Here you come again! Cicadas Brood X

“Here you come again!” (Dolly Pardon 1977)

Now that the weather has gotten warmer, and the ground has reached 64 degrees. Eight inches down in the soil, Cicadas are waking up after a 17-year nap. This year the largest brood of Cicadas, Brood X, the Great Eastern Brood will emerge, shed their skin, sing the mating song (loudly at 100 decibels), and spend 3-4 weeks mating, before dying at the base of the tree where they have laid their eggs in an upper branch.

Brood X is considered the largest brood of the 15 active periodic cicada broods. Trillions of them are expected to arrive the second week in May and be gone by the end of June. Luckily, we are not listed as an area that will be affected by Brood X. The areas that are affected are all expected to see cicadas in large numbers. (see map below)

These large numbers of cicadas help to ensure the survival of the next generation. This is called prey satiation. When there are more cicadas than all the combined predators can consume. In most areas the predators consist of fish, turtles, toads, frogs, shrews, mice, foxes, opossums, racoons, birds and a fungus called massospora. Dogs will eat them, and cats will play with them. Cicadas are safe to be around. They do not bite or sting. They are not toxic to pets in small amounts.

Cicadas are known as the “shrimp of the land” and can be used a substitute for shrimp in a recipe, but you should avoid eating them if you have a shellfish allergy. They are edible and a good source of protein. The females are especially high in protein. The taste is often described as shrimp and asparagus. Sometimes mentioned to have a buttery and nutty flavor. Cicadas are best eaten when they are white.

All though the invasion of Brood X can be disturbing to some. Pesticides are not effective at controlling periodical cicadas. They are not pests and do not need to be killed. They also have their good points; they feed their predators very well, which can lead to and increase in the predator’s population. Their dying bodies fertilize the soil, and you can even add them to your compost pile. The natural circle of life. The tree limbs where the females lay their egg results in a natural pruning which results in more flowers and fruits the following year.

Last year with the arrival of Brood IX at my house I discovered Virginia Tech was looking for photos and Cicada data. Using an app on my cell phone, Cicada Safari, for the next few weeks I sent photos and data from my area.  It was interesting to see what others posted. Again, this year the app is requesting information.  Join Cicada Safari to help map the 2021 emergence of the periodical cicada Brood X.  Simply download the free app.  Photograph and submit the periodical cicadas to Cicada Safari, and after the photos are verified, they will be posted to the live map. 

The picture below shows where and when the different Broods have or are expected to emerge.

Janice H. Walker

Certified Master Naturalist