Periodical Cicada

It’s been around a year since Brood X (10) of the 17-year Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) serenaded us with their cacophonous love songs. However, their damage continues to plague trees in the landscapes and forests of Ohio.

Late-season defoliation of established deciduous trees is not usually of great concern. There is little impact on overall tree health because trees have produced and stored enough carbohydrates to support leaf production next spring. Indeed, we’re close to the time of the year when deciduous trees drop their leaves anyway.

Each week, we spend some time "behind the BYGL-scene" doing some in-servicing ourselves. We gather virtually reporting what we are seeing, what has us stumped, and talking all things horticulture. Here is a quick summary of what we have been observing and receiving questions about. 

Tip dieback on oaks that is a look-a-like for periodical cicada oviposition damage is appearing outside of the areas in Ohio where Brood X (10) of the 17-year periodical cicadas appeared (wreaked havoc?) earlier this season. The damage is being caused by a very small beetle belonging to the genus, Agrilus (family Buprestidae). We’re not certain of the beetle's exact identity, so we’re calling it the “Agrilus Oak Twig Pruner.”

The long (and getting longer!) anticipated magical appearance of Brood X (10) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) has not yet gotten underway in Ohio. The clock is still ticking for the cicadas to take the stage en masse.

The anticipated magical appearance of Brood X (10) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) is getting closer with each day. On one hand, the cicadas are providing clear evidence they are nearly reading take the stage en masse. On the other hand, progress has slowed to glacial speed owing to continual dips in springtime temperatures.

Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) take either 17 or 13 years to complete their development out-of-site in the soil. Brood X (10) of the 17-year periodical cicada is one of the largest based on geographical distribution. Cicadas of this Brood are poised to emerge this spring.

Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) take either 17 or 13 years to complete their development and emerge from the soil en masse as different "broods" in the spring. The only periodical cicada brood that's emerging this spring is Brood IX (Nine) in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Brood VIII (Eight) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) have made their presence known in parts of northeastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. As with past brood emergences, the overall geographical distribution is spotty; however, there are localized pockets with heavy cicada activity.

Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) take either 17 or 13 years to complete their development and emerge from the soil en masse as different "broods" in the spring. The only periodical cicada brood that's forecast to emerge this year is Brood VI. However, there is a prediction that we will see an "early emergence" of some members of Brood X this spring even though adults of this brood are not expected to emerge full-force until 2021.