Enjoy the quiet winter while it lasts, because come springtime, it could get extremely loud. After 17 years of living underground, millions, if not billions, of cicadas are set to emerge from their underground lairs across several states, including Illinois. So, get your earplugs ready for an infestation of what’s considered by some to be the noisiest insect in the world.

The three species of cicadas that will make their way aboveground this spring are black, orange, and red in color. They are different from the annual green cicadas you are used to seeing (and hearing).
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No less than three periodical cicada species are expected to emerge this year - Magicicada septendecim, Magicicada cassini, and Magicicada septendecula.
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Brood X (10) of these periodical cicadas have spent 17 years underground as larvae that will hatch this year. The year 2004 was the last time this brood was seen.
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Expect to see them crawl out of holes in the ground around mid-May through late June when soil 8-inches below ground reaches 64°F. A warm rain often prompts their emergence.
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Soon after crawling aboveground after 17 years, cicada nymphs will shed their external skeletons to assume their adult forms, wings and all. With the ability to fly, expect to find them everywhere.
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Luckily, cicadas have quite a few predators who will be very excited for the feast. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and some mammals will eat them.
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Cicadas will announce their arrival in the noisiest way possible and won't stop until after they mate, lay their eggs, and die a few days later. After the high levels of noise, you will surely appreciate the peace and quiet for the next 17 years!
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If you hadn’t yet heard of Brood X, let this serve as a warning so you can prepare yourself and get some earplugs to drown out the sounds of these noisy little buggers. But regardless of how we all feel about them, nature is quite remarkable!

Have you been around for a cicada infestation? Please let us know your experience in the comments below!

 

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