the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, it’s that time again – across the Eastern U.S., trillions of cicadas are emerging from their underground burrows in what’s being hailed as the largest congregation of these insects since 1803. From the Gulf Coast to Virginia, and from Illinois to the Atlantic, these buzzing creatures are making their presence known. But what does this historic event mean for us?
Why the Buzzing? The loud racket you’re hearing is the mating call of millions of male cicadas. Lasting about a month and a half, these calls attract female cicadas, who then lay eggs in tree branches. Once the eggs hatch, cicada nymphs burrow into the ground, where they’ll feed on tree sap for the next 13 to 17 years until their next emergence.
What Makes This Year Special? This year is unique because the emergence of cicadas from both 13- and 17-year cycles is overlapping. This rare occurrence presents a fascinating phenomenon for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Why Do Cicadas Emerge So Infrequently? Cicadas have long life cycles due to the challenges they face. From being preyed upon underground to becoming food for various predators upon emergence, survival is tough. However, by emerging in large numbers, they increase their chances of survival through sheer numbers.
Impacts of the Cicada Emergence The emergence of cicadas has significant effects on ecosystems. It provides a feast for birds and other predators, allowing caterpillar populations to thrive. While this can lead to temporary disruptions in plant life, the nutrient-rich waste left behind by predators enhances tree reproduction in the long run.
When and Where to Expect Them? Cicadas emerge when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees Fahrenheit, typically occurring in late spring. The 13-year brood is expected in the Southeast and Gulf Coast, while the 17-year brood will mostly emerge in Illinois and Iowa.
Climate Change’s Role Climate change may impact cicada emergence by altering temperature patterns and disrupting their lifecycle cues. However, human-driven changes in land use, such as deforestation and development, pose a more significant threat to cicadas’
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
What you need to know is that it will NOT happen here. There may be a straggler or two, but not a horde, or anything remotely close. Oh, and thanks for the “Climate Change” reference. No article is complete without one.