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Cicadas Emerging After 17 Year Absence

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May 19, 2008 1:53 pm US/Eastern

Cicadas Emerging After 17 Year Absence

BOSTON (WBZ) ― A phenomenon of nature that only comes every 17 years is underway in Massachusetts. The red-eyed, distinctive-sounding cicadas are ready to emerge.

The particular cicadas making their way right now from underground burrows are known as the 'periodic cicadas of Brood XIV.' Their shrill mating songs will be heard over the next few weeks, before the bugs die-off and the 17 year wait for a new generation begins.

Cicadas are emerging in 13 eastern states, from Georgia north to Massachusetts. Early reports indicate the Cape will likely see the highest concentration of cicadas.

The inch-and-a-half long bugs live underground, feeding on tree roots for 17 years. Then they emerge from their lairs to mate, laying hundreds of eggs on trees. The adult cicadas die within three weeks of emerging. Then six weeks later, their eggs hatch, and cicada nymphs burrow their way into the ground, where they will stay for 17 more years.

Gerry Bunker runs the web site Massachusetts Cicadas. He tells WBZ that cicadas tend to emerge once soil temperature is around 65 degrees. He has received reports of cicadas getting ready to emerge in Mashpee, East Falmouth and Bourne.

 If you have heard or seen cicadas emerging in your neighborhood, let us know.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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