Now that the eclipse has passed us by, another major natural phenomenon is on deck in the U.S.: The emergence of billions — perhaps trillions — of periodical cicadas, beginning this spring.
This year is extra-special because two separate groups of cicadas, dubbed Brood XIX and Brood XIII, are expected to show up at close to the same time in some places. Brood XIX is the largest of the periodical cicada broods, so its virtually simultaneous emergence with the smaller Brood XIII means billions if not trillions cicadas will appear as the weather warms.
Wooded areas in the affected regions will be filled with the lovelorn songs of amorous male cicadas. And then, shortly thereafter, filled with the crunchy carcasses of dead cicadas, their long life cycle complete. Read on for more about these unique creatures, and find out if they’ll be swarming over your state this summer.
Brood XIX, the larger and more southern of the two broods, is expected to emerge in late April to mid May, while Brood XIII, the Northern Illinois brood, is expected to emerge from mid-May into June, University of Missouri Extension reports.
Brood XIX will be more widespread, emerging across southern Illinois, much of Missouri, northwestern Arkansas and in pockets across several other states to the east. Brood XIII covers northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa.
Click here for the excellent analysis from WMAR Baltimore
