Northern Illinois Cicada

2007 marks the return of the cicada, an insect that resurfaces in large numbers every 17 years. These periodical cicadas are expected to emerge from underground this May and June. Unlike more common cicadas, which emerge in overlapping two to five year cycles, periodical cicadas emerge in a span of thirteen to seventeen years.

The 17 year cicadas are smaller than the average year round cicada. They are typically about one inch long with black bodies, red eyes, and translucent wings with red-orange veins. These cicadas are harmless to animals and humans and neither bite nor sting. However, a male cicada can emit a courtship song as high as 90 decibels to attract a mate.

Cicadas do little damage to trees or other plants. Young cicadas feed off of the sap from tree roots, but this does not appear to cause any harm to the tree. Female cicadas cut slits into tree bark to lay eggs, which has the potential to damage small branches but does not harm larger trees.

• General information regarding Illinois Cicada's
• Track Cicada's in the Chicago area through this interactive map
• For more information regarding Brood XIII and other Cicada's, click here