A rare natural phenomenon is about to unfold in parts of New York: the emergence of Brood XIV cicadas, which appear only once every 17 years.
Beginning in mid-May, billions of cicadas are expected to surface in at least 14 U.S. states, including a limited area of Long Island. This marks the return of one of the largest periodical cicada broods in the eastern United States.
What is Brood XIV?
Brood XIV is one of 15 known broods of periodical cicadas. These insects spend most of their lives underground and emerge in massive numbers after 17 years when soil temperatures reach approximately 64°F. The last time Brood XIV appeared was in 2008.
Unlike the annual cicadas seen every summer, Brood XIV cicadas are part of a rare biological event exclusive to the eastern U.S. According to the University of Connecticut, Brood XIV is the second-largest of all periodical broods.
Where and when will they emerge?
In New York, Brood XIV cicadas are expected in small sections of Long Island during the second half of May. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirms that periodical cicadas typically appear between mid-May and June.
However, experts caution that Long Island’s cicada population has steadily declined over the past 34 years. Severe droughts in recent decades may further reduce their numbers in 2025.
Other states expecting cicada activity include:
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Parts of Indiana
Why cicadas matter
Cicadas are often confused with locusts, but they are part of the hemiptera order, which includes aphids, stink bugs, and bed bugs. They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by aerating soil and pruning trees, which promotes new growth.
Cicadas do not bite or sting, and they are not harmful to humans or pets. Their main activity is reproduction, and their noisy mating calls can reach sound levels over 100 decibels—louder than a low-flying jet.
Key facts about Brood XIV cicadas:
- Only males produce the iconic buzzing sound using tymbals on their abdomen.
- There are three species involved: Magicicada septendecim, M. cassini, and M. septendecula.
- Males mate with multiple females, while females die shortly after laying eggs.
- Eggs are deposited in tree branches and hatch 6–10 weeks later.
- The nymphs then burrow underground, feeding on plant roots until their next emergence in 2042.
A historical event centuries in the making
The earliest known record of Brood XIV dates to 1634, when Pilgrims documented a mass emergence near Plymouth Colony. However, these insects were well known to Native American communities long before European settlement.
Gene Kritsky, a cicada researcher and biology professor at Mount St. Joseph University, has tracked these broods for decades. He also leads the Cicada Safari app, which encourages the public to document cicada sightings and contribute to ongoing research.
What’s next?
Cicada activity is expected to last several weeks through June before the adult insects die off. The next appearance of Brood XIV won’t occur until 2042, making this year’s emergence a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most impressive life cycles.
For those interested in participating in citizen science or tracking local activity, visit Cicada Safari for tools and updates.
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