Trillions of cicadas will emerge soon. Here's what it means for Arizona

As the 2024 cicada season approaches, anticipation mounts for a remarkable natural event set to unfold this spring and summer.

This year promises a profuse emergence of these noisy insects as two distinct broods of cicadas, one on a 13-year cycle and the other on a 17-year cycle, emerge simultaneously from underground in much of the East and Midwest.

This convergence, a rare occurrence last witnessed in 1803, is poised to paint the landscape with the buzzing symphony of billions — maybe even trillions — of winged insects engaged in their raucous mating rituals.

Cicadas are prevalent in Arizona, particularly during the warmer months, when their distinctive calls fill the air. However, the two broods that are expected to inundate states east of the Mississippi River are not present in Arizona.

Here's what to know about cicadas in Arizona, including whether they can predict monsoons.

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Is 2024 a double cicada year?

Yes. This spring, two different broods of cicadas, one on a 13-year cycle and the other on a 17-year cycle, will emerge simultaneously in a rare synchronized event not seen since 1803, Earth Sky explains. This remarkable occurrence will blanket Midwestern, Southern and Eastern states with billions of cicadas.

The 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII have coincidentally made their homes adjacent to each other, with a narrow overlap in central Illinois. They emit loud buzzing sounds to attract mates, reaching up to 100 decibels, similar to a motorcycle or jackhammer, which will lead to a noisy few weeks and an abundance of insect carcasses.

This rare event is a phenomenon that occurs once every 221 years.

Are there cicadas in Phoenix?

Yes, cicadas are common in Phoenix, particularly during the warmer months. The Sonoran Desert region of Arizona, which includes Phoenix, is home to a variety of cicada species. Cicadas can be found in parks, gardens, yards and other green spaces throughout the city.

From late spring to early fall, you may hear the distinctive buzzing and clicking sounds of cicadas in Phoenix and other parts of Arizona. These insects are an integral part of the desert ecosystem, playing important roles as pollinators and a food source for other animals.

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How often do cicadas come out in Arizona?

Cicadas are periodic insects that emerge in Arizona at different intervals depending on the species. You can hear and see them in Arizona during the summer months, according to Titan Tree AZ.com.

Annual cicadas, which emerge every year, are more prevalent in Arizona than periodical cicadas, which have longer life cycles of 13 or 17 years.

When do cicadas come out in Arizona?

The exact timing of cicada emergence depends on factors such as temperature, rainfall and local environmental conditions.

In general, cicadas in Arizona are most active during the months when temperatures are highest and conditions are optimal for their development and mating activities. This typically occurs from May to September, with peak activity in June, July and August, according to Titan Tree AZ.com.

What is the lifespan of a cicada in Arizona?

Cicadas in Arizona are typically annual species, meaning they complete their life cycle within one to five years.

Most of an Arizona cicada's lifespan is spent underground as a nymph before emerging as an adult for a brief period to mate and lay eggs. The length of time spent underground can vary depending on the species and environmental factors and is typically several years.

Once cicadas emerge from underground, their adult lifespan is relatively short, usually lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time, adult cicadas focus on mating and laying eggs before they die.

What do Arizona cicadas look like?

Cicadas in Arizona come in a variety of species, each with its unique appearance. However, many cicadas share similar characteristics. The most common species in Arizona is the Apache cicada, which is dark-colored with a pale tan band just behind its head, according to the Arizona Historical Society.

In general, adult cicadas have large, elongated bodies with membranous wings that are typically held roof-like over their backs when at rest. They have large eyes and often have vibrant colors or patterns, such as green, brown or black. Some species may have transparent wings with intricate veining.

Cicadas have three pairs of legs that are adapted for grasping branches or other surfaces. Their front legs are often modified for digging, as nymphs spend much of their lives underground.

Why do cicadas make noise?

Cicadas make noise primarily as a means of communication for mating purposes. The loud buzzing or clicking sounds produced by male cicadas attract females and establish territories, according to Arizona State University.

