Cicada Broods Emerge Together

Written By; Illinois Land Broker, Andrew Huber. 

What’s All the Buzz About? Cicada Broods Emerge Together.

If you haven’t heard, cicadas are causing quite a stir in our area.

Historic Emergence of Cicada Broods

For the first time in 221 years, the 13-year and 17-year cicada broods are emerging together. These cicada broods usually emerge together between nightfall and sunrise, climbing up trees, tall grass, and fence posts to find safe spots to molt away from predators. This mass emergence, numbering in the billions, helps ensure the survival of the next generation.

Wildlife Feasts on Cicadas

Interestingly, local raccoons have been less of a nuisance in my garden this year. It seems they are feasting on the cicadas that can’t escape from the trees at night. Along with raccoons, birds, bears, fish, and other animals are also making a meal of these insects. “For the first time in 221 years, the 13-year and 17-year cicada broods are emerging together. Billions climb trees and grass at night to molt safely, ensuring their next generation’s survival.”

Cicada Mating Rituals

Once hatched, cicada wings need time to dry before the males begin their distinctive buzzing mating call. They produce this sound by pushing air through their tymbals, creating a loud squeal. After mating, females head for younger trees or smaller branches, where they cut into the bark to lay their eggs. Each female can lay up to 25 eggs per cut and repeat this process up to 25 times. While this can cause minor damage to trees, it’s generally not a major concern. However, it’s recommended not to plant new trees the same year a brood emerges.

Impact on Humans and Plants

Cicadas are harmless to humans and plants. Although there have been concerns about potential damage to crops, cicadas primarily feed on tree and shrub sap. After hatching, larvae fall to the ground and burrow in, living off tree root sap for the next 13 or 17 years. This can affect fruit tree production and growth.

Observations and Culinary Uses

From my own experience digging around my yard and walking through a local park, I’ve noticed just how many cicadas have emerged. Similar to wormholes after a heavy rain, cicadas create noticeable holes in the ground when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, acting as natural aerators for our soil. Despite their large numbers, they will be gone in a few weeks.

Some adventurous places are treating cicadas as a delicacy, serving them as fried appetizers. Reports suggest they taste like asparagus, popcorn, and pine cones. As for me, I’ll stick to a good steak or burger and use cicadas as fishing lures instead.

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