Washington, D.C. – The emergence of two groups of cicadas, known as Brood XIX and Brood XII, is set to create a remarkable natural spectacle in the midwestern and eastern United States. These insects, resembling cockroaches with bulging orange eyes, will soon burst forth in trillions, offering a chorus not heard in centuries. Experts anticipate this rare occurrence, last seen in 1803 during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, to captivate the public with its magnitude and uniqueness.
Cicadas, among the thousands of insect species worldwide, have a cyclical life involving years of living underground feeding on plant sap before surfacing in large numbers. This year marks the simultaneous emergence of the largest periodical cicada group, Brood XIX, after 13 years, alongside the smaller Brood XII, appearing every 17 years. Their arrival, expected as early as this month, will be widespread across 16 states, spanning from Maryland to Oklahoma and Illinois to Alabama.
Termed “cicada-geddon” or “cicada-palooza,” the event will showcase clusters of cicadas in urban and rural areas, generating a cacophony louder than a revving motorbike with their collective songs. While the two broods may only briefly coincide in central Illinois, the emergence of all seven periodical cicada species in the US will offer a grand ecological display in various locations, providing a rare glimpse of nature’s wonders.
Despite the buzz surrounding their arrival, cicadas pose no harm to humans or pets due to their non-biting straw-like mouthparts. However, when threatened, some cicadas are known to expel streams of urine. Experts caution that global warming induced by fossil fuel consumption may disrupt their emergence timing, potentially affecting their life cycle and survival rates.
As nature enthusiasts plan trips to witness these insect hotspots and others contemplate escaping the swarm, researchers urge observers to embrace this natural wonder unfolding in gardens and public spaces. John Cooley, a cicada expert at the University of Connecticut, advises taking a moment to marvel at the spectacle, acknowledging its fleeting nature. Ultimately, as the cicadas conclude their cycle and retreat underground once more, reflecting on the cyclical nature of life becomes an opportunity for introspection.