A new brood of periodical cicadas, Brood XIV, is expected to emerge in Ohio and over a dozen other states this spring, marking their return after a 17-year underground hibernation. The insects, which can be loud and annoying, will likely start appearing between April and June when soil temperatures reach around 64 degrees.
Periodical cicadas live most of their lives underground as nymphs before emerging to become adults and mate every 13 or 17 years. Researchers say the Brood XIV cicadas are expected in states including Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The male cicadas will be known for their distinctive “singing” sound, produced by vibrating a membrane on their bodies. Unlike previous years, when Brood XIV was last seen in 2008, experts predict there won’t be as many cicadas around this year compared to 2024.
Ohio residents can expect the next brood, Brood XXII, to emerge in 2027. Meanwhile, aside from being a nuisance, cicadas are harmless to humans and pets.
Source: https://fox8.com/news/cicadas-expected-to-emerge-in-ohio-many-states-this-spring