Cicada Spectacle 2024: Rare Simultaneous Emergence

This unusual occurrence is expected to happen in several states across the United States, including Missouri, where Brood XIX, which emerges every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which emerges every 17 years, will both make their appearance.

This synchrony is especially noteworthy as it represents a rare event in the insect world, with the last such occurrence documented in 1803, and the next not expected until 2245.

This double emergence is anticipated to begin as the soil warms up in late spring, typically around May, and can last until the end of June.

Cicadas are known for their distinctive buzz, which, although loud, is harmless to humans.

These insects play a crucial role in their ecosystem, serving as a food source for various predators while also engaging in their mating rituals to repopulate.

The event presents a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and scientists alike to observe and study these fascinating creatures in a rare coinciding cycle.

Illinois and Indiana are the only states projected to witness the emergence of cicadas from both broods, while nearly a dozen other states, stretching from Missouri to Virginia, will experience the return of Brood XIX.

Despite their numbers and the potential noise they create, cicadas pose no direct harm to humans.

Their emergence from the ground is a critical phase of their life cycle, allowing them to mate and lay eggs for future generations.

After mating, cicadas die, and their eggs hatch into nymphs, which then burrow into the ground to reemerge years later, continuing the cycle of life.

This natural phenomenon is not only a spectacle but also a reminder of the intricate and interconnected nature of our ecosystem.

It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for observation and appreciation of one of nature’s most fascinating cycles​​​​.