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Imagine stepping outside your door to a chorus of buzzing so loud it rivals a rock concert. That's the reality for those living in areas graced by periodical cicadas, insects that spend most of their lives underground only to emerge in a spectacle of sound and numbers every 13 or 17 years. But what about a double cicada brood in 2024? Is that even possible? Let's dig in!
While the idea of two broods emerging simultaneously might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, it's not entirely outlandish. Different broods, each on their own unique timetable, inhabit various regions. Occasionally, their emergences overlap, creating what's known as a 'double brood' year.
However, 2024 isn't slated to be one of those years. We'll see the emergence of Brood XIII, a 17-year brood, in parts of the Midwest and Southern US. But there's no other brood scheduled to join the party in the same year.
That doesn't mean 2024 won't be fascinating for insect enthusiasts! Witnessing any periodical cicada emergence is a unique experience. These aren't your everyday annual cicadas; these are creatures who've been patiently biding their time below ground, feeding on tree roots, for almost two decades!
"There are 15 different broods of cicadas out there, grouped by when they'll emerge from the ground." - Rose Eveleth, TEDEd
The emergence of Brood XIII offers a chance to witness nature's incredible timing and the fascinating life cycle of these noisy insects. So, while a double brood might not be on the cards for 2024, the emergence of Brood XIII is still an event worth marking on your calendar!
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