Results for: Periodical Cicadas

Among the billions of cicadas currently swarming in Illinois, a handful of rare blue-eyed individuals have captivated researchers. One such cicada was discovered by 4-year-old Jack Bailey in his family’s yard, and experts at the Field Museum of Natural History confirmed its rarity. The blue eye coloration is attributed to a rare mutation, and scientists are eager to identify the responsible genes through DNA sequencing. Blue-eyed cicadas are infertile and cannot reproduce, explaining their scarcity. Another blue-eyed cicada was spotted in a forest preserve southwest of Chicago, further highlighting the exceptional nature of these sightings.

As billions of cicadas emerge from underground after years of dormancy, residents in South Carolina have reported hearing loud ‘siren’ sounds. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the noise is caused by male cicadas singing to attract mates. These red-eyed periodical cicadas, known as Brood X and Brood XIII, have not converged in centuries and are emerging in unprecedented numbers. While the noise may be annoying, cicadas pose no danger to humans or pets. This double dose of cicadas is a rare phenomenon that has not been seen for centuries and is estimated to involve trillions of insects across 16 states.

Newberry County residents in South Carolina have been experiencing an unusual phenomenon as billions of cicadas emerge from their underground slumber, producing a deafening chorus that has sparked confusion and curiosity among locals. The male cicadas are responsible for the constant whining sound, which they use to attract mates after spending over a decade dormant. The sheriff’s office has received numerous calls from concerned residents, some even flagging down deputies to inquire about the enigmatic noise.

In the spring of 2024, a once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle is set to unfold in the eastern United States. Two broods of periodical cicadas, Brood XIII (17-year cicadas) and Brood XIX (13-year cicadas), will co-emerge, creating a chorus of buzzing and chirping that will reverberate through wooded and suburban areas from Maryland to Iowa and southward. This remarkable event, only occurring once every 221 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life cycle and behavior of these unique insects.