After 17 years underground, Brood XIV cicadas are preparing to surface — by the billions.
This spring, parts of the eastern United States will witness a rare and thunderous natural phenomenon. Beginning in May and continuing into June, Brood XIV — a massive group of 17-year periodical cicadas — will emerge from the soil after nearly two decades of development beneath the surface.
These cicadas have remained underground since 2008, feeding on tree root sap as nymphs. When soil temperatures reach approximately 64°F at a depth of 8 inches, they will tunnel upward in staggering numbers — sometimes exceeding 1.5 million per acre.
Their adult lives are brief but intense. For just 3 to 6 weeks, the air will be filled with the loud mating calls of males, which can reach over 100 decibels. Their goal: attract females, mate, and ensure the next generation. After mating, females will lay thousands of eggs in tree branches before the adults die off.
Once the eggs hatch, the tiny nymphs will fall to the ground, burrow deep into the soil, and remain there — silently feeding and growing — for another 17 years. The cycle will repeat in 2042.
Brood XIV is expected to appear prominently in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and parts of at least 10 other states in the eastern and central U.S.
Despite their numbers and noise, cicadas pose no danger to humans or pets. They don’t bite or sting and are not poisonous. However, young trees may experience minor damage from egg-laying.
This emergence is not only one of nature’s most spectacular events but also a marvel of evolutionary strategy. By emerging in such massive numbers, cicadas overwhelm predators and increase the odds of survival for their offspring.
Quick Facts:
- 🐞 Cicadas spend 99.5% of their lives underground.
- 🔊 Their calls can exceed 100 decibels.
- 🌱 They are harmless to people and pets, but can affect young trees.
- 📍 Brood XIV last appeared in 2008; it returns every 17 years.
- 🌍 Found mostly in eastern and central U.S.
