As summer approaches, the year 2023 is shaping up to be quite a spectacle with the anticipated emergence of millions of cicadas. These intriguing insects, known for their loud mating calls, will surface from the ground after years of development. The emergence occurs every 13 or 17 years depending on the species, with some areas seeing up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre.
This summer, regions including southwestern Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia will witness the arrival of Brood IX cicadas, which last appeared in 2006. The cacophony of male cicadas calling to attract females will be unmistakable. According to researchers from Virginia Tech, cicadas typically begin to appear in May, peak in early June, and most will have vanished by July. Thankfully, there’s no need for concern if you encounter these insects—their lack of venom and stingers means they are harmless.
After spending years underground, mature cicada nymphs construct mud turrets, known as cicada huts, to emerge from the soil. They climb onto nearby plants or vertical surfaces before molting into their winged adult form. The exoskeletons they shed can often be found clinging to tree trunks. This synchronized emergence means that most cicadas will appear within a few nights of each other.
Eric Turner, an entomologist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, notes that the noise created by these cicadas may be significant for communities and farms. However, he hopes that any annoyance from the sound is outweighed by the wonder of this rare event.
Cicadas are believed to have evolved their long life cycles to avoid predators, emerging in prime number intervals to reduce the likelihood of synchronized predation. Doug Lang, an entomology professor, encourages those without fruit trees or grapevines to take pleasure in this fascinating phenomenon while it lasts.
For more exciting insights, check out our post on home insemination. If you’re interested in understanding the biology behind these insects, you can also visit Intracervical Insemination for expert information. Additionally, Women’s Health offers valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, this summer promises an extraordinary cicada spectacle, with millions emerging after years underground. Residents in affected areas should be prepared for the accompanying noise, but they can also revel in the rare beauty of this natural event.