Elizabeth Y. Long, PhD
Horticultural Entomologist, Purdue University
Adjunct Horticultural Entomologist, The Ohio State University
A natural wonder will occur in 15 states this year: the emergence of the Brood X, 17-year periodical cicadas! Also known as “17-year or 13-year locusts” the last mass emergence of these insects occurred in 2004. Now, 17 years later, the immature cicadas will emerge from the ground, molt one last time to gain wings, and “sing” loudly to find mates and lay eggs in trees and woody shrubs. Activity of the Brood X, 17-year cicadas will be heaviest in west-central and south-west Ohio, with emergence taking place late May through June.