Brood XIV, a group of periodical cicadas, is emerging this spring in at least 12 states in the eastern United States. This brood is considered the second largest of its kind and emerges every 17 years when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees. While it is expected to appear in Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as in nine southern Indiana counties, the exact locations can be tricky to predict.
Brood XIV cicadas are known for their buzzing sound produced by males to attract females for mating. After mating, females lay eggs in tree branches, which hatch into juveniles that feed on grass roots before burrowing underground for several years. The emergence of these cicadas is meticulously documented, but there can be confusion when multiple broods overlap or emerge off-cycle in different regions.
This year’s emergence is expected to be particularly significant in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Pennsylvania. The insects are part of the hemiptera order and are unique to the eastern U.S. region. Researchers track cicada emergence patterns using past records, but variations and overlaps in brood cycles can complicate predictions. These elusive insects offer a fascinating look into their peculiar life cycle and mating rituals.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
