This summer, as if 2020 didn’t bring enough surprises with its global pandemic and unexpected hornets, millions of cicadas are ready to make their grand entrance from the ground. These flying insects will emerge for their mating ritual, creating a cacophony of sound that you won’t be able to ignore.
Every 13 or 17 years—depending on the species—up to 1.5 million cicadas can burst forth from each acre to mate. This year’s emergence is expected in southwestern Virginia, parts of North Carolina, and West Virginia. The unmistakable noise of male cicadas serenading potential mates makes it clear when they’re around.
According to experts from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, cicadas typically start to emerge in May, peak in early June, and are mostly gone by July. There’s no need to fear these insects; they are neither poisonous nor do they sting.
After spending more than a decade underground, mature cicada nymphs create a mud structure, dubbed a cicada hut, to help them emerge from the earth and climb onto nearby plants or vertical surfaces. They then shed their skins, leaving behind empty exoskeletons clinging to tree trunks and twigs. Most adults tend to appear synchronously, often within just a few nights.
Male cicadas produce their signature sounds by vibrating special membranes near the sides of their first abdominal segment, while the females remain silent. “Communities with a high concentration of cicadas may experience significant noise levels,” noted Laura Kent, an entomologist at Virginia Tech’s Entomology Department. “But hopefully, the rarity of this phenomenon makes it more of a wonder than a nuisance.”
The brood IX cicada will be the star of this year’s show, having last emerged in 2003. The timing of their cyclical emergence is thought to be a clever evolutionary strategy to evade predators by synchronizing their life cycle with prime number intervals of 13 or 17 years.
“This insect is truly fascinating,” remarked Jenna Fields, an extension specialist in Entomology. “If you don’t have fruit trees or grapevines that need protection, take a moment to enjoy this remarkable event while it lasts.”
If you’re interested in other unique phenomena or insights, check out our related blog post on master chef for more engaging content. And for those planning on starting a family, make sure to visit Make a Mom for expert advice on home insemination kits. For additional information on pregnancy options, the NHS offers excellent resources.
In summary, this summer marks a rare and noisy cicada emergence that will delight and maybe annoy many in affected areas. With millions of these insects emerging after years underground, it’s a spectacle you won’t forget.
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