Billions of Cicadas Expected to Hatch Together in Kansas City this Spring: Here’s Why
In an extraordinary insect event, Kansas City is bracing for the simultaneous emergence of billions of cicadas from two distinctive broods. This last occured in 1803 when Thomas Jefferson served as the U.S. president. Come spring, the sky will be buzzing with broods XIX and XIII, which are known for emerging from the ground every 13 and 17 years, respectively. This simultaneous appearance of the two broods is not expected to happen again until the year 2245.
When and Where Will the Cicadas Hatch?
As per the reports, Brood XIX is most likely to emerge across the metropolitan area of Kansas City between late April and early May. This brood last appeared in Missouri in 2011. In contrast, the emergence of the Northern Illinois-based Brood XIII is anticipated from mid-May through June. After rain, a significant surge in cicada population can be expected, with some areas experiencing a massive congregation of cicadas, up to 1.5 million per acre.
The Unique Cicada Hatching Cycle
An intriguing aspect of these broods’ emergence patterns is their unusual prime-numbered hatching cycles. This ingenious survival strategy is believed to make it challenging for predators to synchronize their life cycles with the cicadas and target them. As a result, cicadas can stay largely “out of sight” for a vast majority of their lives.
The iconic, loud sound associated with cicadas is the mating call unique to male cicadas, which can rise to the deafening sound of a lawnmower or even rival a jet engine when synchronized with other males. Post-mating, adult cicadas live for another 4 to 6 weeks and females lay approximately 500 eggs on tree branches. After this, the eggs hatch, fall to the ground, and bury themselves, starting another 13 or 17-year cycle.
What Impact Will The Cicadas Have?
While flashing bugs creating the ringing sound of summer may raise a few eyebrows, cicadas are harmless to both humans and pets. They do not sting or bite. Additionally, the use of pesticides is discouraged as it can harm other fauna, including birds, bees, butterflies, and moths.
Young trees, however, may be severely affected by the swarm of cicadas, and to protect them, people can resort to covering the trees with netting. Conversely, established trees remain largely unaffected. Moreover, cicadas are useful to the environment as they improve water filtration, aerate lawns, and enrich the soil with nutrients.
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Phenomenon
With the last joint appearance of these two broods dating back to the early 19th century, this spring’s emergence in Kansas City is indeed an entomological wonder. This extraordinary occurrence provides a unique opportunity for current generations to marvel at Mother Nature’s wonders and provides an invaluable learning experience for budding scientists and nature enthusiasts.
