Cicada Watch 2024
For the first time in more than 200 years, two different groups of periodic cicadas will emerge at the same time. We have the latest buzz and updates.
Periodical cicadas have been spotted from Lisle to Morgan Park. The last time the periodical cicadas were visible in northern Illinois, the iPhone was just being brought to market.
“They’re either really fascinated by cicadas or they want to terrorize someone,” says Bent Fork Bakery owner Liz Bearwald of the customers who’ve been purchasing the treats.
What to expect
Two types of periodical cicadas will come above ground at the same time in Illinois this summer. One brood, or breeding group, emerges every 13 years, and the other comes every 17 years.
For the first time in more than 200 years, two different groups of periodic cicadas will emerge at the same time. Here is everything you need to know about the natural phenomenon, along with a map.
Experts at the Morton Arboretum say it’s important to protect any trees planted in the past three years with fine mesh netting.
The appearance of the 17-year cicadas this year will mark the fourth emergence of the red-eyed, orange-veined creatures in my lifetime — thus, my fourth cicada birthday, Scott Fornek, an editor at the Sun-Times, writes.
People have spotted nymphs of the 17-year cicadas on the ground. That’s a sign the periodical cicadas are preparing to emerge. They should appear once the soil reaches 64 degrees, which is expected by late May.
