A Rare Double-Brood Emergence of Cicadas: A Fascinating Phenomenon That’s Happening in North America Now

Currently, a remarkable event is taking place in North America as a double-brood emergence of 13- and 17-year cicadas occurs. This phenomenon, which hasn’t happened in centuries, last occurred in 1803 and won’t happen again for another 221 years. The simultaneous emergence of two different hatches of cicadas from below the ground is an uncommon occurrence, making this event truly unique.

The noise levels of the cicadas have been so overwhelming in some parts of South Carolina that residents have had to call the police to complain about it. However, this is just the beginning as the cicadas are expected to become even louder and more widespread as they continue to emerge from the ground. Dennis Higgins, a cicadas enthusiast from Illinois, described the sounds of the cicadas as reminiscent of a science fiction movie from the ’50s. The fluctuating noise levels can be deafening as the insects continue to emerge from their underground burrows.

North America is home to seven species of periodical cicadas, with three spending about 17 years underground and the remaining species spending 13 years below the surface. Parts of Illinois are expected to be at the focal point of this rare convergence of two broods of cicadas, as they emerge together to mate before quickly dying. This event highlights how fascinating and complex nature can be and serves as a reminder that we should always appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.