HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Two broods of cicadas from two generations are simultaneously emerging in the region this summer, an occurrence that hasn’t happened in 200 years. Although these broods will be popping up all over the country this summer, in this region Western Kentucky and parts of Tennessee will be affected with the bulk of them coming down from Illinois.
“The last time this happened, Thomas Jefferson was president,” said Kelly Jackson, a horticulture agent with the Chrisitan County Extension Office. “It will be loud, but it will be temporary.”
Although the pleasant hum of dog day cicadas is a staple of southern summers, the massive rush of millions of these insects coming this year consists of periodical cicadas. Put simply, one brood from the 13 year-generation, and another brood from the 17-year generation will show their creepy faces to the world at the same time.
These unique insects spend most of their life underground, feeding off of tree roots until they crawl up from the ground to mate, lay eggs in trees, and die, according to Jackson. As summer ends, the branches containing eggs will break off, giving the babies a chance to crawl back underground.
Contrary to what their red eyes and loud buzzing implies, the broods are harmless to people and provide a good snack for wildlife. Although, Jackson warned that budding orchards and newly planted trees could potentially be damaged as they lay eggs. He told Christian County Now it’s possible to already see some of them making their way out of the ground by lifting up stepping stones or looking near trees.
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