Cicada Broods Map: Identify Your Brood & Prepare For The Event

Every few years, certain regions of the United States experience a natural phenomenon that is both awe-inspiring and mystifying: the emergence of periodical cicadas. These insects, known for their distinctive red eyes and synchronized appearance, spend years underground before surfacing en masse to mate and begin the cycle anew. Understanding which cicada brood inhabits your area is crucial for preparedness, whether you're a homeowner, gardener, or simply a curious observer. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of cicada broods, their emergence patterns, and practical tips for managing their presence.

Understanding Periodical Cicadas: A Natural Wonder

Periodical cicadas, belonging to the genus Magicicada, are unique to North America. Unlike their annual counterparts, these cicadas emerge in cycles of either 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood. This extended lifecycle is an evolutionary adaptation to avoid predation, as their infrequent emergence makes it difficult for predators to synchronize with their population peaks.

The 17-year cicadas (Brood X being the most well-known) and 13-year cicadas (such as Brood XIX) are the two primary types. These broods are identified by Roman numerals and are geographically distributed across the eastern United States. When they emerge, their sheer numbers—often in the millions—can transform landscapes, creating a cacophony of mating calls and leaving behind shed exoskeletons.

The Lifecycle of Periodical Cicadas

The lifecycle begins when female cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they feed on root sap for the next 13 or 17 years. Upon maturity, they emerge, molt into adults, and repeat the cycle. This process is highly synchronized within each brood, ensuring their survival strategy remains effective.

Mapping Cicada Broods: Where and When They Emerge

Cicada broods are geographically specific, with each brood occupying distinct regions. For instance, Brood X, one of the largest 17-year broods, spans the eastern United States, including states like Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In contrast, Brood XIX, a 13-year brood, is primarily found in the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

The 2024 cicada emergence is particularly notable, as it marks the simultaneous emergence of Brood X and Brood XIX in certain overlapping regions. This rare event, known as a “dual emergence,” will result in even higher densities of cicadas in affected areas.

Key Cicada Broods and Their Regions

• Brood X (17-Year): Eastern U.S., including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.


• Brood XIX (13-Year): Southeastern U.S., including Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.


• Brood XIII (17-Year): Midwestern U.S., including Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Preparing for a Cicada Emergence: Practical Tips

While cicadas are harmless to humans and serve as a vital food source for wildlife, their emergence can be disruptive, particularly for homeowners and gardeners. Here are actionable steps to prepare for and manage a cicada event:

Protecting Young Trees and Plants

Female cicadas lay their eggs in small branches, which can damage young or newly planted trees. To mitigate this:

• Cover young trees with fine mesh netting to prevent egg-laying.


• Delay planting new trees until after the emergence period.


• Avoid excessive pruning during the emergence year, as it may attract females to lay eggs.
  

Managing Noise and Nuisance

The mating calls of male cicadas can reach volumes of up to 100 decibels, comparable to a lawnmower. To minimize noise disruption:

• Keep windows closed during peak calling hours (late morning to early evening).


• Use earplugs or white noise machines indoors.


• Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when cicadas are less active.
  

Embracing the Event: Educational and Culinary Opportunities

Cicada emergences are rare and fascinating events that offer unique educational opportunities. Consider:

• Organizing cicada-watching events for schools or community groups.


• Trying cicada-based recipes, as they are high in protein and considered a delicacy in some cultures.


• Documenting the emergence through photography or journaling to contribute to citizen science projects.
  

The Ecological Role of Cicadas

Despite their temporary nuisance, cicadas play a crucial role in ecosystems. As nymphs, they aerate the soil, improving water infiltration and nutrient cycling. As adults, they provide a significant food source for birds, mammals, and reptiles, contributing to biodiversity.

Additionally, their emergence triggers a phenomenon known as the “cicada effect,” where the influx of nutrients from their exoskeletons and bodies stimulates plant growth and supports microbial activity in the soil.

Cicadas and Climate Change

Climate change poses challenges to cicada populations, as warmer temperatures can disrupt their synchronized emergence. Studies have shown that some broods are emerging earlier than expected, potentially leading to desynchronization and reduced survival rates. Monitoring these changes is essential for understanding the long-term impacts on cicada populations and the ecosystems they support.