Residents across the eastern parts of the United States are bracing for an event of almost biblical proportions – the emergence of trillions of cicadas after spending 13 and 17 years underground.
Two different broods of periodical cicadas, an insect that only exists in North America, will both surface this spring and summer in a rare synchronization expert have dubbed “Cicada-geddon.”
The last time the 13-year and 17-year cycles lined up was over two centuries ago in 1803 when Thomas Jefferson was president.
“We’ve got trillions of these amazing living organisms coming out of the earth…it’s a sight to behold. Like an entire alien species living underneath our feet,” said Georgia Tech biophysicist Saad Bhamla.
While annual cicada species can be found worldwide, these periodical bugs – with their bulging red eyes and deafening mating choruses up to 110 decibels – are unique to parts of the eastern and midwestern United States.
Brood XIX, on their 13-year cycle, will first emerge across states from Georgia to Maryland, clawing escape holes through the red clay. Then Brood X, the 17-year group described as “historically abundant,” will follow soon after in states like Illinois.
University of Maryland entomologist Mike Raupp predicts more cicadas during this dual emergence “than anywhere else, any other time.” Some estimates made by researchers at the University of Connecticut, suggest they could blanket an area the size of Delaware at over 1 million per acre.
While terrifying for the noise alone, the cicadas are harmless – they don’t sting or bite. After a few weeks mating, the females will lay eggs in tree branches, allowing the cycle to begin anew when the nymphs hatch and burrow underground, not to re-emerge until 2036 or 2038.
In the meantime, residents will have a front-row seat to one of nature’s most astounding mass emergences. As cicada expert Gene Kritsky said, “It’s just a unique experience you’ll never see anywhere else.”
For those planning to be in the invasion zone, prepare for an incredible, if incredibly loud, entomological event taking over parks and backyards from North Carolina to Oklahoma this spring and summer.
