Cicadas are emerging in the Upstate
This year’s highly anticipated bugged out event is here, and it’s only happening in certain parts of the U.S.
Brood XIX are emerging after spending 13 years underground. Brood XIX cicadas, also known as the Great Southern Brood, have been spotted by residents throughout the Upstate, whether that be in your backyard, forest, or local park.
Brood XIII is also emerging after spending 17 years down under, but they will only be seen in parts of the Midwest.
The last time these two broods emerged together was back in 1803. Altogether, a trillion cicadas are expected to emerge.
Read on to learn about these cicadas, and to learn about the cicada “zombie” fungus and cicada female wasp killer.
What are cicadas, and what do they look like?
According to Clemson University, cicadas are thickbodied, plant-feeding insects that can be found clinging to trees and vegetation. They measure 1-2 inches long and have compound eyes in shades of black and red, although some may emerge with blue or white eyes. Having two eyes is better than one, but cicadas are lucky enough to have three called the ocelli, which are located in the middle of their head. The wings of the insects are thick with prominent veins, and their antennae are small.
Cicadas are known for their loud, shrill noise and exoskeletons (discarded shells). Along with hemipterans like leafhoppers and spittlebugs, cicadas belong to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Their presence can be found worldwide. In the U.S., they live in the eastern