Billions of cicadas to emerge in rare dual swarms across the US this spring

In the USA, as early as April, billions of cicada larvae will begin to emerge from the ground. This natural event is rare because two massive swarms will appear at the same time, something that happens once every few centuries.

Foreign sources, including Reuters, have reported that some areas of the United States will see an influx of two massive swarms of periodical cicadas this spring. These will be concentrated simultaneously in the Midwest and the Southern and Southwestern states.

The simultaneous emergence of two swarms of the periodical cicadas Brood XIX and Brood XIII is an exceptionally rare event, last recorded 221 years ago, in the year 1803.

Unlike ordinary cicadas, which appear gradually over time, these periodical species emerge from the ground synchronously in the same year.

One species of periodical cicadas, set to appear in the United States in the days ahead, has a development cycle of 13 years, while the other takes 17 years. During this lengthy period, their larvae reside in the soil, feeding on the juices from the roots of trees and shrubs until finally emerging on the surface. This year, this will occur from late April to June.

As scientists assure us, this year's cicada invasion in the USA does not threaten humans and animals. At worst, the insects might harm vegetation or ravage large areas of urban lawns.

Out of more than 3,000 cicada species worldwide, only nine are periodical, with seven (from the genus Magicicada) found in North America.

Cicadas are mostly known for the distinctive sound they produce. These are the calls of adult males intended to attract females. Although the "chirping" of cicadas can be annoying, it only lasts for a few weeks because after laying eggs, the insects die.

Source: PAP/Reuters