This spring, two different groups, also known as ‘broods’, of cicadas are expected to emerge simultaneously. The cicadas are expected to be found in various states along the Midwest and East Coast of the United States, including Maryland.

Cicadas are a family of insects that live underground, only emerging every few years in mass quantities—a defense mechanism to outnumber predators. The two broods expected to emerge are Brood XIX, which emerges every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which emerges every 17 years. This rare event last occurred more than 200 years ago, in 1803. 

The synchronized emergence will result in the appearance of billions of cicadas. With the jumping insects first emerging in mid-May and re-burrowing in late June, impacted regions must learn to cope with the loud sounds and piles of shedding for almost two months.

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