A Surge of Cicadas: The Brood XIV Phenomenon

The time has come for a new emergence of cicadas.

Imagine being a cicada.

For nearly two decades, Brood XIV cicadas have been dormant underground, waiting patiently without experiencing any global events such as the pandemic, political elections, or international conflicts during this lengthy interlude.

But now, their moment has arrived.

In uncountable numbers.

These cicadas will surface in huge numbers from areas stretching from Long Island all the way down to central Tennessee.

With the arrival of late spring and early summer, these loud insects will ascend from their underground homes. Their brief aboveground life span is solely intended for reproduction, as they search for partners and lay eggs before their death. After hatching, the young cicadas will burrow back beneath the earth to begin another 17-year cycle.

The accompanying map illustrates, in bright green, a general estimate of Brood XIV's territory. For detailed mappings, the University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive version, also highlighting their reach in neon green.

Unique to eastern North America, periodical cicadas are distinct for their emergence either every 13 or 17 years depending on their group. Alternatively, annual cicadas, which appear each summer, are found worldwide. How these insects discern the passing years might involve the steady movement of tree sap.

Explore Further:

Brood XIV is among the most significant of cyclical cicada groups, appearing in cycles of 17 years.

Despite their fleeting stay, their massive presence dramatically impacts ecosystems. This burst of insect life provides sustenance to myriad forest creatures, fuels bird population growth, and alters predation behaviors in other animals. This natural phenomenon can essentially 'reconfigure' entire ecological networks within forests.

Encountered a member of Brood XIV? Report it! Use the Cicada Safari app to upload your sightings, aiding scientists in their research.