For The First Time In 221 Years, A Rare Double Emergence Of Cicadas Is Expected In 2024 In Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published January 16, 2024
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Alabama residents are among those who will witness something folks haven’t seen for over two centuries – a double emergence of cicadas in 2024. When the ground warms up this spring, the two broods set to appear are Brood XIX, which we see every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which shows up every 17 years.
Having experienced Brood XIX in 2011 up in Nashville, I admit to being alarmed at the phrase “double emergence of cicadas 2024.” I can tell you that their last summer-long concert was super loud, and they also made meeting up for patio margs at a favorite Mexican spot a little less fun (just a fraction).
Here’s all you need to know if you’re in Alabama for the double emergence of cicadas 2024.
First things first: While there are two broods set to emerge in 2024, only Brood XIX will show up in Alabama, along with 13 other states. The 17-year cicadas, or Brood XIII, will appear further north in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While it is rare for there to be a double emergence, Illinois and Indiana are the only two states expected to see both bunches at once.
In case you're wondering, the other southern states to host Brood XIX are Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
While these periodical cicadas are different from the annual, black-eyed cicadas, they essentially do the same thing once they dig their way above ground. First they scurry up a nearby tree or other plant and shed their exoskeleton.
And the next adventure? Mating. Hence the noise. According to Birds & Blooms, the screechy buzz comes from the males, which have almost hollow abdomens to amplify the sound up to 120 decibels to attract mates as far as a mile away. It goes on to explain the insects get so loud they sometimes need "earplugs" themselves, and fortunately have that capability.
Once mating occurs, female cicadas lay their eggs in trees, which eventually drop to the ground. The larvae burrow deep below to feed on tree roots and other nutrients. And the cycle repeats. How long they stay underground eating is the main difference between the periodical and annual cicadas – besides the looks department, of course. The annuals only stay down for two to four years before emerging.
So what's their purpose? Mainly, they are important to the food chain for birds and other animals. And if you happen to enjoy the sound of cicadas, get ready for these to go to 11 this summer.
Since we know they’re set to show up, we might as well join them, right? Check off all the travel must-haves on our road trip essentials list, then take your pick of Alabama’s best natural wonders for an unforgettable adventure.
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