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    Home»Science»Environment»Billions of Cicadas to Die and Fertilize the Earth After Brood X Emergence
    Billions of Cicadas to Die and Fertilize the Earth After Brood X Emergence
    Environment

    Billions of Cicadas to Die and Fertilize the Earth After Brood X Emergence

    By TZBMarch 28, 20243 Mins Read
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    Cicada Invasion: A​ Once-in-a-Generation⁣ Spectacle Hits Illinois

    Get ready, Illinois residents: An astonishing number of cicadas ​are set to emerge, mate, and perish‍ in a tree​ near ⁢you. Two broods of periodical cicadas—Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle)—will surface together in central Illinois this summer, marking their first joint appearance in over two centuries. While humans‍ may view​ them as a short-lived marvel and a deafening annoyance, many Midwestern animals, plants, ​and microbes consider them a ‌rare delicacy, bringing new life to forests long after their demise.

    The Cicada Life Cycle

    Across ⁤the Midwest, from Nebraska to New York, 15 broods of periodical cicadas develop underground, quietly sipping watery sap from tree roots. After their respective 13 or 17-year cycles, countless ​inch-long adults synchronously dig their way out, emerging ⁢en masse for⁢ a ‍month-long summer mating frenzy. Following copulation,⁢ they⁢ lay eggs in forest trees and die, allowing their tree-born ‍offspring to drop to the forest floor and restart the​ cycle. ‍Cicadas‌ tend to stay⁢ close to their birthplace, resulting in‍ each​ brood occupying a distinct region of the US. As Chris Simon, senior research scientist in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut, ​puts ‍it, “They form a mosaic on the landscape.”

    A Rare Occurrence

    While​ it’s common for⁢ at least one of the 15 broods to emerge each year (not⁣ to be confused‌ with their smaller⁤ annual counterparts), and even for two broods to surface simultaneously, what sets⁢ this event apart is the adjacency​ of the two broods. John Lill, insect ecologist⁢ at‍ George⁢ Washington University, ‌explains, “Illinois is going to be ground zero. From the very top to the very bottom of⁣ the state, it’s going to be covered in cicadas.” The last time these broods swarmed aboveground together, Thomas‌ Jefferson was president, and the city of⁤ Chicago had yet to ⁢be established.

    A Feast for Predators

    Entomologists worldwide are eagerly anticipating the event, with flights booked​ for May. “We’re like cicada‌ groupies,” Lill quips. He assures ⁢that this ‍once-in-a-generation spectacle will surpass even April’s pink moon in ​terms of awe-inspiring natural phenomena. The emergence of ⁣billions⁣ of cicadas provides an easy, delectable prey for ‌various creatures. As Lill puts it, “Periodical cicadas are sitting ducks.” ⁢They don’t bite, sting, ⁢or poison anyone⁢ and are ⁣unfazed by being handled.⁤ Generalist predators like dogs, raccoons, and birds will stuff themselves with this flying feast, barely ⁤making a dent in the‌ cicada population. Lill explains ‌that this is​ their secret weapon: In the absence of⁢ other ⁢defense mechanisms, “they just overwhelm predators by their sheer abundance.”

    A Distraction for Predators

    Just as an unexpected free meal might distract ⁤you from the leftovers in your fridge, this summer’s ⁢cicada⁣ emergence will divert predators from their usual prey. During the‍ cicada invasion, songbirds will likely focus ⁢on the easy-to-catch insects, giving a much-needed ⁤break‍ to other‌ small creatures like caterpillars.

    Citizen Science Opportunity

    While the ⁤thought of billions of cicadas in your backyard might make your​ skin crawl, you can actively participate in this event. Researchers are ‌calling for citizen scientists to‍ submit photos of their local cicadas to help map the ⁢upcoming ‍emergence. The Cicada Safari ​ app, developed by Kritsky, received and verified 561,000 cicada pics during the 2021 Brood X emergence—he hopes to get even more this time around.

    “This is an amazing natural phenomenon to ‍wonder about,”⁣ Lill says, “not something ⁣to be afraid of.”

    Brood XIII Brood XIX Cicada Invasion Illinois Midwest
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    View 2 Comments

    2 Comments

    1. Robert J. Hawkins on March 27, 2024 7:40 pm

      Nature’s way of saying, “Let the circle of life continue!

      Reply
    2. Elise Rodriguez on April 20, 2024 3:51 pm

      Isn’t it fascinating how cicadas turn a mass exit into a massive eco boost

      Reply
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