Where to Spot 13-Year Periodical Cicadas During Their Brood Cycle

Periodical cicadas are among nature’s most fascinating and mysterious insects. Known for their synchronized mass emergences every 13 or 17 years, these cicadas captivate scientists, nature enthusiasts, and the general public alike. The 13-year periodical cicadas, in particular, have a unique brood cycle that makes their appearances rare and special. If you’re curious about where to find them during their brood cycle, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know.

Understanding 13-Year Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas belong to the genus Magicicada. Unlike most other insects, which have life cycles measured in months or a few years, periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs before emerging synchronously after either 13 or 17 years.

What Makes the 13-Year Cicadas Unique?

While the majority of periodical cicadas follow a 17-year cycle, some broods follow a 13-year cycle. This means that each brood emerges once every 13 years in large geographical regions. The long interval helps them avoid predators and ensures their survival through what is called “predator satiation.” When they emerge en masse, the sheer numbers overwhelm predators who cannot consume them all, allowing most cicadas to reproduce successfully.

Broods of 13-Year Cicadas

The 13-year cicadas are divided into several broods across different regions of the United States. Each brood is designated by a Roman numeral and corresponds to a specific emergence year and location.

Key Broods of 13-Year Cicadas:

• Brood XIX: One of the most widespread and famous broods, Brood XIX primarily emerges across parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States.
• Brood XXII: Located mainly in parts of Louisiana and surrounding states.
• Brood XXIII: Found predominantly in Mississippi and Alabama.

Knowing which brood is active during a given year will help you predict where to spot these cicadas.

When Do They Emerge?

Because these cicadas live underground for 13 years feeding on root sap before emerging as adults, their emergences are highly synchronized and predictable based on the last appearance of their brood.

• Emergence Timing: Typically, 13-year periodical cicadas emerge in late spring to early summer, from late April through June, depending on local climate conditions.
• Environmental Triggers: Soil temperature reaching around 64°F at about 8 inches deep signals the nymphs to emerge.

Where to Spot Them

Spotting periodical cicadas during their brood cycle involves knowing their preferred habitats and understanding how they behave during emergence.

Preferred Habitats

Periodical cicadas prefer deciduous forests and wooded areas with plenty of hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, and dogwood. These trees provide essential nourishment for both nymphs underground (feeding on roots) and adults above ground (feeding on tree sap).

Look for:

• Mature forests with diverse tree species
• Suburban wooded neighborhoods
• Parks or nature preserves with dense hardwood canopies

Specific Regions by Brood

Brood XIX (The Great Southern Brood)

Brood XIX is one of the largest and most widespread 13-year broods. It can be found in parts of:

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• Oklahoma
• Texas

If you live or travel near these states during the emergence year (for example, Brood XIX emerged in 2011 and will again in 2024), plan trips to wooded parks or natural reserves in these areas for optimal viewing.

Brood XXII

Brood XXII is smaller but still notable. It is mainly found in:

• Louisiana
• Parts of Mississippi and Alabama

Exploring forested areas near these southern states during emergence years (e.g., last emerged in 2014; next expected in 2027) is your best bet.

Brood XXIII

Brood XXIII occurs mostly in:

• Mississippi
• Alabama

Look for mature hardwood forests within these regions during its emergence window (last seen in 2015; next around 2028).

How to Identify Periodical Cicadas in the Wild

When you reach a likely habitat during an emergence year, here’s how to identify these remarkable insects:

Appearance

• Size: Adults are about 1 to 1.5 inches long.
• Color: They have black bodies with bright red eyes—a distinctive feature not commonly found in other cicada species.
• Wings: Transparent wings with orange veins.

Sounds

One of the most memorable features is their chorus of loud mating calls produced by males. This buzzing or clicking noise can be heard throughout forests during warm days.

Behavior

Adults climb onto tree trunks or branches to mate. Females cut slits into tree twigs to lay eggs, often causing noticeable damage—small scars or dead twig tips.

Tips for Spotting Cicadas During Their Emergence

1. Visit During Peak Emergence: Aim for mid-May through June when adult activity peaks.
2. Listen for Calls: Follow the chorus sounds deep into wooded areas.
3. Check Tree Twigs: Look for egg-laying scars on thin branches.
4. Look Under Leaves & Bark: Where nymphs may be climbing before molting.
5. Avoid Early Mornings or Rainy Days: Cicadas are less active when cool or wet.

Why Spotting Them Is Important

Spotting 13-year periodical cicadas offers more than just a unique wildlife experience:

Ecological Role

Cicadas aerate soil as they emerge from underground tunnels, contributing to nutrient cycling. Their bodies provide food for birds, mammals, reptiles, and other insects—a crucial part of many food webs.

Scientific Research

Tracking broods helps scientists understand insect population dynamics, climate change impacts on synchronization patterns, and predator-prey relationships.

Cultural Significance

For many communities across the eastern and central U.S., cicada emergences are celebrated events marking rare natural phenomena that connect people with ecosystems spanning generations.

Conservation Considerations

Although periodical cicadas are not endangered, habitat destruction threatens some localized populations. Conserving mature hardwood forests ensures future generations can witness these extraordinary emergences.

When observing periodical cicadas:

• Avoid disturbing nymphs digging out of soil.
• Do not collect excessive numbers for specimen purposes.
• Respect private property and natural reserves by staying on designated trails.

Final Thoughts

Spotting the awe-inspiring emergence of 13-year periodical cicadas requires knowledge of timing, location, and behavior—but it rewards observers with an unforgettable glimpse into one of nature’s most spectacular mass events. Whether you venture into Midwest woodlands to see Brood XIX or explore southern hardwood forests for Broods XXII and XXIII, preparing ahead will ensure you don’t miss this rare natural marvel when it next arrives.

Mark your calendars based on known brood cycles, head out to prime habitats during peak months, listen carefully for their raucous chorus, and enjoy one of Earth’s most fascinating insect phenomena firsthand!