Cicadas: A Buzzing Phenomenon with Unforeseen Consequences
Periodical Cicadas Emerge After 17-Year Hibernation
After spending 17 years underground, billions of Brood X cicadas have emerged across 14 states and Washington, D.C. These periodical cicadas, known for their distinct 100-decibel songs, have made their presence known in a variety of surprising ways.
Disruptions to Daily Life
The sheer number of cicadas has caused disruptions to daily life. Their relentless singing has been nearly unavoidable in some areas, and their nymph shells have littered the ground. However, their impact has extended beyond noise pollution.
- Airplane Delays: Cicadas have caused delays to aircraft, including the White House press corps airplane. The insects crowded into the plane’s engines, causing mechanical issues.
- Car Crashes: Cicadas have also been responsible for car crashes. In Cincinnati, a cicada flew into a car and hit the driver in the face, causing the driver to swerve and hit a pole.
- Radar Interference: The massive swarm of cicadas has even interfered with weather radar. The insects’ presence has created a “biological swarm” that has cluttered radar readings, making it difficult to detect other weather patterns.
Cicadas and Transportation
The cicadas’ emergence has also affected transportation in other ways. Cicadas have been spotted hitching a ride on Air Force Two, the Metro, and even a car’s rearview camera.
Insect Behavior and Human Reactions
Cicadas are not able to sting or bite, but their large size and unpredictable flight paths can startle people. This has led to emotional overreactions and even accidents.
- Fear Factor: Many people have an undue fear of insects, which can lead to panic and dangerous driving behavior when cicadas are present.
- Unpredictable Movements: Cicadas can take unpredictable flight paths, which can surprise drivers and pedestrians.
Cicadas and Weather Radar
Meteorologists believe that weather radar has been able to detect cicada activity because the insects are buzzing around in the canopy of trees. The fuzziness in radar images has been especially dense at the treetops, suggesting that cicadas are contributing to the noisy radar signals.
Life Cycle and Departure
By the end of June, the cicada frenzy will come to an end. Female cicadas will lay hundreds of eggs each in tree branches, and the adult cicadas will die off. Six to ten weeks later, the eggs will hatch and tiny nymphs will fall to the ground, burrow into the soil, and begin their own 17-year wait.