billions of periodic cicadas will emerge from the ground at the same time

The very particular life cycle of these periodic cicadas is exceptional. They only emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years.

It is a natural phenomenon, but rare. In 16 states in the central United States, notably in Maryland, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, and especially Illinois, billions of cicadas will emerge from the ground in the spring of 2024. These cicadas live underground , in the form of larvae, for more than 10 years. Unlike annual cicadas, which we know in the south of France, these periodic cicadas only emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years. A particular phenomenon this year is that seven species of these periodic cicadas will emerge at the same time.

From mid-April, billions of cicada larvae will emerge into the open air and molt to transform into adult cicadas, equipped with wings, then fly into the trees for the reproduction period. And there, we must expect, say specialists, that their song will make as much noise as a motorcycle.

The very particular life cycle of these periodic cicadas is exceptional. It only concerns around ten species of cicadas out of the 3000 recorded on earth, and it is only found in North America. One of the theories is that it is a collective survival strategy. These periodic cicadas are fragile and are appreciated by many predatory birds, mice, squirrels and other lizards. This collective exit, every 13 or 17 years, would be the assurance that at least some of them will survive the attacks to enable the next generation to be generated.

No danger to nature

This sudden emergence of billions of cicadas is unlikely to harm the vegetation. Cicadas are not locusts, they do not attack leaves but they feed in small quantities on tree sap which does not harm them. This massive emergence of cicadas should, on the contrary, provide certain services to nature. Studies have shown that the holes that cicadas make on their way out then improve the infiltration of rainwater into the soil.

No need to use pesticides to get rid of them, entomologists remind the American media. These cicadas do not sting or bite. After four to six weeks of living in the open air, they will die. There is therefore just a risk of being a little noisy, but we might as well take advantage of it because such an emergence will not happen again before 2037.