Millions of cicadas are set to storm Illinois in a once-in-a-lifetime natural event that experts are calling exceptional. This spring, residents of the state will encounter a cacophonous spectacle as two different cicada broods, separated by a four-year maturation difference, emerge simultaneously, a phenomenon not seen since 1803.
In an unusual twist of nature, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, operating on 13-year and 17-year cycles, respectively, have their life cycles intersecting this year. "While any given 13-year brood and 17-year brood can occasionally emerge at the same time, each specific pair will see their cycles aligned only once every 221 years," reported NBC Chicago. With a territory overlap in central Illinois, the state is poised to become ground zero for this rare confluence.
Not to be outshined, Brood XIII, often referred to as the "Northern Illinois Brood," will be primarily seen in parts of northern Illinois and beyond. "In 1956, entomologists reported as many as 311 'emergence holes' per square yard in a forested floodplain near Chicago," according to the University of Illinois, hinting at the staggering numbers anticipated.
Meanwhile, Brood XIX, known for a more widespread population that treads across several states, is expected to emerge in parts of Illinois as well. John Cooley, an associate professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCONN-Hartford, emphasized the magnitude, "For larger broods, that means billions and trillions of insects will be out," as he told 5NEWS. The emergence of these periodical cicadas bears significance, not just in number but in the role they play in local ecosystems.
These events, while fascinating to entomology enthusiasts and nature lovers, pose little risk to humans as cicadas do not bite or sting. That said, the imminent emergence is more than just a natural curiosity. "Most of the state of Illinois will experience periodical cicada emergence in 2024," the University of Illinois has reported as per NBC5, reassuring folks that, besides the potential noise disruption, the cicadas are harmless and present an opportunity to witness a rare natural occurrence. The life span of the adult cicadas is brief, lasting roughly four to six weeks before they perish, leaving behind the next generation to burrow into the earth until 2038.
Entomologist Austin Jones from the University of Arkansas highlighted the survival strategy of these broods, saying the synchronized emergence is designed to overwhelm predators with sheer numbers. As Jones told 5NEWS, "These animals have been living underground, slowly soaking up nutrition and building biomass for 13 years, way longer than the average insect lives. When they all emerge at once, it’s time for many predatory and scavenging critters to feast." However, for the residents in affected areas, the emergence will likely impact outdoor activities, as the cicada's mating calls—loud enough to rival a lawn mower—can disrupt the peace of wooded regions.
Those looking to distinguish between the annual and the periodical cicadas, due to appear at the same time, can discern them by eye color. Periodical cicadas typically have bright red eyes, as opposed to the black or green peepers of their annual counterparts. With this astonishing natural display on the horizon, Illinois is bracing for the buzz and preparing to embrace the song-filled summer season ahead.
