Where to Locate 17-Year Periodical Cicada Nests and Broods

The 17-year periodical cicada is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic insects in North America. Known for their synchronized emergences every 17 years, these cicadas capture the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Understanding where to locate their nests and broods is crucial for studying their life cycle, behavior, and the ecological impact they have on their habitats.

In this article, we will explore the biology of the 17-year periodical cicada, how to identify their nests, the different broods across regions, and tips for finding them in the wild.

Understanding the 17-Year Periodical Cicada

Periodical cicadas belong to the genus Magicicada. Unlike annual cicadas, which emerge every summer, periodical cicadas emerge en masse every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. The 17-year cicadas are more widely known due to their impressive life cycle and large emergences in eastern and midwestern United States.

Life Cycle Overview

The life cycle of a 17-year periodical cicada consists of:

• Egg Stage: Females lay eggs in slits they cut into tree branches.
• Nymph Stage: After hatching, nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into soil where they feed on root xylem sap for approximately 17 years.
• Emergence: When development is complete, mature nymphs tunnel to the surface simultaneously and molt into adult cicadas.
• Adult Stage: Adults live above ground for about four to six weeks, during which time they mate, lay eggs, and then die.

The precise timing of emergences is genetically controlled, resulting in massive synchronized broods that appear predictably every 17 years.

What Are Cicada Nests?

Unlike many insects that create visible physical nests or hives, periodical cicadas do not build elaborate structures. The “nests” commonly referenced are essentially their underground burrows where nymphs reside throughout their subterranean phase.

Characteristics of Cicada Nests (Burrows)

• Location: Typically found underground near tree roots.
• Structure: Vertical tunnels ranging from 6 to 24 inches deep.
• Function: Provide protection and access to tree root xylem sap for feeding nymphs.
• Emergence Holes: At emergence time, nymphs dig upward creating exit holes in the soil surface approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.

These emergence holes are often the most visible indicator of cicada nests during brood years.

Identifying Broods and Their Distribution

Periodical cicadas are grouped into different broods based on their geographic location and emergence year. Each brood emerges in a different region or time frame, allowing entomologists to track population cycles.

Major 17-Year Broods

Several broods of 17-year cicadas have been identified throughout the eastern United States. Some notable ones include:

• Brood X (Brood Ten): One of the largest broods, emerging primarily in states like Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Tennessee, and parts of Pennsylvania and New York.
• Brood II: Found mainly in parts of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina.
• Brood III: Localized mostly in Illinois.
• Brood XIX: Primarily appearing in parts of Missouri and Arkansas.

Each brood’s emergence year can be predicted based on historical records. For example:

• Brood X last emerged in 2004 and again in 2021.
• Brood II last emerged in 2013; next expected in 2030.

Knowing your region’s brood schedule helps you anticipate when adult cicadas will be visible.

How to Locate Cicada Nests During Emergence

Because nymphs spend most of their lives underground feeding on roots with minimal disturbance to soil surface until emergence year, adults and emergence holes provide key clues.

Step 1: Timing Your Search

Locate your region’s next emergence year based on established brood data. Search efforts are most effective during late spring through early summer when adults emerge en masse.

Step 2: Look for Emergence Holes

Emergence holes appear as round openings about half an inch wide scattered around trees. These holes may be grouped or sporadic but usually surround deciduous trees where females will later lay eggs.

Step 3: Focus on Suitable Trees

Cicadas prefer certain tree species for egg-laying:

• Oak (Quercus spp.)
• Maple (Acer spp.)
• Hickory (Carya spp.)
• Apple (Malus spp.)
• Elm (Ulmus spp.)

Look at medium-sized branches for small egg-laying slits (lines or grooves).

Step 4: Observe Adult Cicadas

Adults cluster on tree trunks and branches singing loudly to attract mates. Listening for their distinctive buzzing songs can lead you directly to areas with active broods.

Step 5: Soil Disturbance Clues

While searching near trees during emergence you may notice loose soil or small piles near emergence holes created by nymph tunnels breaking through.

Tips for Ethical Observation

When locating periodical cicada nests and broods:

• Avoid damaging trees or digging extensively near roots.
• Observe without collecting unless necessary for scientific study.
• Respect local wildlife regulations especially if observing rare broods.
• Use binoculars or magnifying glasses to inspect egg slits rather than removing bark unnecessarily.

Why Locating Cicada Nests Matters

Studying periodical cicada nests offers insight into:

• The health of local ecosystems since cicadas contribute nutrients returning to soil after mass death.
• Effects on forestry and agriculture due to egg-laying damage.
• The evolutionary biology behind synchronized emergences.
• Monitoring population changes potentially influenced by climate change or habitat loss.

Citizen science initiatives often encourage documenting cicada sightings by location which relies heavily on accurate nest identification.

Conclusion

Locating 17-year periodical cicada nests involves understanding their unique underground lifestyle centered around tree roots, recognizing emergence holes during brood years, identifying preferred host trees, and knowing regional brood schedules. These efforts not only enhance our appreciation of one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena but also support ongoing scientific research into these mysterious insects.

Whether you’re a naturalist eager to witness this rare event or a researcher mapping cicada populations, knowing where and how to find these elusive nests is key to unlocking the secrets beneath our feet that culminate in spectacular mass emergences every seventeen years.