When will the cicadas emerge in 2024? Two broods of cicadas to come out in Illinois

Just weeks after an overhead natural phenomenon occurred in Illinois, another will begin underground. In the wake of the total solar eclipse will come the emergence of periodical cicadas.

The Prairie State soon may be the cicada capital of the nation when millions of the large, loud insects emerge from the ground in an event unseen since 1803.

While annual cicadas emerge every midsummer in Illinois, this year will feature a once-in-several-lifetimes event when two particular groups of periodical cicadas will start appearing together. Brood XIII and Brood XIX appear at the same time only once every 221 years. And they only occur adjacently in one area: a handful of counties in east-central Illinois.

When will cicadas emerge in 2024?

The two broods will begin emerging as early as May, dependent on soil temperature. The University of Illinois Extension recently provided an update. It said as of April 3, soil temperatures were still far below those needed for emergence.

Kacie Athey, a specialty crops entomologist with the extension, previously told the Journal Star the two broods will appear beginning in late May, with some overlap.

Do cicadas eat crops?

They do not. Emergent periodical cicadas do feed on plants, contrary to popular belief. But they are particular about their food, reports USA TODAY, which adds they only drink sap from plants with woody stems and branches, the same places they lay their eggs. Furthermore, "Most plants in anyone's yard are probably not in danger from periodical cicadas," Athey has said. "Anything growing in your garden should be safe," she added.

What do cicadas eat? That and other interesting facts about cicadas

Do cicadas eat mosquitoes?

Unfortunately, no. Cicadas do not prey on mosquitoes or other insects, says Orkin.com.

Illinois cicadas 2024: Should homeowners and gardeners be worried about the cicada emergence?

What do cicadas taste like?

The National Wildlife Federation notes that humans who have sampled cicadas often say they taste like canned asparagus. Other reports say they taste like almonds or seafood. Many cicada recipes can be found online.

Athey has said she hasn't personally eaten cicadas ... yet. But she added, "I have it on good authority that the ones covered in mulberry sauce are delicious. A dessert cicada, if you will."

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: When will the cicadas emerge in Illinois?