They're hereeeeee...
If you're living in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, then you'd best prepare yourself, because the cicadas are coming! Two different broods are not only expected to emerge in the DMV area, but they're also predicted to appear in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Cicadas usually emerge in mid-May and stay through late June. And in 2024, we can expect Brood XIX, the 13-year cicadas, and Brood XIII, the 17-year cicadas!
"There's only going to be one place in the world that these two broods are coming together potentially," said Michael Raupp of the University of Maryland’s Entomology Department. "And that's out in central Illinois. So, I hate to disappoint. But, sorry, they’re not going to be littering the streets on Independence Avenue this year."
Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. After 17 years, they emerge from the ground as adults and spend a few weeks above ground to mate and lay eggs before dying off.
When the cicadas come out in full force, you can expect a loud and lively experience. These insects are known for their buzzing mating calls, which can reach up to 100 decibels—that's as loud as a lawnmower!
Don't worry though, they're just too focused on finding a mate. Now, some people may be afraid of these large, buzzing insects, but there's really no need to fear them. Cicadas are harmless to humans and pets, as they don't have stingers or venom. In fact, their emergence can actually have a positive impact on the environment by aerating soil and providing food for animals.
Fun Facts About Cicadas:
- Cicadas have five eyes: two large ones for seeing and three smaller ones for detecting light.
- They have a hollow abdomen that acts as a resonating chamber, making their buzzing calls louder.
- Some species of cicadas are edible and considered a delicacy in certain cultures.
- The oldest known fossilized evidence of cicadas dates back to 250 million years ago.
- Cicadas are the longest-living insects, with some species living up to 17 years underground before emerging as adults.
So, now that you know when and where to find these fascinating creatures, it's time to get excited and start planning your cicada-watching adventures. Don't miss out on this unique and rare opportunity!
