Brood XIV cicadas are making their long-awaited emergence, appearing in several eastern U.S. states after 17 years. As the second largest periodical cicada brood, their last appearance was in 2008. This year, they are expected in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Gene Kritsky, a professor at Mount St. Joseph University and the founder of the Cicada Safari app, helps track these insects by gathering data on sightings to create a comprehensive map.
As of May 2, 2023, cicadas have been prominently reported in western North Carolina, particularly around Asheville, with 140 sightings, followed by 25 sightings south of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 17 near Nashville. Additional sightings have emerged in Georgia and southwestern Ohio. For real-time tracking, users can utilize the Cicada Safari app or visit relevant websites.
While Brood XIV is primarily confined to the eastern U.S., there may be “stragglers” from other cicada broods that complicate mapping efforts. The emergence of cicadas associated with different broods can lead to confusion, making it challenging to accurately categorize populations. Experts warn that the presence of these stragglers could falsely inflate the perceived size of Brood XIV’s emergence.
Cicada sightings this year are expected to be dense and widespread; however, stragglers may appear in more scattered locations. Based on historical patterns, Brood XIV is anticipated to emerge across a wide range of states, including Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. Knowing which brood is present is essential for researchers, as populations can fluctuate, complicating tracking efforts.
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