cicada singing on a tree in the summer sun

535829147

cicada singing on a tree in the summer sun

Photo by: piermichelemalucchi

piermichelemalucchi

Cicadas: An Early Invasion

By: Leah Weber

Match point, 2020. Early cicadas are here to ruin your quiet outdoor moments.

June 09, 2020

It is 2020. We’re currently living through a global pandemic, civil unrest all over the world, and don’t forget the threat of murder hornets, among other radically tragic events and occurrences that in any other year would be an entire feature. But this year, on top of everything, the cicadas are coming early. Yeah, you heard right.

The Early Shift

In the late spring and early summer months, you’re likely to have encountered these massive flying insects with distinguishably large eyes. They are on a mating and life cycle of 13 or 17 years—meaning, they don’t plague the human population annually, but when they do show up, they make it a summer to remember. Though it may seem like they do show up every year, they are more or less on shifts with lifecycles that occur rotationally.

Many entomologists spend their life’s work dedicated to tracking cicadas globally by observing their mating and growth cycles. And it looks like we’re set to get a large group of these prehistoric and noisy winged pests show up earlier than anticipated.

Early Brood Catches the Worm

Cicadas alight on a plant in Virginia, U.S. Photographer: Julia Schmalz/Bloomberg

958992742

Cicadas alight on a plant in Virginia, U.S. Photographer: Julia Schmalz/Bloomberg

Photo by: Bloomberg Creative Photos

Bloomberg Creative Photos

Classified by brood, or breeding group, the Chicago suburbs are getting an early invasion, four years ahead of schedule. A likely explanation for this is climate change. The fluctuation of temperature throughout the seasons—warmth at Christmas, snow on Memorial Day, which are traditional signs of a warming planet, also have implications on the lifecycle of cicadas.

So this year, when you are taking an evening stroll and hear a buzzing sound louder than the person standing directly next to you, assume your conversation is being infiltrated by an adjacent swarm of cicadas. Their resilience is astounding, but who knows, maybe we should keep an eye on the ones that show up during 2020.

Next Up

Climate Week 2021 Shines a Light on the Climate Crisis

Every September since 2009, Climate Week coincides with the UN General Assembly in New York City. Action is required to halt and attempt to reverse the rapid and catastrophic deterioration of the world's climate. The planet is in crisis and this year The Explorers Club is spotlighting experts in the field to bring awareness to how we can create the change we need to improve the future of the planet.

The Acrobats of the Skunk World

These seven species of spotted skunks can do handstands, but that’s not the only secret they’re hiding.

Watch Out! There's a New Ocean on the Block

A new ocean has been added to the list. The Southern Ocean becomes the fifth ocean to be officially recognized on the world map.

Supertrees That Suck Up More Carbon Could Be Forest Climate Fix

Forestation and tree growth are perhaps the most powerful tool for reducing levels of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere and tackling climate change. Now genetically modified (GM) ‘supertrees’ that grow faster and rapidly take up CO2 could be used to address the climate crisis.

Bison are on the Move in Romania

The first bison relocation in Europe of its kind has been hailed a success after seven male individuals were transported from Germany and set free in Bulgaria earlier this summer.

Biden Summit Commits Nations to Less Pollution and a Brighter Future

President Biden catapulted the US back into its international climate change commitments on Earth Day 2021 with a wide-ranging summit on industrial emissions, clean technologies, job creation, and innovation. Ambitious action on greenhouse gases was announced, with promises to reduce emissions by 50-52% by 2030.

Bat Pups Babble like Babies

Baby greater sac-winged bats show similarities to human babies in the way they string together syllabus before they can learn to “talk.”

Canada's Wildlife is in Hot Water

Uncharacteristically hot temperatures in Canada and the Pacific Northwest have left people searching for relief. But what about the wildlife? It is only getting warmer, and that has caused irreversible damage and tragic demise to over 1 billion sea creatures.

Invasive Plant Problem? Bring in the Goats

Forget the gardener — you need goats! NYC's Riverside Park opted for a sustainable and eco-friendly way of getting rid of invasive plant species with the help of some furry friends.

An Inspiration for All: Rosie the Penguin

Rosie the Riveter, meet your adorable present-day inspiration, Rosie the penguin from the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona.