Cicada Brood XIV Emerges: Debunking Myths and Understanding the Buzz

The Eastern United States is currently experiencing the emergence of Brood XIV, a significant periodical cicada brood, marking a spectacle that occurs only once every 17 years. This year’s emergence is particularly noteworthy as it is the second-largest periodical brood. Alongside Brood XIV, experts at the University of Connecticut suggest that some stragglers from other broods, including Brood I, Brood VI, and Brood X, may also make an appearance, contributing to the already substantial cicada population.

According to Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, an organization dedicated to tracking these insects, Brood XIV is likely to emerge in 14 states based on its historical patterns. These states include Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Indiana, specifically within nine southern counties of the state.

While the arrival of these large, noisy insects can be overwhelming, it’s essential to understand that cicadas are harmless. Their presence often sparks a variety of myths and misconceptions, which this article aims to debunk.

Myth 1: Cicadas are a Bad Omen

The sudden appearance of a massive number of cicadas around homes often leads some to interpret it as a sign of impending misfortune, drawing comparisons to the biblical plague of locusts. However, this is a purely superstitious belief with no scientific basis. The emergence of cicadas is a natural phenomenon dictated by their life cycle and environmental conditions. It’s a biological event, not a harbinger of doom.

Myth 2: Cicadas are Locusts

Cicadas and locusts are frequently mistaken for each other, but they are entirely different insects. Cicadas belong to their own family, while locusts are a type of grasshopper. Locusts are known for traveling in large swarms and causing significant damage to agriculture by consuming vast amounts of vegetation. Cicadas, on the other hand, feed on tree sap and pose no threat to crops.

Myth 3: Cicada Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss

Male cicadas produce a loud buzzing sound to attract mates, and the collective chorus of a large brood can be quite intense. While the noise can be annoying, it is unlikely to cause permanent hearing damage unless someone is exposed to it at very close range for extended periods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the noise produced by cicadas does not typically reach levels that can cause hearing loss. CicadaMania indicates that the chorus can reach 90 to 100 decibels, similar to the sound of a lawnmower.

Myth 4: Cicadas Only Pee Droplets

Cicadas are notorious for their habit of urinating, often referred to as "honeydew" or "cicada rain," which is a common experience during their emergence. John Cooley, an entomologist at the University of Connecticut, explains that periodical cicadas have the unique ability to urinate in high-velocity jets.

A recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that most insects that consume xylem tree sap typically pee in small droplets to conserve energy. However, cicadas consume up to 300 times their weight in plant sap, so they expel waste fluid in jets for more energy efficiency. The study suggests that the ability to urinate in jets is related to an animal’s size and the shape of the liquid as it exits the body. The bigger body sizes and the energy savings allow cicadas to urinate more like large mammals.

Myth 5: Cicadas Bite or Sting

Cicadas do not have the ability to bite or sting like bees, wasps, ants, or other insects. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing and sucking fluids from trees and plants, not for inflicting defensive wounds. While they have prickly legs and feet that might prick the skin if held, they are not capable of causing any real harm.

Zombie Cicadas and Pet Safety

The term "zombie cicadas" refers to cicadas that have been infected with the fungus Massospora cicadina, which can cause them to behave strangely. However, these cicadas are not harmful to humans or pets. While the sight of cicadas emerging from the ground might resemble a scene from a zombie movie, there’s no need to worry.

Cicadas are also not poisonous if ingested by pets. However, eating too many cicadas can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club. Therefore, it’s best to limit your pet’s access to cicadas.

A Fleeting Phenomenon

The cicadas’ time above ground is relatively short, lasting only about five weeks. After this period, they die off, leaving behind piles of dead carcasses. While the sight of dead cicadas might be unpleasant for some, it’s a natural part of their life cycle.

For those who dislike cicadas, there’s good news: Brood XIV won’t be seen again until 2042 due to their 17-year life cycle. This extended absence provides a long reprieve from their noisy presence. In the meantime, understanding the facts about cicadas can help alleviate any fears or misconceptions surrounding their emergence.