Periodical cicadas are an interesting and unique insect species that emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years. These cicadas are known for their synchronized emergence, which makes them a fascinating natural phenomenon to observe. St. Louis is one of the many areas in the United States that is expected to experience a periodical cicada emergence in 2024, and it is important for residents to understand what to expect.
Understanding periodical cicadas is key to appreciating their emergence in St. Louis. These insects spend most of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots until they are ready to emerge as adults. Once they emerge, they mate, lay eggs, and die within a few weeks. The emergence of periodical cicadas is a natural process that has occurred for millions of years, and it is an important part of the ecosystem. Cicadas provide a valuable source of food for many animals, and their emergence can also benefit the environment by aerating the soil and redistributing nutrients.
Cicada emergence in St. Louis is expected to be a major event in 2024. According to experts, there could be as many as 60 billion cicadas coming out of the ground in just St. Louis City alone. While this may seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that cicadas are harmless to humans and pets. However, it is still important to take precautions to protect young trees and shrubs, as cicadas can cause damage to these plants.
Understanding Periodical Cicadas
Species Overview
Periodical cicadas are a type of cicada that emerge from the ground in large numbers every 13 or 17 years. They are different from annual cicadas, which emerge every year. There are several species of periodical cicadas, with different generations called broods. In St. Louis, the most common broods are Brood XIX and Brood XIII, which emerge in 2024.
Life Cycle and Biology
Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on sap from tree roots. Once the soil temperature reaches a certain threshold, usually around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the nymphs emerge from the ground and molt into adults. Male cicadas emerge first, followed by females a few days later. Females can be identified by their pointed abdomen and sheathed ovipositor, the organ they use to lay eggs.
Brood Phenomena
Brood XIX and Brood XIII are both 17-year cicadas, meaning that they emerge from the ground every 17 years. Brood XIX is expected to emerge in the southeastern United States, while Brood XIII will be concentrated in the Midwest. Brood X is a 13-year periodical cicada that emerged in 2021 in the eastern United States.
During their emergence, periodical cicadas can be heard singing loudly, sometimes reaching up to 100 decibels. They mate, lay eggs, and die within a few weeks, leaving behind their offspring to start the cycle anew. The sheer number of cicadas that emerge at once can be overwhelming, with some estimates putting the total number of cicadas in a single brood in the trillions.
In conclusion, periodical cicadas are fascinating insects that spend most of their lives underground before emerging in large numbers every 13 or 17 years. They are different from annual cicadas and have several different broods, each with its own unique emergence pattern. While their emergence can be overwhelming, it is a natural phenomenon that is a wonder to behold.
Cicada Emergence in St. Louis
Periodical cicadas, also known as “locusts,” are large, red-eyed insects that emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years. In 2024, the Brood XIX cicadas are expected to emerge in Missouri, including the St. Louis region.
Predicting Cicada Emergence
Cicada emergence is difficult to predict with precision, but researchers have developed models to estimate when and where the insects will appear. The emergence of periodical cicadas is triggered by soil temperature, which must be warm enough to signal the insects to emerge from their underground burrows.
Mapping Brood Locations
Brood XIX is a large brood of periodical cicadas that is expected to emerge in Missouri and Illinois in 2024. According to discoverandshare.org, St. Louis City could see as many as 60 billion cicadas emerging from the ground, with each acre holding 1.5 million cicadas. The insects will emerge in the spring, likely in May or June.
Cicadas are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance due to their loud mating calls and sheer numbers. Homeowners may want to take steps to protect young trees and shrubs, as cicadas can damage small branches by laying their eggs in them.
In conclusion, the emergence of periodical cicadas in St. Louis is a natural phenomenon that occurs every 13 or 17 years. While the insects can be a nuisance, they do not pose a threat to human health or safety. By mapping brood locations and predicting emergence patterns, researchers can better understand the environmental factors that influence the life cycle of cicadas.
The Impact of Cicadas on the Environment
Cicadas are known for their potential to cause damage to plant life, but they also play a vital role in enriching the environment. In this section, we will explore the impact of cicadas on the environment, including their effects on plant life, wildlife, and overall environmental enrichment.
Cicadas and Plant Life
Cicadas can cause damage to trees and plants by laying their eggs in the branches of trees. The female cicadas use their ovipositors to cut slits in the branches, where they deposit their eggs. This can cause damage to the tree’s branches, which can lead to the death of the tree. However, cicadas also play a crucial role in enriching the soil and providing nutrition to trees. When cicadas die, their bodies decompose and release nutrients into the soil, which can help to enrich the soil and promote healthy tree growth.
Cicadas and Wildlife
Cicadas are an important food source for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. The abundance of cicadas during a periodical cicada emergence can help to support wildlife populations by providing a plentiful food source. However, cicadas can also attract predators, such as raccoons and skunks, which can have a negative impact on wildlife populations.
Environmental Enrichment
Periodical cicada emergences can also enrich the environment by providing a significant amount of biomass to the ecosystem. When cicadas die, their bodies decompose and release nutrients into the soil, which can help to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth. Cicadas can also provide a source of nutrition for other insects and animals, which can help to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
In conclusion, while cicadas can cause damage to plant life, they also play a vital role in enriching the environment. Cicadas provide a source of nutrition for wildlife and other insects, and their bodies can help to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth. Overall, cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem and should be appreciated for their contributions to the environment.
