 

Benefits to the Environment

The emergence of the latest generation of cicadas can be off-putting, largely due to their piercing sounds. But, although they’re loud and ugly-looking to most people, there are numerous ecological benefits tied to these insects’ life cycles. Through their nymph stage, cicadas break into the ground, supporting soil health and nutrient dispersal via bioturbation. 

Food for Everyone

Additionally, their mass appearance doubles as a significant food source for various predators, including birds, amphibians, and household pets. The nutrients returned to the environment during their decomposition facilitate plant growth. Furthermore, by emerging in staggering numbers, they create a saturation effect, deterring predators from the less abundant species. Thus, though their arrival might not be melodious, cicadas play an integral role in ecosystem restoration and nutrient distribution.