Get Ready for Cicada Season: A Rare Phenomenon

🪰Both the 13-year and 17-year cicada broods will emerge simultaneously, a rare event that hasn't occurred in over 200 years.

🔊Cicada season brings a loud noise due to the mating calls of male cicadas, which can reach up to 120 decibels.

🐦Cicadas play a vital role in the ecosystem, providing food for animals like birds and lizards.

💼Despite their nuisance, cicadas have been studied by researchers and can provide valuable insights into ecological patterns.

💤Some people find cicadas annoying and may choose to stay indoors to avoid the noise and debris left behind by molting cicadas.

How often do cicadas emerge?

—Cicadas emerge periodically, with different broods appearing every 13 or 17 years. The timing varies depending on the brood and geographical location.

What do cicadas eat?

—Cicadas primarily feed on xylem sap from trees, using their sharp mouthparts to pierce the bark and extract nutrients. They do not cause significant harm to mature, healthy trees.

Are cicadas harmful to humans?

—Cicadas are generally harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not poisonous. However, their loud mating calls can be annoying to some people.

Can you eat cicadas?

—Yes, cicadas are edible and have been consumed by humans in various cultures throughout history. They are often cooked or baked before consumption.

How long do cicadas live?

—Adult cicadas have a relatively short lifespan, typically living for only a few weeks to a couple of months. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots.

00:00This video discusses the emergence of cicadas, specifically the simultaneous emergence of the 13-year Great Southern Brood and the 17-year Northern Illinois Brood.

00:56Cicadas emerge periodically in broods, but it is rare for different broods to emerge at the same time.

01:10The last time such a simultaneous emergence occurred was over 200 years ago.

01:24Cicadas can be loud and annoying due to the mating calls of male cicadas.

01:37Cicadas play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing food for birds, lizards, and even humans in the past.

01:53Cicadas molt, leaving behind their exoskeletons, which can be a nuisance.

01:53They do not cause significant harm to trees, as they primarily feed on xylem sap.

02:20Some people may choose to stay indoors to avoid the noise and debris left by molting cicadas.