Bourbon Chick: Cicadas Emerge in Kentucky After 17 Years of Slumber

Kentucky is often referred to as the land of horses, bourbon, and bluegrass, and it will soon welcome a large influx of Cicadas.

Billions of these winged insects will begin to emerge from their infamous underground mating rituals, having spent weeks below the surface.

This year, Cicadas are expected to emerge in nearly 12 states, with the highest concentration occurring in Kentucky and Tennessee. They will also be spotted in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

Some locals refer to them simply as “Chicada” this season due to their prominence in Kentucky.

“They’re the experts in entomology at the University of Kentucky,” noted Jonathan Larson, assistant professor of entomology.

These are known as regular Cicadas, which spend a predetermined number of years underground before surfacing to find mates. Seven species of these cicadas exist in North America, emerging either every 13 years or every 17 years.

This year’s Cicadas belong to Brood XIV, which follows a 17-year cycle.

Larson remarked that the nickname “bourbon chick” fits well, as the lifecycle of these insects parallels the distillation process of Kentucky’s renowned whiskey.

“We let the bourbon age,” Larson explained. “It’s placed in barrels in the dark for an extended period, which is somewhat similar.”

Larson mentioned that sightings of Cicadas have already started in southern Kentucky counties, but the main event will kick off in the coming weeks as the soil temperature rises.

“I anticipate that in the next two weeks, we will really see them everywhere,” he said.

When that time comes, certain areas will be literally swarming with Cicadas. However, it’s not just their sheer numbers that create an unforgettable experience; it’s the distinct high-pitched noise they make as well.

Cicadas can produce sounds reaching up to 100 decibels, which is actually their mating call used to attract females. After emerging, females only have a few weeks to find mates and lay eggs before they die.

“It’s all wild and beautiful, strange and wonderful,” Larson enthused.

While Cicadas pose no danger to humans, they can become quite bothersome, particularly when large amounts of their bodies accumulate post-mortem.

“During the early stages, there’s no unpleasant odor, but about five weeks later, if enough die in one spot, a decomposing smell can develop,” Larson noted.

Although thousands of cicada species are found globally, regular cicadas are unique for spending the majority of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots, before surfacing every 13 or 17 years.

Typically, the first Cicadas surface in early to mid-May, but most often they emerge in June when temperatures rise. Larson stated that cicadas generally wait for the soil to reach approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit before breaking through.

Their reliance on environmental signals raises questions about the impact of climate change on Cicadas and their mating rituals.

“If it’s warmer sooner this year, they might start emerging earlier than expected,” Larson explained, noting the potential for extreme weather events like flooding or freezing, which have been prevalent in Kentucky recently.

This area remains a focal point of research as scientists investigate the long-term effects of climate change on Cicada populations.

In the meantime, Larson and other entomology enthusiasts from various states are gearing up to witness this remarkable phenomenon.

“I hope people take the time to experience it,” Larson encouraged. “What’s happening here is unique; you won’t find this anywhere else, so we suggest engaging in Cicada tourism if you can.”

Citizen scientists can also contribute to research by snapping photos and recording geographical details of sightings using the CICADA SAFARI app.