In our neck of the woods... cicadapocalypse

The cicadapocalypse has definitely arrived. We live in a fairly dense area of Ozarks forest, and cicadas are taking over here. It's quite astounding, actually.

Below is one of millions of periodical cicadas invading our forest, making it so loud outside that, at its peak in the afternoon, it literally hurts the ears.

Let's learn a bit more about these ear-splitting creatures. First, I'll point out that periodical cicadas are not the same thing as annual cicadas (which are much larger). Missouri has at least seven species of annual cicadas. They emerge later, in the dog days of July and August, and they can be quite loud also.

However, a significant emergence of the much smaller periodical cicadas can be overwhelming simply because of their vast numbers. Missouri has several species of 13-year cicadas (this means the nymphs live underground for 13 years, feeding on tree roots, before they emerge, transform into winged adults, and seek out a mate before dying).

Biologists tend to lump periodical cicadas into groups called broods, based on when they emerge. The largest brood in Missouri is called Brood 19. This brood is emerging now (May into June, 2024). These are 13-year cicadas, so the last time Brood 19 emerged was in 2011, and before that was 1998.

Brood 19 actually includes four species of 13-year cicadas, and it is, by far, the largest brood in Missouri. Brood 19 is also called the Great Southern Brood because they emerge in fifteen states throughout much of the southeastern U.S.

At the same time, Brood 13 (consisting of 17-year cicadas) is emerging in parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and northwestern Indiana. In some areas, Brood 19 and Brood 13 actually overlap, emerging together—the last time this happened was when Thomas Jefferson was president, in 1803.

So, on our property now, the ground is riddled with round holes where the cicadas emerged. Turkeys and other creatures (including squirrels, frogs, birds, lizards, and some snakes) are taking advantage of this rare treat by gorging themselves on the cicadas.

Wait... squirrels? Aren't squirrels herbivores? Yes, but they are also opportunistic carnivores, often eating insects and other small creatures when they have the opportunity. I have even seen a squirrel attack and eat a small bird.

Isn't nature amazing?

Photo credit:
13-year cicada - Stan C. Smith