The 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas are emerging simultaneously this spring in Illinois, making for an uncommon natural display. The state is being overtaken by billions of cicadas from Broods XIX and XIII, which are making loud noises and damaging trees, creating a buzz among researchers and residents alike.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the co-emergence of these broods, having not happened since 1803. June will see the cicadas’ continued presence, having first appeared in May.
Males in the affected areas call out for mates, which results in the loud buzzing sound you hear from around 10 am to around 5 pm. Although the emerging situation is an interesting natural phenomena, it presents a problem for homeowners who are seeking to preserve their trees.
Eggs laid by cicadas in tree branches can be harmful, especially to young trees. Experts advise using tiny netting to protect susceptible trees in order to stop this from happening.
Isabella Le, a freshman, expressed her thoughts.
“I frankly think that just seeing cicadas everywhere I go is kind of crazy and scary all in the same place. I guess it’s really part of the Midwest experience. I’m not too scared of bugs, but if you told me it was an apocalypse, I’m already in Canada,” Le said.
Kristen Lahey, a nearby resident, also made a statement.
“I think it’s so fascinating that nature can create a life process that takes 17 years to blossom for a mere 2 weeks before the cycle repeats itself. Freshmen in high school were not even conceived the last time the cicadas emerged. I find this to be an amazing and beautiful life cycle,” Lahey said.
The Morton Arboretum also took use of this unique occasion to educate the public.
Until May 29, they had held Table Top Tours every Wednesday and Saturday in an effort to educate the public about cicadas. These trips included information about the behavior and life cycle of cicadas, enabling guests to gain a deeper understanding of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Scientists and civilians alike are very interested in this reappearance of Brood XIII, which Illinoisans are witnessing once again. By examining these intriguing insects on a now easier level, researchers are able to learn more about their biology and behavior.
In the meantime, locals are witnessing the remarkable occurrence of cicadas in all of their highs and lows, evidence of the beauty and resilience of nature in the Prairie State.
