In a rare and highly anticipated event, millions of cicadas are set to emerge from the soil across a large swath of the United States in what has not been witnessed in over 200 years. The synchronous dual emergence of two particular broods, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, is happening once every 221 years and has captured the attention of scientists, researchers, and curious onlookers alike. These seven US periodical varieties will all appear this spring in a natural phenomenon that has been described as once in a lifetime. The cicadas are conscious while underground and feed on sap from tree roots. Some cicadas have been infected by a sexually transmitted fungus that makes them hyper-sexual and causes their genitals to fall off. Three species of cicadas spend 17 years underground before emerging, as do Brood XIII and Brood XIX. The emergence is expected to last several weeks, with states including Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas reporting sightings already. The insects are known for their loud noise which is caused by the male cicadas calling for potential mates. While some people have expressed concerns about the noise and potential dangers of the cicadas emerging in large numbers, experts assure that cicadas do not bite humans and prefer to consume tree sap. This mass emergence of cicadas is a natural phenomenon that has occurred throughout history and is not expected to have any significant impact on human life or the environment. The event serves as a reminder of the intricate and interconnected systems within nature, as well as an opportunity for people to observe and appreciate the fascinating behaviors and life cycles of these unique insects.
