Gathering of the Cicadas: Once-in-a-Lifetime Phenomenon Unveils 221-Year Synchronized Emergence of Two Broods

This year brings a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon in the mysterious world of periodical cicadas: the simultaneous emergence of two distinct broods in the US, a rarity not seen since 1803.

In an exceptionally uncommon event, Broods XIII and XIX are emerging together after 221 years, coinciding in a small region of Illinois, specifically around Chicago. As these unique insects surface, individuals have the chance to assist scientists by using citizen science apps to track and document their behavior.

Cicada Cycles: 2024's Rare Subterranean Symphony

Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.), a distinctive species, lead a predominantly subterranean life as nymphs before emerging as adults every 13 or 17 years for synchronized feeding and mating within their respective broods.

These mysterious Magicicada spp. spend an astonishing 99.5% of their lives underground, sustaining themselves on tree root sap. Varying broods adhere to distinct life cycles, with some maturing in 13 years and others in 17.

The convergence of Broods XIII and XIX in 2024, aligning their 13 and 17-year cycles, is an extraordinary event, not anticipated to recur until 2445. Millions of cicadas will surface, casting off their exoskeletons around mid-year, transforming from wingless nymphs into adults and leaving behind a landscape adorned with husks.

The adult cicadas experience a fleeting period of intense activity, characterized by vigorous mating and egg-laying. Despite their cacophonous chorus, reaching up to 90 decibels, these insects pose no threat to humans or pets.

Males orchestrate the resonant mating songs using vibratory tymbals, while females, post-mating, utilize an ovipositor to deposit eggs into small tree branches, concluding their life cycle within a concise timeframe.

Upon hatching, the nymphs descend to the ground, burrow into the soil, and commence the next 13 or 17-year cycle, predominantly residing in subterranean seclusion.

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Decoding Magicicada: Synchronized Life Cycle and Defense

Magicicada is extensively studied in evolution and ecology due to its unique, lengthy, stable, and synchronized life cycle, unlike any other animal. However, the reasons behind the coordinated emergence of cicadas from the ground remain a mystery. Although recent advancements suggest that the enigma of Magicicada may be unraveled within the next decade.

The substantial numbers of these peculiar creatures during their synchronized emergence are believed to serve as a defense mechanism against predators like birds, wasps, and mantises. This flooding of the ecosystem with more cicadas than predators can consume at once increases the chances of survival and successful mating.

Potential predators could exploit this synchronized emergence by aligning their life cycles with cicadas, posing a larger threat and possibly preventing cicadas from escaping their fate as prey.

Periodical cicadas, with their extended life cycles and reliance on prime-number-based breeding cycles like 13 and 17 years, deter predators from synchronizing breeding times. Predators with life cycles of 2, 3, 4, or 6 years could pose a significant threat to cicada species with a 12-year cycle.

Millions of cicadas can erupt from each acre of the ground, resulting in a sudden emergence of billions of insects. Brood XIII will emerge across several states, including Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, while Brood XIX will coexist in the latter three states, causing transient tree damage, loud buzzing, and impacting other insects before the cicadas return to the ground for the next 13 or 17 years.

All periodical cicadas sharing the same emergence year form a 'brood,' allowing valuable insights into insect behavior, population dynamics, and the impact of cicada emergence on ecosystems.

RELATED ARTICLE:  Brood X Cicadas Are Crawling Out of the Ground Sooner Than Expected

Check out more news and information on Cicadas in Science Times.