Periodical Cicada

In 2021, I posted a BYGL Alert titled, “Itchy Alert” (August 9, 2021) regarding a possible connection between periodical cicadas and itchy outbreaks of a non-native parasitic “itch mite." The Alert referenced reports from Maryland of itchy outbreaks associated with Brood X (10) of the 17-year.

Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year periodical cicadas have returned to the soil in southern Ohio. However, their damage (flagging) has become obvious and will remain apparent for some time.

Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) in southern Ohio remains impactful. The cacophonous chorusing of the males continues with females producing egg slits (a.k.a. oviposition slits) on a wide range of plant stems. The oviposition damage is now producing noticeable stem dieback called “flagging.”

The emergence of Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) is well underway in southern Ohio. Contribute to cicada science by using Cicada Safari to report sightings.

Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) will appear this spring with high populations over a wide geographical area that includes southern Ohio. A newly posted OSU fact sheet describes what to expect.

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.