They have glowing red eyes, are known for their screaming and number in the millions. And this year, two different groups, or broods of cicadas will emerge across multiple states with one singular goal: Mating and laying millions more eggs.
After 13 years, Brood XIX is set to emerge in the spring of 2024 in 14 states across the Southeast and Midwest, and the 17-year Brood XIII will emerge in five Midwestern states, according to Cicada Mania. Of all the states where the broods will emerge this year, they are expected to overlap in Illinois and Indiana.
You may remember the last brood of cicadas, Brood X, which emerged in the summer of 2021 across multiple Eastern, Southern and Midwestern states.
Here’s what to know about this year’s two cicada broods. Brood XIX (19) is estimated to emerge in these states beginning mid-May and lasting through late June:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The brood last emerged in 2011, and has a 13-year life cycle.
