Cicada Summer:
Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the buzz
For those of us residing in the midwestern United States, who are all undoubtedly very aware, this year marks the return of periodical cicadas in Illinois from both the 17 and 13-year broods - occurring at the same time for the first time in 221 years (albeit in differing ranges). Much of northern Illinois will be experiencing the buggy eyes and deafening mating calls of brood XIII for the first time since 2007.
It’s no surprise the the Morton Arboretum is overrun with cicadas during this emergence, many locations on the grounds haven’t been majorly disturbed or built upon in decades, and the wealth of mature trees is exactly what these short-lived insects are seeking out. During the 17-year periodical cicada emergence in 1956, Grandpa Kammerer noted in his journal on June 12th that he heard “some periodical cicadas humming at Riverby too, tho very few in comparison to those at the Arb.”
The same seems to hold true in 2024 - the number of cicadas at the Morton Arboretum has far outnumbered what I’ve encountered anywhere else this year! In some areas, like the groundcover garden and the geographical collection, the noise was almost deafening:
Personally, I find the phenomenon of periodical cicadas fascinating. Still, their welcome has certainly worn off as the weeks have gone by and their relentless buzzing and clumsy flying has persisted each day. As it stands, I’m quite looking forward to spending time outside without having to bob and weave around their haphazard flight paths or accidentally crunch any more underfoot when I don’t watch where I’m stepping.
For more information on the periodical cicadas in Northern Illinois and at the Morton Arboretum, visit the Arboretum’s website!
And for a more in-depth look at cicadas, check out this deep dive with Cicadologist Gene Kritsky from the podcast Ologies!
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Sarah, I've always loved how the buzz overpowers all other sounds. Your writing is a great reminder. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia
I certainly agree with what you said, "I find the phenomenon of periodical cicadas fascinating." I don't hear them where I live, in the Sonoran Desert. But I've traveled through areas of the South in the past, and was amazed at their cacophony. Thanks for the link to the Morton Arboretum.