Why would millions of cicadas emerge from the ground at once in America?

mating ritual In the animal kingdom they are as extraordinary as they are diverse. Americans know it well every 13 or 17 years Are pleased, or troubled, by the occurrence of periodic cicadas (magicicauda septendecium): some arthropods of considerable size emerge from the groundTo reach maturity and seek a mate, in a spectacle worthy of a horror movie.

These insects live most of their lives underground, feeding on sap from the roots of trees. But in 2024, they will see the light of day With a higher quorum than ever beforeDue to an event that last occurred when Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States: namely, in the year 1803, And, in perfect coordination, Two litters of this species (XIII and XIX) will break the surface at the same time for mating.

It is estimated that the mysterious event will not occur again until 2245, taking into account that it occurs every 221 years ( least common multiple Periodicity of both litters, 13 and 17). Thus, a single human I could see it once in a lifetime, However, the truth is that more than one wish was never fulfilled.

When and where do periodical cicadas emerge?

periodical cicadas are extremely sensitive to weather, It is not until the soil reaches a temperature of about 17-18ºC that they emerge from it to shed their exoskeletons and transform from nymphs into winged adults, something that usually happens after Is end of April,

It is said that are even 3,000 different species of cicada ,Cicadidae) in the world, but the magazines are only available in the United States. In this sense, this phenomenon can be observed, with particular intensity, in the states Illinois and MissouriAs shown on the map produced by Cicada Safari, however, it will also occur in other areas in the southeast of the country, such as Georgia and South Carolina.

And as far as the duration of this event is concerned, only the most prepared begin their sexual intercourse in April. However, others may continue to emerge from the ground even in may or june, Thus, keeping in mind that turbulent process can last up to six weeksExperts say when will be the last date New generation begins to develop undergroundOccurs in early July.

Are periodical cicadas a threat?

periodical cicadas They are not dangerous to humans, unless you suffer from a disease called entomophobia: the fear of seeing or coming into contact with insects. Of course, the mating cycle of this arthropod is carefully observed by farmers in the area where they emerge. its ovulation you can believe Threat to fruit trees Youth.

In this sense, one of the disturbances that arise from time to time in the population of the area is related to noise: during the choice of a partner, the males of this species they make loud noises -estimated to be equivalent to a large displacement motorcycle- to attract females, who fly around in search of the most suitable specimen for breeding. and many of them die from pressure difference between the subsoil and the surface, or by encountering its many predators (birds, spiders, reptiles and even ants).

Nevertheless, periodical cicadas are insects whose nature particularly fascinates scientists and biologists. Its reciprocal and vital relationship with the land, When they are ready to come to the surface, they build something tunnels Which acts as natural aeration of the soil; His oviposition This results in pruning of trees, which will produce more fruits and flowers in the next season; And finally, when they die, putrefaction Your body provides large amounts of nutrients to the Earth.

Because of this the event of 2024 will not be unique just because Litter Synchronization: When the first specimens begin to emerge at the end of April, the ecology of the region will be known A new opportunity for greenery Thanks to these insects, which, in line with their cyclical behavior, come from the earth and eventually become the earth.