Behavior and Characteristics of Cicadas
Physical Description
Periodical cicadas are large insects with black bodies, red eyes, and orange wing veins. They have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from predators. Males are smaller than females, and they have a pair of loud noisemakers called tymbals on their abdomen. Females can be identified by their pointed abdomen and sheathed ovipositor, the organ they use to lay eggs.
Mating Rituals
The mating rituals of periodical cicadas are loud and boisterous. Male cicadas gather in large groups and sing to attract females. Their singing can reach up to 100 decibels, which is louder than a lawnmower. Females respond to the singing by flicking their wings, which produces a clicking sound. Once they find a mate, they engage in a brief courtship before mating.
Survival Strategies
Periodical cicadas have evolved several strategies to survive in the wild. One of the most effective is their synchronized emergence. By emerging in large numbers every 13 or 17 years, they overwhelm predators with their sheer numbers. They also have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from most predators. When threatened, they can fly away at high speeds, making them difficult to catch.
Overall, periodical cicadas are fascinating insects with unique behaviors and characteristics. Their loud chorus and synchronized emergence make them a spectacle to behold. While they may be a nuisance to some, they play an important role in the ecosystem and have adapted several strategies to survive in the wild.
Human and Cicada Interaction
Periodical cicadas are known for their massive emergence, which can number in the billions, and their loud, distinctive mating calls that can reach decibel levels equivalent to a lawnmower or motorcycle. As such, it’s not uncommon for humans to encounter cicadas in urban areas, especially during a cicada invasion.
Cicadas in Urban Areas
Cicadas are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting, nor are they poisonous. They do not cause any damage to structures or plants, although their feeding habits can cause some minor damage to trees and shrubs. While cicadas can be noisy, their presence is not considered a public health hazard.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding cicadas, such as the belief that they only emerge every 17 years. In reality, there are several different species of periodical cicadas, each with its own unique emergence cycle. Additionally, cicadas are not locusts, which are a type of grasshopper that can cause significant damage to crops.
Cicadas as a Nuisance
While cicadas are harmless, their sheer numbers and loud mating calls can be a nuisance to some people, especially those living in areas with a high concentration of cicadas. However, there are several ways to mitigate the impact of cicadas, such as using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and covering plants and trees with netting to prevent damage from feeding.
In summary, while cicadas can be a nuisance, they are harmless to humans and do not pose a threat to public health. With a little preparation and knowledge, it’s possible to coexist peacefully with these fascinating insects during their emergence in the St. Louis area.
Conservation and Study
Research and Education
Periodical cicadas are a fascinating subject for researchers and educators alike. The unique life cycle of these insects provides a wealth of opportunities for studying their biology and behavior. In St. Louis, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a great place to learn more about periodical cicadas. They offer educational programs and exhibits that showcase the life cycle of the cicadas and their importance to the environment.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts for periodical cicadas focus on preserving their habitat and ensuring their survival. With as many as 1.5 million cicadas per acre and up to 60 billion cicadas in St. Louis alone, it’s clear that these insects play an important role in the ecosystem. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was so fascinated by cicadas that he included them in his notes on the natural history of Virginia.
Efforts to conserve periodical cicadas include protecting their natural habitat and educating the public about their importance to the environment. In Iowa, for example, the Department of Natural Resources has created a management plan to protect cicada habitats and ensure their survival. These efforts are important not only for the cicadas themselves, but for the wildlife and environment of North America as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we expect the emergence of periodical cicadas in St. Louis?
Periodical cicadas are expected to emerge in St. Louis in the spring of 2024. According to The Nature Conservancy, the exact date of emergence is difficult to predict and can vary based on weather conditions. However, they typically emerge in late April or early May.
What is the expected duration of the cicada presence in St. Louis for the 2024 emergence?
The periodical cicadas are expected to be present in St. Louis for about four to six weeks. After this time, the cicadas will die off, and their offspring will burrow underground for another 17 years.
How often do periodical cicadas emerge in Missouri?
Periodical cicadas emerge in Missouri every 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood. The brood that will emerge in St. Louis in 2024 is Brood XIX, which emerges every 13 years.
What areas in St. Louis are most likely to experience heavy cicada activity in 2024?
According to St. Louis Public Radio, the areas of St. Louis that are most likely to experience heavy cicada activity in 2024 are those with mature trees, as the cicadas prefer to lay their eggs in the branches of trees.
Are there any special behaviors or phenomena associated with the periodical cicada emergence in Missouri?
One of the most notable behaviors associated with periodical cicada emergence in Missouri is the loud, buzzing noise that the male cicadas make to attract mates. Additionally, the sheer number of cicadas that emerge can be overwhelming, with up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre in some areas.
Why Choose STL Pest Control?
At STL Pest Control, we understand that while cicadas are a natural wonder, their emergence can pose certain challenges. Here’s why you should trust us:
- Expertise: With years of experience in pest control, we have the knowledge and skills to manage cicada-related issues effectively.
- Customized Solutions: We provide tailored solutions to protect your young trees and manage noise disturbances.
- Eco-Friendly Approaches: We use environmentally friendly methods to ensure your property is safe without harming the local ecosystem.
- Reliable Service: Our team is dedicated to offering prompt, reliable service to help you through the cicada emergence period.
Don’t let the upcoming cicada emergence catch you off guard. Contact STL Pest Control today to learn more about how we can help you protect your property and enjoy this natural phenomenon with peace of mind.