The upcoming dual emergence of two cicada broods is the source of both excitement and dread, depending on with whom you converse. Here, a cicada has been sketched in pen.
Certain locations in Illinois are anticipating the springtime emergence of two periodical cicada broods. Brood XIII emerges once every 17 years, and Brood XIX emerges once every 13 years. This year they emerge together.
Several local businesses are making the most of the excitement and have stocked up on cicada-inspired inventory. Buttons, stickers, and jewelry, all sporting cicada motifs, are for sale. One business showed me pictures of mugs and T-shirts with cicada patterns, which are expected to arrive soon.
Enthusiasm for these insects is widespread. Needless to say, I am quite looking forward to seeing them and can be found on their welcoming committee. But, of course, there is also a widespread sense of horror among others. Some people have admitted that they will not venture outdoors unless doing so is absolutely necessary. I have also met those who do not know how they feel about the cicadas yet.
In the ground, holes have been appearing here and there. The cicadas are preparing. These holes have been dug by cicada nymphs who note the conditions of the earth above ground. They are not quite ready for their full debut, though.
Soon the cicadas will emerge in multitudes, crawling up trees, shedding exoskeletons, and filling the land with their loud, continuous shrills before the subsequent generation crawls underground, where it will stay for years and years.
In the meantime, we all wait, cicadas and their audience alike.