Trillions of Cicadas Emerge Across the US in Synchronized Masses as Soil Temperatures Reach 17.8 Degrees Celsius

This year, trillions of cicadas returned to the US, emerging en masse when soil temperatures reached exactly 17.8 degrees Celsius. The emergence of two groups of cicadas simultaneously resulted in a larger number of cicadas than usual. The Brood XIX group with a 13-year cycle focused on the southeastern region, while the Brood XIII group with a 17-year cycle was distributed in the midwest.

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground and emerge to the surface at the end of their 13 or 17 year cycle to molt, mate, and then die. They only emerge when soil temperatures reach 17.8 degrees Celsius, which typically occurs in late April but can extend into May or June in most places. Some states are experiencing warmer temperatures, causing cicadas to emerge early.

Reports of cicadas emerging were documented in various states, with sightings in Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. These insects are often mistaken for leaf-eating grasshoppers, but they actually collect nutrients from small branches without causing harm to most trees. After emerging, cicadas have a short lifespan of only about 5 days during which they mate and lay eggs on tree branches.

The buzzing sound of male cicadas chirping to attract females is a common occurrence during mating season, creating a unique and characteristic sound in areas where cicadas have emerged. The eggs hatch after about 6 weeks