The anticipation is building as experts predict the historic 2024 cicada emergence will be in full force very soon. As we prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event, many are wondering: how long will it last?
The answer to this question depends largely on the life cycle of the cicadas. The 2024 emergence will see two broods of cicadas emerging simultaneously, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, which haven’t emerged together in 221 years. This is truly a momentous occasion for Illinois, with cicadas expected to emerge all over the state.
So, when can we expect the emergence to begin? According to experts, the real peak of the cicada emergence has yet to arrive. The periodical cicadas will start emerging when the soil temperature eight inches below the ground reaches 64 degrees. This means that the emergence will likely begin in mid-May for the Chicago area.
However, some reports of cicadas sprouting from the ground have already surfaced in recent days, and photos on social media have shown trees covered in cicadas in parts of Illinois. This is a sign that the cicadas are getting ready to emerge en masse. In fact, experts believe that the emergence has started earlier than average in Illinois, with the first cicadas appearing about two weeks ahead of the historic average.
But don’t worry if you haven’t seen or heard any cicadas yet. The emergence will continue to be sporadic, depending on the soil temperature, mulch, and turf grass in different areas. The soil is warmer near pavement, so cicadas in those spots are expected to emerge quicker. However, the ideal soil temperature for cicadas is 64 degrees, and a rise in humidity levels can also play a role in the emergence.
Once the cicadas emerge from the ground, they will climb up to a tree or another high place and shed their shells. This is a fascinating sight to see, as the cicadas transform into their adult form. In a year of full emergence, after the bugs surface, they then begin their mating process. This is often met with the loud, buzzing sound that most of us associate with cicadas. However, it will take about a week from emergence before cicadas begin mating.
So, how long will the emergence last? Cicadas have a lifespan of approximately four weeks, meaning that the emergence is set to last through at least mid-June. This gives us a limited window to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity and observe the cicadas in all their glory.
But where exactly will the emergence be seen? For the Chicago area, Brood XIII will be most prevalent in parts of northern Illinois and Indiana, and possibly even in Wisconsin and Ohio. On the other hand, Brood XIX, also known as the Great Southern Brood, has a more widespread population, covering parts of Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
Experts estimate that Brood XIX is arguably the largest of all periodical cicada broods, with records along the east coast from Maryland to Georgia, and in the Midwest from Iowa to Oklahoma. And while 13-year cicadas are generally considered to have a southern distribution, the northernmost known record of this brood is in Chebanse, Illinois, roughly 75 miles from Chicago’s Loop.
For most of Illinois and the Chicago area, at least one of the two broods is likely to emerge. However, in a narrow part of the state, both broods could emerge at the same time, in the same place. This is an exciting prospect, as there may be some mating happening between the two broods, which is a rare occurrence.
To help you visualize where the emergence will be seen, we have included a map from the USDA Forest Service. As you can see, a large portion of Illinois is expected to experience the emergence, with the possibility of some overlap between the two broods in central Illinois.
As we eagerly await the peak of the cicada emergence, it’s important to remember that this is a natural occurrence that we should celebrate and embrace. While the noise may be overwhelming at times, the cicadas play an important role in our ecosystem, and their emergence is a sign of a healthy environment.
So, mark your calendars for the 2024 cicada emergence and get ready to witness this historic event. Keep an eye out for cicadas in your area and don
