When are the cicadas coming to illinois?

By HotBotUpdated: August 28, 2024

Answer

Introduction to Cicadas

Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their distinctive loud buzzing and mass emergences. They are part of the order Hemiptera and belong to the family Cicadidae. These insects are unique due to their life cycle, which includes long periods spent underground before emerging en masse. Cicadas are often associated with specific regions and periods, making their appearances both predictable and sporadic.

Types of Cicadas

There are primarily two types of cicadas that people in Illinois might encounter:

Annual Cicadas: These cicadas appear every summer. They have a life cycle of 2-5 years, but their emergences overlap, leading to annual appearances.
Periodical Cicadas: These are the famous 13-year and 17-year cicadas. They spend most of their lives underground, emerging synchronously in massive numbers.

Periodical Cicadas in Illinois

Periodical cicadas are particularly famous for their synchronized mass emergences. Illinois is home to both 13-year and 17-year periodical cicadas. The question of their arrival is tied to their specific broods.

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Brood XIII

Brood XIII is a 17-year periodical cicada that is highly significant for Illinois residents. This brood last emerged in 2007 and is expected to re-emerge in 2024. This emergence will cover a wide area, including Chicago and its surrounding regions.

Brood XIX

Brood XIX is a 13-year periodical cicada. It last emerged in 2011, which means its next appearance will be in 2024, overlapping with Brood XIII. This dual emergence will be a remarkable event for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Factors Influencing Emergence

The emergence of cicadas is influenced by several environmental factors. Understanding these can help predict their arrival more accurately.

Temperature: Soil temperature is a critical factor. Cicadas typically emerge when the soil temperature reaches about 64°F (18°C) at a depth of around 8 inches.
Time of Year: Periodical cicadas usually emerge in late May to early June. The timing can vary slightly based on local climate conditions.
Geographical Location: Different parts of Illinois might experience emergences at slightly different times due to variations in soil temperature.

What to Expect During Emergence

When cicadas emerge, they create a spectacular natural event. Here’s what Illinois residents can expect:

Noise: Male cicadas produce loud, distinctive mating calls. The noise can be overwhelming but is a key part of their reproductive process.
Shedding: Cicadas shed their exoskeletons as they transition from nymphs to adults. You’ll likely see these exoskeletons clinging to trees, plants, and other structures.
Short Lifespan: Adult cicadas live for about 4-6 weeks. During this time, they mate and lay eggs before dying.
Egg Laying: Female cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches. After hatching, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil to start the cycle anew.

Impact on the Environment

The mass emergence of cicadas has several ecological impacts:

Beneficial Effects: Cicadas aerate the soil, which can benefit plant growth. Their decaying bodies also provide a nutrient boost to the ecosystem.
Predator Populations: The abundance of cicadas provides a food source for various predators, including birds, mammals, and other insects.
Tree Damage: While cicadas can cause minor damage to young trees through egg-laying, established trees are generally not severely affected.

Human Interaction with Cicadas

For many people, the emergence of cicadas can be both fascinating and a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips for dealing with cicadas:

Protecting Young Trees: Use netting to protect young or valuable trees from egg-laying damage.
Enjoying the Spectacle: Embrace the opportunity to witness a unique natural event that only occurs once in a generation.
Noise Management: If the noise becomes too much, consider using earplugs or white noise machines to mitigate the sound.

Scientific Studies and Research

The emergence of cicadas provides a valuable opportunity for scientific research. Entomologists and biologists study cicadas to understand their life cycles, behaviors, and ecological impacts. Key areas of research include:

Life Cycle Studies: Understanding the precise triggers for cicada emergence and their developmental stages.
Ecological Impact: Studying the broader ecological effects of cicada emergences on local flora and fauna.
Genetic Research: Exploring the genetic makeup of cicadas to understand their unique life cycles and adaptations.

Niche Subtopics and Little-Known Facts

Cicadas have captured human fascination for centuries, leading to some interesting niche subtopics and lesser-known facts:

Cicada Mythology: In some cultures, cicadas are symbols of rebirth and immortality. They appear in ancient Chinese and Greek mythology.
Sound Production: Male cicadas produce sound using specialized structures called tymbals. The rapid contraction and relaxation of these muscles create their iconic songs.
Culinary Uses: In some cultures, cicadas are considered a delicacy. They are consumed fried, roasted, or even in tacos.
Cicada Killer Wasps: These large wasps prey on cicadas. They paralyze cicadas and lay eggs on them, providing food for their developing larvae.

The anticipation of cicada emergences in Illinois is a mix of excitement and curiosity. The periodic appearances of these insects remind us of the intricate cycles in nature that continue unabated, regardless of human activity. As Illinois prepares for the next cicada emergence, residents and visitors alike can look forward to witnessing one of nature's most remarkable phenomena. This cyclical event not only offers an auditory spectacle but also provides a unique opportunity to engage with the natural world in a profound way.