Cicadas, which are recognizable by their bright, red eyes, black bodies, and long wings, are insects which periodically emerge from their underground residences. The insects typically spend a considerable amount of time below the surface of the soil. However, they remain relatively close to the surface, in order to obtain their nutrition from tree sap. When it is time for them to mate, they create dirt mounds and emerge in trillions. This typically occurs in a cycle that repeats in thirteen to seventeen years, upon the onset of warm rain at the end of spring. However, their above-ground adventures only last until the end of July, which is when the bugs die-off and leave behind their offspring. The newly-hatched cicadas then burrow under the soil, and continue the cycle.
It has been seventeen years since the cicadas’ last, large-scale emergence. This year, Brood X, which is a huge subgroup of cicadas, has invaded the East Coast of the United States. When they emerge, they tend to nest in trees, as they shed their exoskeletons and prepare to mate. Once they are ready, the males produce their loud, high-pitched mating calls. They accomplish this by using their tymbals, which are sound-producing components of the exoskeletal shell. This process typically lasts a month, but climate change may cause disruptions in their timing.
Figure 1: Cicadas in Maryland, pictured by Mike Saccone
Although cicadas are generally not dangerous to humans, the enormous broods of insects are actually disturbing the daily activities of citizens in the Midwest and the East Coast. As they move in large numbers, they can be very intimidating. There have been some instances of car crashes caused by cicadas, which have flown into the vehicles and caused panic among the drivers. Additionally, this week, a group of these insects had nested inside the turbine engine of a plane belonging to Delta Airlines. This caused delays in transport, specifically for a press team that was set to cover President Biden’s trip to Europe. One of the cicadas even made headlines, by landing on the President as he was preparing to board his plane. As the cicadas emerge across fifteen states and interact with humans, such news pieces will be typical.
However, the cicadas bestow a few benefits throughout this process. Ecologically, their emergence causes many positive alterations in the surrounding environment. Since they puncture through the soil, their actions can actually aerate the surface levels of the dirt. In turn, this provides more oxygen and moisture to the plants. Additionally, after the cicadas die, they drop to the ground and are decomposed, which recycles nutrients into the ecosystem and enriches the soil. The emergence may also lead to increased tourism across the states, as some individuals follow the migration of the cicadas, while helping scientists document the insects’ trajectory. This cyclical phenomenon of nature is one that may be perceived as terrifying or awe-inspiring. Regardless, it is a part of the normal, environmental patterns of the United States, and it makes for very interesting headlines.
Written by: Meghety Manoyan
References:
Broida, Rick. “Amazon Is Already Slashing Prices for Prime Day: Check out the Latest Deals.” CNET, www.cnet.com/news/new-prime-day-price-drops-now-available-get-echo-buds-for-80-echo-show-5-for-45-and-more/. Accessed 15 June 2021.
“Cicadas Are Causing Unusual Disruptions, from a Flight Delay to a Car Crash.” Www.msn.com, www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/cicadas-are-causing-unusual-disruptions-from-a-flight-delay-to-a-car-crash/ar-AAKSHlv?ocid=BingNews. Accessed 15 June 2021.
Katz, Leslie. “Brood X Has Emerged in Full Force. Now, When Will the Cicadas Go Away?” CNET, www.cnet.com/how-to/brood-x-has-emerged-in-full-force-now-when-will-the-cicadas-go-away/. Accessed 15 June 2021.
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