What Are Brood X Cicadas and What to Expect When They Emerge

Introduction

Brood X cicadas are one of the largest and most well-known periodical cicada groups in the United States. Emerging once every 17 years, these insects create a loud, buzzing chorus as they blanket trees and landscapes in massive numbers. Their emergence is a natural phenomenon that fascinates scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. In this article, we explore what Brood X cicadas are, their life cycle, and what to expect when they reappear.

1. What Are Brood X Cicadas?

• Brood X (also known as the Great Eastern Brood) is a group of periodical cicadas that emerge every 17 years.
• They belong to the genus Magicicada and are one of the largest cicada broods in the U.S.

2. Where Do They Emerge?

• Brood X cicadas are found in parts of the eastern and midwestern United States.
• States with significant populations include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, and Georgia.

3. Why Do They Emerge Every 17 Years?

• Their synchronized emergence helps overwhelm predators, ensuring that enough cicadas survive to reproduce.
• This unique life cycle may have evolved as a survival strategy against birds, mammals, and other predators.

4. What Do They Look Like?

• Brood X cicadas are about 1.5 inches long with black bodies, red eyes, and orange-veined wings.
• Unlike annual cicadas, which are green and emerge every summer, Brood X cicadas appear in much larger numbers.

5. How Long Do They Live?

• After emerging, adult cicadas live for only about 4 to 6 weeks.
• During this time, they focus on mating and laying eggs before they die.

6. Why Are They So Loud?

• Male cicadas produce loud buzzing sounds to attract females.
• Their calls can reach up to 100 decibels—similar to the volume of a chainsaw or motorcycle.

7. Do They Harm Plants?

• While cicadas do not bite or sting, their egg-laying can damage young trees and shrubs.
• Female cicadas lay eggs in small slits they cut into twigs, which can weaken or kill branches.

8. What Is Their Impact on the Ecosystem?

• Cicadas provide an essential food source for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife.
• Their decomposing bodies enrich the soil, promoting plant growth.

9. Are Cicadas Dangerous to Humans?

• Cicadas are harmless to humans and pets.
• While they can fly clumsily into people, they do not bite or carry diseases.

10. How Do They Reproduce?

• After mating, females lay hundreds of eggs in tree branches.
• When the eggs hatch, nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they feed on tree roots for 17 years.

11. What Should Homeowners Expect?

• Large numbers of cicadas can be noisy and leave behind molts and carcasses.
• Covering young trees with netting can help protect them from egg-laying damage.

12. How to Prepare for a Brood X Emergence

• Expect cicadas to appear in large numbers in wooded areas and gardens.
• Avoid using pesticides, as they do not effectively control cicada populations and can harm other wildlife.

13. Cultural Significance of Cicadas

• In many cultures, cicadas symbolize rebirth and transformation.
• Their periodic emergence has been studied for centuries and continues to intrigue scientists.

14. When Will Brood X Emerge Again?

• The last Brood X emergence occurred in 2021, meaning the next event will take place in 2038.
• Scientists track cicada broods to predict their future appearances.

15. Why Should We Appreciate Cicadas?

• Cicadas are a unique part of nature and play a vital role in the environment.
• Instead of fearing them, we should embrace their rare and spectacular emergence.

Conclusion

Brood X cicadas are a fascinating natural event that reminds us of the intricate cycles of nature. While their sudden emergence may be overwhelming, they are harmless and beneficial to ecosystems. Understanding their role and impact can help us appreciate this rare occurrence when it happens again in the future.