See you again in 17 years!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Their loud noises may have stopped (although the annual cicadas are singing now), but the northern Illinois Periodical cicadas have ensured that the next generation will appear in the year 2041.

Have you noticed more downed branches in your yard lately?

• This natural pruning process is courtesy of the female periodical cicadas laying their eggs in tree branches.
• If you look at a whole tree, you will be able to see the dead and dying leaves which are turning brown.
• As the small, dead branches fall to the ground, the cicada nymphs, which hatch from their eggs in 6-7 weeks, will have easy access to the soil.
• The newly hatched nymphs burrow down into the soil to find tree roots (they dine on tree sap) and start their slow growth process.
• They won't see the sunlight again for 17 years!
• But as 2041 rolls around, they will emerge from holes in the ground, transition into adults and start the process all over again.
• To find out which local areas had the most cicadas, and the least, click here!