Periodical Cicadas have emerged in 2024
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By Andrew Holsinger | U of I Extension Educator, Horticulture
Photo by Andrew Holsinger
Periodical Cicada adult newly emerged.
In the spring of this year, the periodical cicada has made its scheduled departure from underground to continue the longest life cycle of any insect. Periodical cicadas are on a cycle of either 13 or 17 years for emergence as opposed to the annual cicadas that we may be more familiar with.
So, what is the fascination with periodical cicadas in 2024? There is a simultaneous emergence of two different broods (brood XIII and XIX) of periodical cicadas in Illinois. The first time this has happened since 1803 when a great expanse of territory for the United States was purchased called the Louisiana Purchase.
Cicadas are categorized by their year-classes of emergence which are called broods. There are five broods of periodical cicada in Illinois. Their territory is in the eastern United States. Emergence is dependent on soil temperatures of 64° at 7-8 inches.
Though it may be a novelty to some, cicadas provide a plentiful snack to wildlife. It is not advised to consume cicada if you have a shellfish allergy.
To avoid consumption, cicadas emerge by the masses to avoid predation. The newly emerged cicadas are quite susceptible to predators. The nymphs climb vegetation and other objects around dusk so the cover of night can assist in the escape of the exoskeleton.
Over the next few weeks, we will have the sound of male cicadas as they try to attract the attention of female cicadas. They will also have your attention as their mating call can reach 100 decibels.
Although they can be alarming to see with their red eyes and orange coloration, periodical cicadas do not pose any real threat as they do not bite or sting. The threat they do pose is to newly planted trees, as females lay their eggs in branches up to ½ in diameter.
There are cultural control methods to protect newly planted trees with a netting having a mesh less than ¼ inch. A better option would be to delay planting until later in the year or even next year.
Adults will feed on plants, but the feeding doesn’t cause any significant damage to plants and thus insecticidal sprays are not warranted for the homeowner. Sometimes you will find the exoskeletal remains on other plants other than trees.
The work of the study of periodical cicadas is ongoing. Mapping of the distribution of periodical cicadas is reliant on surveys of where they have emerged. Citizens can help to report where they have found periodical cicadas with apps like Cicada Safari and iNaturalist.
For more information on plants for hot areas, connect with your local Illinois Extension county office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.
SOURCE: Andrew Holsinger, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension
