Climate Change Alters Rare Cicada Emergence Patterns Across the US

As Climate change accelerates, it brings unexpected shifts in the natural world, particularly affecting the lifecycle of cicadas in the United States. Known for their distinct 13 or 17-year emergence cycles, cicadas are now appearing earlier than anticipated due to warmer springs, unsettling their traditional patterns and bewildering scientists.

Source: BBC Global/YouTube

Periodical cicadas, emerging in vast numbers, are primarily found across sixteen states in the Southeast and Midwest. These insects, which spend the majority of their lives underground, rely on the flow of fluids in tree roots to mark the passage of time. Traditionally, they emerge when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees Fahrenheit. However, with the onset of spring conditions now occurring earlier, their internal clocks are being disrupted. According to Climate Central, a nonprofit organization focused on climate research, average spring temperatures in the U.S. have increased by 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, with some Southwestern states like Nevada, Texas, and Arizona experiencing increases upwards of 6 degrees.

In 2021, cicadas in cities from Baltimore to Indianapolis emerged nearly two weeks ahead of their expected schedule. Gene Kritsky, a biologist who has been studying these insects for decades, noted that this early emergence is becoming more common. “They used to be as predictable as celestial events,” Kritsky explained. “But now, warmer springs are reshaping their emergence patterns.”

An unusual event in Ohio in 2007 highlighted another impact of Climate change on cicadas. A midwinter warm spell caused trees to leaf out prematurely, which deceived the cicadas into thinking a full year had passed, leading them to emerge a year early. “They detected two fluid flows in a short period, tricking them into completing their 17-year cycle prematurely,” Kritsky remarked.

When cicadas do finally surface, they live for only a few weeks, with their primary goal being to reproduce and ensure the survival of their species. They emerge in such massive numbers that, despite predation, enough cicadas survive to reproduce, securing the continuation of their brood.

This early emergence not only illustrates the direct impact of climate change on wildlife but also challenges our ability to predict and understand these intricate natural processes. As temperatures continue to rise, the patterns of cicada emergences are expected to deviate even further, serving as a barometer for the changing climate and its broad ecological effects.

There’s Only One Green Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Police in South Carolina are Getting Noise Complaints… About Cicadas!
• Trillions of Cicadas are Making Their Way Through the US
• Rare Cicadas Emergence After 17 Years Marks a Spectacular Natural Event
• One of the Rarest Animals on Earth is Making a Comeback
• Animals Make a Variety of Crazy & Unique Sounds

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!