In 2024, a rare and fascinating natural event is occurring with the simultaneous emergence of two periodical cicada broods: Brood XIII and Brood XIX. This is the first time since 1803 that these two broods have emerged together, a phenomenon that happens only once every 221 years due to their differing life cycles of 13 and 17 years.
Brood XIII, which operates on a 17-year cycle, will be emerging in northern Illinois, while the 13-year Brood XIX will appear across parts of the Midwest and Southeastern United States. These regions might include scattered woods and suburban areas, where the distinctive sounds of cicadas will be prevalent for about four weeks during their mating period.
The overlap of these broods is limited, with the greatest likelihood of them meeting around Springfield, Illinois. However, even there, the overlap is minimal, and you’re unlikely to notice areas where both broods are active unless specifically looking for such phenomena.
These emergences are critical for the cicadas’ reproductive cycles and have significant ecological impacts, providing abundant food for local predators and enriching the soil as the adult cicadas die off. This event offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and citizen scientists to observe and study a rare natural occurrence.
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