Signs of 13-Year Periodical Cicada Emergence in Your Area

Every thirteen years, a fascinating natural phenomenon captivates the attention of scientists, nature enthusiasts, and curious residents alike—the emergence of the 13-year periodical cicada. These remarkable insects spend over a decade underground as nymphs before bursting forth in synchronized mass emergences that can number in the millions per square mile. If you live in or near an area where these cicadas are due to appear, recognizing the early signs of their emergence can enhance your experience and help you prepare for what is sure to be a noisy and memorable event.

In this article, we delve into the key signs that indicate the 13-year periodical cicadas are about to emerge or have already started their spectacular life cycle above ground.

Understanding the 13-Year Periodical Cicada

Before exploring the signs of cicada emergence, it helps to understand what makes these insects so unique. Unlike annual cicadas, which appear every year, periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground feeding on tree root sap. They emerge in massive swarms after exactly 13 years (or sometimes 17 years depending on the brood), mate, lay eggs, and die within a few weeks. This synchronized emergence overwhelms predators due to sheer numbers, ensuring species survival.

The 13-year cicadas belong primarily to the genus Magicicada, and there are several broods distributed across various regions in the United States. Knowing if your location lies within a brood’s range is the first step toward anticipating an emergence.

When to Expect Emergence

Timing is critical when identifying signs of an impending cicada emergence. The insects generally emerge in late spring to early summer once soil temperatures reach approximately 64°F (18°C) at a depth of about 8 inches (20 cm). This temperature threshold signals to the nymphs that environmental conditions are optimal for their transition above ground.

Emergence typically begins after sunset on a warm evening and continues into the following days and weeks.

Physical Signs of Cicada Emergence

1. Soil Disturbances and Exit Holes

One of the earliest physical indications that periodical cicadas are nearing emergence is the appearance of exit holes in the soil. These round holes, approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter, mark where mature nymphs have tunneled their way out from underground chambers.

If you observe clusters of these small holes around tree bases, garden beds, or lawns, it’s a strong indication that cicadas are emerging or about to emerge imminently.

2. Shed Exoskeletons (Exuviae)

After emerging from the ground, cicada nymphs climb nearby vertical surfaces like tree trunks, fences, or shrubs to molt into adults. During this process, they shed their tough outer skin or exoskeletons called exuviae.

These empty shells cling tightly to bark or leaves and can be found in large numbers during emergence periods. Spotting piles or clusters of these golden-brown exoskeletons on trees or other surfaces is a clear sign that adult cicadas have recently emerged.

3. Increased Tree Activity

Since cicada nymphs feed on tree roots for years underground, their mass emergence can cause noticeable stress to certain trees and plants. While healthy mature trees usually tolerate this feeding well, some twigs and small branches may show signs of damage where female cicadas lay eggs by slicing slits into branches.

This oviposition activity may cause twig dieback or small areas of browning foliage on susceptible trees like oak, hickory, or fruit trees.

Behavioral Signs of Cicada Emergence

4. Buzzing and Singing Sounds

One unmistakable sign that periodical cicadas have appeared is their characteristic mating calls—loud buzzing chorus sounds produced primarily by males using specialized structures called tymbals on their abdomens.

The sound can be deafening when millions sing simultaneously, often described as a continuous buzzing or rattling drone interspersed with pulses and trills.

If you start hearing persistent loud buzzing noises outdoors during warm days in late spring or early summer, especially near wooded or suburban areas with lots of trees, it’s a strong signal that adult periodical cicadas are present.

5. Visible Adult Cicadas

Of course, seeing adult cicadas themselves is one of the most obvious signs they have emerged. Adults are roughly 1 to 1.5 inches long with black bodies marked with orange or red eyes and wings patterned with orange veins.

They tend to congregate on tree trunks, branches, fence posts, walls, and even on buildings during daytime hours. You might notice them slowly crawling over surfaces or fluttering short distances as they search for mates.

6. Swarming Behavior

Periodical cicadas exhibit mass swarming behavior during their brief time above ground. Entire trees can seem covered by thousands of buzzing insects at once. Swarms attract many birds and other insectivores as well.

If you spot dense clusters or swarms moving together around trees or shrubs during warm weather evenings or days, you are witnessing another hallmark sign of emergence.

Environmental Factors That Signal Emergence

7. Rising Soil Temperatures

As mentioned earlier, soil temperature plays a pivotal role in triggering emergence. Gardeners and naturalists sometimes use soil thermometers near tree roots to monitor warming trends in late spring.

When soil at about eight inches deep reaches approximately 64°F (18°C), it usually means emergence will begin soon—often within days—depending on local weather conditions such as warmth and moisture levels.

8. Weather Patterns

Warm spring rains followed by stable sunny weather create ideal conditions for cicada emergence. Moist soil eases nymph movement toward the surface while warm air temperatures support adult activities like flying and mating calls.

Extended cold spells or dry weather can delay emergence slightly but usually do not prevent it altogether once temperatures rise adequately.

What To Do If You Notice Signs of Cicada Emergence

Enjoy The Experience

Periodical cicada events are rare ecological spectacles offering a glimpse into fascinating insect life cycles rarely seen elsewhere on such a scale. Many people take this opportunity to observe nature up close, photograph cicadas’ unique features, listen to their songs, and learn more about entomology.

Protect Vulnerable Plants

Because female cicadas lay eggs by cutting slits into smaller branches—sometimes causing damage—gardeners may want to protect young trees or fruit bushes by covering them with fine netting until adults die off naturally (usually within four to six weeks).

Avoid Panic Over Noise

The sheer volume of cicada calls can be overwhelming but remember they pose no threat to humans; they do not bite or sting. Their loud choruses subside quickly after breeding ends each season.

Report Sightings

Many universities and state agricultural extensions track periodical cicada broods scientifically using citizen reports that help map distribution patterns accurately over time.

If you spot documented signs like exit holes or hear loud choruses in known brood areas during expected years (consult local extension websites), consider reporting your sightings for research purposes.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a 13-year periodical cicada emergence involves observing subtle changes both above and below ground—from tiny exit holes and shed exoskeletons on trees to full-blown noisy swarms buzzing overhead on warm spring evenings. Timing with rising soil temperatures and environmental cues further confirms when these remarkable insects are ready to continue their ancient cycle above ground.

Whether you’re an avid naturalist eager to witness one of nature’s grandest synchronized phenomena or simply curious about those mysterious buzzing creatures suddenly appearing outside your door after more than a decade underground—being able to identify these signs will prepare you for an unforgettable natural event that connects generations past with those unfolding right now around you.