Janet Loehrke and Doyle Rice USA TODAY

When will the cicadas emerge in 2021?

Will they rise up for their singular life cycles in your state? Read on to find out!

Anatomy of a periodical cicada

Unlike greenish, annual cicadas, periodical cicadas are known for their black bodies, clear wings and bold red eyes.

They breathe through 10 pairs of spiracles, two of which are on the thorax; eight are on the abdomen. The antennae are short and bristly.

In what states will cicadas be emerging in 2021?

Brood X is one of the largest and most broadly distributed groups of periodical cicadas. They can be found from northern Georgia to New York, west to the Mississippi River and in the Midwest.

How long will cicadas be around?

Their lifespan is four to six weeks, and will they will start to die off in late June into July.

If the weather is consistently warm and dry, the cicadas will finish their mating activities sooner than later, which would mean a shorter season.

It depends on the weather and latitude in the U.S. Brood X cicadas usually emerge in late April and early May. Ground temperatures trigger when the cicadas will come out.

Locust

Cicada

Are cicadas and locusts the same thing?

No, they are different species of insects. Locusts belong to the same family of insects as grasshoppers. Locusts are far more destructive, as they feed on a variety of plant life. Cicadas don't cause the same level of destruction as locusts.

What is the life cycle of a cicada?

The cicada has the longest life cycle of any insect. Once they're mature, the brood will emerge, where they'll spend two to four weeks in late May and early June courting, mating, flying, driving people crazy and being eaten by everything.

How big are the Brood X cicadas?

They’re 1 to 2 inches long with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches. The length of about 2 to
3 pennies.

Sounds of the cicada

Periodical cicadas are known for their earsplitting sounds, which are produced by the male of the species to attract females.

The next time the Brood X cicadas will emerge will be in 2038.

There are at least 15 separate cycles, or "broods," of periodic cicadas in the U.S. Some emerge every 17 years, while others come out every 13 years.

For more visual explainers, visit USATODAY.com

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