Do you know the year of the Louisiana Purchase? It was 1803. Do you know what else happened that year? Give up? There was a rare emergence of two Broods of cicadas - Broods XIX and XIII. And 221 years later, it will happen again. Arkansas is one of the lucky states to see the emergence of these critters. Here’s everything you need to know about this rare double emergence of cicadas 2024. It’s going to be a screeching four weeks!
They mate, they lay eggs and then they die, that’s basically the life cycle of cicadas. And if for some reason, you have no idea what a cicada is, here’s a little about them.
Cicadas are six-legged, sap sucking insects that are often confused for locusts or grasshoppers.
While they may share like-features, cicadas are more closely related to leafhoppers and aphids.
For most of the year, these insects live underground emerging only when the soil conditions are the ideal temperature. Believe it or not, but there are over 3,000 types of cicadas worldwide and over 190 species in the US alone.
Most fall into one of two categories: annual or periodical. Annual cicadas are about 1.5 inches long. They are green in color with dark markings and brown or black eyes. They typically emerge from the ground in late April.
Periodical cicadas are typically black and orange with beady red eyes and hang out underground for 13 to 17 years before they decide to come up for air and mate. Don’t ask why…some scientists have a hard time explaining this cycle. Only God really knows!
While these insects are harmless (for the most part), they can certainly cause some havoc. The screeching mating call of the male cicadas can reach up to 100 decibels. And if you’re exposed to it for over 15 minutes, it could cause a form of hearing loss. Now that’s loud!
If you’re scared of flying bugs, then I suggest you arrange to work from home from mid-May to June when the cicadas are expected to emerge.
They’re harmless to pets, but be aware that your furry pals may wanna ingest a few of them. I can only assume that they’re quite nutritious. Run...run...save yourself little cicada!!!
When cicadas emerge from the ground, they shed their exoskeletons, so you’ll be busy cleaning up your yards after the insects return underground for hibernation.
So, where can you expect to see these cicadas? Brood XIX will be in states across the southeast including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
In late spring into early summer, Brood XIII will emerge in parts of Illinois and Indiana. This means these 2 states can expect to see the dual emergence of cicadas 2024, which is literally a once-in-a-lifetime event. Lucky for them!
As for Arkansas, be prepared to experience the screeching sounds of these rare and fascinating insects.
That’s pretty much everything you need to know about the rare double emergence of cicadas 2024. If you would rather avoid outside while they’re around, here are some cool indoor activities that you can enjoy with your family.
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