Last summer, the South witnessed the noisy spectacle of the Great Southern Brood, a swarm of cicadas that emerged after spending 13 years underground. These remarkable insects caused quite the stir with their numbers and their signature loud buzz. While not all southern states experienced the event, Kentucky is now gearing up for its own cicada invasion this summer. The emergence of Brood XIV, a group of 17-year cicadas, is expected to swarm across the state and parts of neighboring regions.
According to tracking data from Cicada Safari, Brood XIV will make its presence known not only in Kentucky but also in Tennessee, western North Carolina, and Virginia. Portions of West Virginia and Maryland are also bracing for the invasion, as the brood’s emergence will stretch across 13 states. For those who witnessed Brood XIX, the upcoming cicada event promises a similarly overwhelming auditory and visual experience.
These 17-year cicadas are easy to distinguish from their annual cousins, who appear each summer. Unlike the brown or green bodies of annual cicadas, the periodical variety features striking black bodies, red eyes, and orange-veined wings. Their unique appearance matches their unique life cycle. Emerging from underground, they leave small holes and tunnels in the soil. After mating, the females lay eggs in trees. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs fall to the ground, burrow underground, and remain there for the next 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.
The reappearance of Brood XIV offers an opportunity for scientific study and public engagement. Cicada Safari, an organization dedicated to tracking these fascinating insects, is calling on citizen scientists to aid in their efforts. Using a free app, anyone can report sightings and contribute to understanding the spread and behavior of these broods. It’s a rare chance for ordinary people to play a role in documenting a natural phenomenon.
For those in the affected states, the cicada swarm will be impossible to ignore, as their buzzing chorus becomes the soundtrack of summer. While some may find the invasion an annoyance, others see it as a marvel of nature—a reminder of the intricate and often mysterious rhythms of the natural world. Whether celebrated or tolerated, Brood XIV is set to make this summer unforgettable for those in its path.
