A rare natural phenomenon not seen since 1803, two groups of cicadas are ready to emerge from the earth in the United States, marking the greatest cicada emergence in 221 years.
As part of their life cycle, trillions of cicadas will emerge from the ground in 17 US states in April. They will then lay their eggs in the soil and die near the trees.
The one-two-inch-long bugs have robust bodies, bulging bright red eyes, and membranous wings with a three-inch span.
Cicadas aren’t dangerous to humans, pets, household gardens, or crops
But don’t worry, the Environmental Protection Agency says cicadas aren’t dangerous to humans, pets, household gardens, or crops.
They are an important food source for birds and mammals. Cicadas may aerate lawns and enhance water filtration into the earth, while also adding nutrients to the soil as they decay.
John Cooley, a cicadas expert at the University of Connecticut, coined the term “cicada-geddon.” Temperature cues are the primary reason cicadas emerge from the ground. As nymphs, they spend years underground, waiting for the right temperature in the soil before emerging.
They spend the majority of their lives underground, consuming plant root fluids. Then they emerge from the soil in great numbers to mate and restart the cycle, which is consistent with their 13 or 17-year cycles.
While cicadas typically emerge in the eastern United States, this year’s unusually huge number of cicadas is the result of two independent broods emerging simultaneously right after the April 8 solar eclipse.
This rare natural phenomenon will happen again in 2244
According to reports, the last time two distinct broods (broods XIX and XIII) appeared together was in 1803. According to reports, this will happen again in 2244.
Cicadas are normally harmless to humans, animals, home gardens, and crops. They serve the ecology by aerating the soil, providing food for predators, and enriching the soil with nutrients.
Trillions of these magnificent creatures emerge from the earth to scale trees, creating a stunning sight and experience.
Georgia Tech biophysicist Saad Bhamla told the Associated Press that it is as if an entire alien race lives beneath our feet and then comes out to say hello.