Trillions of Periodical Cicadas to Emerge in 2024: Where to See Them in the U.S.

In 2024, a massive emergence of periodical cicadas is expected to take place in the United States. This natural phenomenon, driven by the lifecycle of these unique insects, will bring trillions of cicadas to the surface, creating quite a spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness it.

Cicada Lifecycle

Periodical cicadas are categorized into two groups based on their emergence cycles: those that surface every 13 years and those that appear every 17 years. These remarkable creatures spend most of their lives underground, where they patiently wait for the soil to reach 64 degrees before making their grand entrance. Their anticipated arrival in 2024 is projected to be around mid-May, signaling the beginning of an extraordinary event.

Unprecedented Dual Emergence

What makes the 2024 cicada emergence particularly noteworthy is the simultaneous appearance of both the 13-year and 17-year cicadas. This rare occurrence, not witnessed for over two centuries, is set to captivate regions across the United States with a display of natural wonder. The last time two broods emerged concurrently was in 1803, and the next convergence of this magnitude is not expected until 2037.

The forthcoming emergence has been aptly termed cicada-geddon by experts, signifying the awe-inspiring scale of this event. However, it is essential to note that 2076 is anticipated to host an even more monumental spectacle, with the simultaneous emergence of the two largest broods, XIX and XIV, in what has been dubbed cicada-palooza.

Unusual Encounters

While the emergence of trillions, or possibly even quadrillions, of cicadas is expected to occur peacefully, there is a peculiar phenomenon to be aware of. Some cicadas may have encountered a fungal pathogen known as Massospora cicadina, leading to hyper-sexuality and the development of what experts refer to as zombie cicadas. This unusual condition results in a white, chalky plug erupting from their bodies, causing the loss of their genitals. The impact of this fungal infection on other wildlife and humans remains a topic of ongoing study.

The dual emergence of cicada broods is set to be predominantly observed in parts of Illinois and Iowa, along with segments of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. These regions will bear witness to the extraordinary phenomenon as nature displays its captivating and intricate patterns.