Periodical cicadas are insects that emerge in synchronized broods as an evolutionary strategy to increase their chances of survival. This safety-in-numbers approach allows more cicadas to live on and reproduce, passing along their genes. Those that emerge alone, known as stragglers, are at a disadvantage as they are more likely to be eaten by predators and not survive to reproduce. This summer, an extra-large number of periodical cicadas is expected to surface, with two broods emerging at the same time for the first time in nearly two centuries.
The emergence of periodical cicadas is influenced by temperature, with rising temperatures possibly affecting their internal clocks and communication patterns. In recent years, researchers have observed changes in the insects’ emergence rhythms, with reports of earlier emergence dates and an increase in stragglers. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the range of cicadas may shift northward as plant species change. This climate warming may be leading to more stragglers emerging early, potentially forming new populations that adapt to the changing environment.
Scientists believe that rising temperatures are lengthening the growing seasons of plants that cicadas feed on, accelerating the insects’ development underground. This may be causing more stragglers to emerge early, leading to a shift in the timing of cicada populations. There is a theory that 17-year cicada broods may shift to become 13-year cicadas, with potential emergences every nine years. This adaptation would be another example of how climate change is disrupting the natural world’s regular patterns.
Periodical cicadas are harmless to people and are distributed across the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. Unlike annual cicada species, periodical cicadas emerge on special 17 or 13-year cycles. During their underground years, cicadas feed on plant roots, and once they emerge, they participate in a mating ritual before becoming prey for predators. Scientists are still trying to understand how cicadas coordinate their emergence, as temperature alone doesn’t explain the success of their synchronization. Research suggests that further investigation is needed to determine if cicadas might communicate underground.
The unique emergence of periodical cicadas is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases nature’s intricate adaptations and responses to changing environmental conditions. Through their synchronized broods, cicadas increase their chances of survival and reproduction, ultimately contributing to the genetic diversity of their populations. In the face of climate change, researchers are observing how rising temperatures are influencing the behavior and timing of cicadas, potentially leading to significant shifts in their populations and emergence patterns in the future.