Male cicadas have specialized structures called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomens. By rapidly contracting and releasing these tymbals, cicadas produce loud, distinctive sounds. Different species of cicadas produce different patterns and frequencies of sound, allowing them to identify and attract mates of the same species.

In addition to mating calls, cicadas may also produce alarm calls or defensive sounds. Some cicada species make hissing or clicking sounds when handled or disturbed, as a warning signal to potential predators.

Do cicadas make noise when it's going to rain?

Cicadas produce noise primarily for mating purposes, and their activity levels are influenced by temperature, humidity and daylight hours.

There is a common belief that cicadas become louder before rain or during periods of increased humidity, leading to the perception that they can predict rain. However, this belief is not entirely accurate.

While cicadas do tend to be more active during warm, humid weather and their buzzing sounds may be more noticeable during these conditions, there is no direct correlation between cicada activity and impending rain. According to Cicada Mania, cicadas love the sun, so rain or cloudy skies decrease the likelihood they will sing.

Can cicadas predict monsoons in Arizona?

Yes and no. Cicadas themselves cannot predict monsoons or any other weather patterns. However, some people believe that cicada activity, particularly their buzzing sounds, increase before monsoon rains in Arizona, according to TitanTreeAZ.com.

This belief likely stems from the observation that cicadas are more active during warm, humid weather, which is characteristic of the monsoon season in Arizona.

While cicadas may indeed be more noticeable before monsoon rain, their behavior is not a reliable indicator of impending weather conditions. Monsoon weather patterns are influenced by a variety of atmospheric factors, including moisture levels, temperature gradients and wind patterns.

Are cicadas good or bad?

Both. On the positive side, cicadas contribute to nutrient cycling by feeding on plant sap and returning nutrients to the soil upon death.

Cicadas are a crucial food source for numerous predators, including birds, mammals, reptiles and other insects, thereby supporting biodiversity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

And while less efficient than bees, cicadas aid in pollination as they move among plants in search of food and mates.

However, cicadas can damage plants. Underground nymphs may harm plant roots; adult cicadas lay eggs in branches, leading to tree and shrub damage. In agricultural areas, cicadas can cause significant crop damage.

The loud buzzing or clicking male cicadas make during mating season can be annoyingly noisy.

Can cicadas bite?

Cicadas do not have mouthparts designed for biting or feeding on blood. Cicadas do have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to extract sap from plant stems and branches, according to Cicada Mania. These mouthparts are adapted for feeding on plant fluids and are not capable of inflicting bites on humans or animals.

How do I get rid of cicadas in Arizona?

Cicadas can be noisy, but they are generally harmless to humans. Getting rid of cicadas in Arizona might not be necessary unless they are causing significant disruption or damage. Here are some tips from Terminix for getting rid of cicadas:

• Use netting: If cicadas are damaging plants or trees, protect them with fine mesh netting. This can prevent cicadas from laying eggs or feeding on leaves.

• Avoid attractants: Cicadas are attracted to flowering plants and fruit trees. Consider planting less attractive species or using repellents to deter cicadas.

• Reduce moisture: Cicadas prefer moist soil for egg-laying. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage in your yard.

• Physical removal: If cicadas are congregating in large numbers, you can physically remove them by gently shaking branches or using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.

• Natural predators: Encourage natural predators of cicadas, such as birds, to frequent your yard by providing bird feeders or bird baths.

What are the cicada predictions?

Cicada predictions typically refer to forecasts or expectations regarding the emergence of cicada species, particularly those with longer life cycles such as 13-year or 17-year cicadas. These predictions are based on historical records, environmental factors and scientific research.

For periodical cicadas, which emerge in synchronized broods after spending many years underground as nymphs, predictions are often made several years in advance. Researchers use mathematical models and monitoring efforts to track the development of cicada broods and predict when and where they will emerge, according to Oxford Academic.

But predictions for annual cicadas, which are common in Arizona and emerge every year, are less precise and typically focus on general patterns of emergence based on temperature, rainfall and other environmental factors.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cicadas in Arizona: Do they really predict the monsoon?