South Jersey’s Got Millions of Cicada Bugs Emerging This Spring
Get ready, South Jersey. Millions of full-grown cicadas are heading our way come spring, and it's about to get loud.
Periodical Cicadas, the kind that only emerge from their cocoons ever 17-year-old, have long life cycles that still remain a mystery to scientists, according to Patch.com. 17-year-old cicadas typically inhabit northern states, while the 13-year-old breeds stick to southern states.
Hatching in the Garden State some time in May or June are the Brood X, or Great Eastern Brood, cicadas.
You either love the sound of cicadas singing or you hate them. They're definitely insects that turn up the volume. Reportedly, when male cicadas synch up to broadcast their sound, they can reach up to 100 decibels! Patch.com compares that level of sound to a motorcycle revving up right outside your window. That's a lot of effort just to attract a mate!
What exactly creates that loud of a sound from a bug? I'm glad you asked. TYMBALS! Chicago Botanic Garden defines tymbals are "two rigid, drum-like membranes on the undersides of their abdomens." So, essentially, cicadas vibrate, and vibration carries sound.
But, you've got to marvel at cicadas having the longest life cycle of any insect on Planet Earth, dating back 1.8 million years! That kind of survival deserves our respect, even though cicadas aren't exactly the most pleasant to look at, especially when one has landed on your car or doorstep. Ick! You've gotta admit, it's cool phenomenon to witness that doesn't come around every year. So, I'm going to embrace the 2021 cicada season.
SOURCES: Escape to Nature/YouTube; Patch.com via Gloucester Twp. Patch; chicagobotanic.org
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