In an unusual event, a convergence of two different broods of cicadas is anticipated to occur in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States at the end of April.
This dual emergence involves Brood XIX, also known as the Great Southern Brood, and Brood XIII, the Northern Illinois Brood, coinciding for the first time since 1803.
The alignment of Brood XIX’s 13-year cycle with Brood XIII’s 17-year period will mark a rare occurrence not expected to repeat for another 221 years. The anticipated emergence will span approximately 16 states, predominantly in forested areas and urban green spaces, where cicada populations tend to be more abundant.
To illustrate the sheer magnitude of this event, the New York Times quoted entomologist Floyd W. Shockley from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He estimates that over one trillion cicadas, each measuring just over an inch in length, could emerge. This staggering number of cicadas, if lined up end to end, would stretch over 15 million miles, enough to reach the moon and back 33 times.
The emergence of these cicadas is contingent on soil temperatures reaching 64 degrees Fahrenheit and a subsequent soaking rain, signalling the insects to emerge from the ground. Once above ground, male cicadas will begin their characteristic buzzing to attract mates, creating a chorus louder than a plane, the NYT said.
The emergence is expected to begin in late April in southern regions such as Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama before progressing northward into states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri. The buzzing cicadas are projected to be a prominent feature of the Midwest and Southeast for approximately six weeks.
While cicadas are harmless to humans, their presence can lead to inconveniences, such as creating slick surfaces on sidewalks and streets when squashed. However, their bodies serve as valuable natural fertilizer for plants and trees. Although cicadas may cause branches to break and leaves to turn brown through their feeding activities, they play a crucial role in aerating soil and providing nutrients to trees.
Experts advise against attempting to eliminate cicadas using insecticides, as they are an integral part of the forest ecosystem. Instead, they recommend letting the bugs coexist peacefully with their natural habitat, allowing them to fulfill their ecological role without interference.
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