How long will cicadas be around this year? Here’s when to expect Brood XIX, XIII to die off

This year, trillions of periodical cicadas from two distinct broods are emerging from their underground habitats in over a dozen states, filling the air with their characteristic noise.

The two broods making an appearance are the 13-year Brood XIX, primarily in the Southeast, and the 17-year Brood XIII in the Midwest. This simultaneous emergence, occurring for the first time since 1803, will be noticeable in both Illinois and Iowa.

If you’ve already spotted some of these cicadas, you might be wondering how long they will be around this year and what their life cycle entails. Here’s a closer look at their fascinating lives, both below and above ground.

When do cicadas emerge?

According to Cicada Mania, cicadas start emerging from their underground habitats when the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 8 inches, often triggered by a warm rain.

Due to warm temperatures, cicadas have already been observed in states across the Southeast and Midwest.

How long will the cicadas be above ground?

The lifespan of cicadas above ground depends on whether they belong to an annual or periodical species.

This summer’s periodical broods are Brood XIX, with a 13-year life cycle, and Brood XIII, with a 17-year life cycle. After emerging, male and female periodical cicadas mate, the females lay eggs, and then the adults die within three to six weeks.

Thus, most of this year’s periodical cicadas will die by June, although some may persist until late May or into July, depending on their emergence timing.

Annual cicadas, whose nymphs stay underground for two to five years, are termed “annual” because some individuals emerge each year.

What is the life cycle of a cicada?

The cicada life cycle begins with mating. The female lays eggs in slits she creates in tree branches and shrubs. After six to 10 weeks, the eggs hatch, and the nymphs burrow into the ground, attaching to tree roots.

Depending on the species, cicadas remain underground for a dormant period of two to 17 years before emerging as adults.

2024 emergence map: Where Broods XIX and XIII are emerging
These two cicada broods are expected to emerge across 17 states in the South and Midwest. The emergence begins when the soil eight inches underground reaches 64 degrees, typically starting in May and lasting through late June.