Introduction
Central Illinois is gearing up for a significant and rare natural event this spring: the emergence of periodical cicadas. In 2024, both 13-year and 17-year broods of cicadas will surface simultaneously, an occurrence that happens only once every 221 years.
History of Cicada Emergences
Periodical cicadas are known for their unique life cycles, emerging from the ground every 13 or 17 years. These cycles are staggered among different broods, leading to varying emergence years. The last simultaneous emergence of these two broods in Illinois occurred in 1803, making this year’s event particularly noteworthy.
Cicadas are divided into two main types: annual (or dog-day) cicadas and periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas appear every summer, while periodical cicadas emerge en masse after 13 or 17 years. Periodical cicadas are smaller, with black bodies, orange wing veins, and red eyes, distinguishing them from the larger green and brown annual cicadas.
2024 Cicada Emergence
This year, Central Illinois will experience the emergence of Brood XIX (13-year cicadas) and Brood XIII (17-year cicadas). This dual emergence is expected to bring billions of cicadas to the region, turning Illinois into a buzzing spectacle of natural activity. The emergence will occur as the soil temperature reaches approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in mid-to-late May.
Impact on the Environment
While the emergence of cicadas is a fascinating natural phenomenon, it can also have impacts on the local environment. Female cicadas lay their eggs by cutting slits into tree branches, which can damage young and small trees. This process, known as “flagging,” causes branches to die past the egg-laying site. Mature trees generally withstand this damage without long-term effects, but young or newly planted trees may be at risk.
Protecting Trees and Shrubs
To protect young trees and shrubs, homeowners can take several steps:
- Avoid Planting New Trees: It’s advisable to avoid planting new trees or shrubs in the spring of an emergence year. If planting is necessary, choose plants with thicker stems.
- Use Netting: Cover vulnerable trees and shrubs with fine netting to prevent cicadas from laying eggs on them. Ensure the netting is secured tightly around the base of the plant.
- Prune Damaged Branches: After the cicadas have died off, prune any visibly damaged branches to prevent further harm to the trees.
Educational Opportunities
The emergence offers a unique opportunity for educational activities. For example, The Morton Arboretum will host “Table Top Tours” with talks and demonstrations about cicadas every Wednesday and Saturday during the emergence period. These events provide a chance for families to learn about cicadas’ life cycles and ecological roles.
Conclusion
The 2024 cicada emergence in Central Illinois is set to be a memorable event, marking a rare convergence of two cicada broods. While this natural phenomenon brings potential challenges for young trees, it also offers a remarkable opportunity to observe and learn about one of nature’s most intriguing cycles. For the best practices in managing cicada impacts and for educational resources, residents are encouraged to visit local arboretums and extension services.
For more detailed information, you can visit resources like Illinois Extension, The Morton Arboretum, and NPR Illinois.
