Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM are hosting The Sound of Science on WNIJ, where they discuss the upcoming emergence of cicadas. This year, both 13 and 17-year cicada broods are emerging simultaneously in the Southeastern States and the Midwest. With trillions of cicadas expected to appear, it’s no wonder that people are buzzing with excitement about this natural phenomenon.
Cicadas spend years underground feeding on tree and plant roots before emerging as adults. Once above ground, they climb trees to molt and develop wings. Male cicadas attract mates with their buzzing, while females lay eggs in tree twigs. The hatched nymphs fall to the ground and burrow back into the soil to start the cycle again. Adult cicadas are usually visible for 3-4 weeks before disappearing.
Despite their loud buzzing, cicadas are harmless and do not bite or sting. Some people even eat them, with fried cicadas being a delicacy in certain regions. They do not pose a threat to pets or plant life, making them a unique and fascinating part of nature that we should all appreciate more fully. Tune in to The Sound of Science on WNIJ to learn something new every day about this amazing insect species!
