Where to Expect Cicada Swarms in North Carolina

Cicadas have started emerging and are expected to come in swarms in the next few weeks in North Carolina. While some cicadas are annual insects that emerge every year, periodical cicadas appear only once every 13 to 17 years. Their emergence is a rare phenomenon that can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of insects. North Carolina is one place where the cicadas will make their presence known. Read here to learn everything that you need to know about the brood of cicadas emerging in North Carolina.

What Are Cicada Broods?

Cicada broods are categorized by Roman numerals and refer to regional groups of periodical cicadas that emerge on a synchronized schedule. Periodical cicadas are divided into two groups: 13-year and 17-year broods. As their names suggest, these broods emerge only during their respective cycles, making them a rare occurrence. Brood XIV (14) is one of the largest groups of periodical cicadas, emerging in states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and extending as far north as New York and Pennsylvania. This brood is the only one of the 12 recognized 17-year broods scheduled to emerge in 2025. In 2024, brood XIII (13) emerged in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.

Difference Between Annual and Periodical Cicadas

Annual cicadas emerge every summer, spending about two to five years underground during their development. They appear each year, but in smaller numbers, and look different from periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas have more muted colors and are grayish-green in appearance. This is very different from their periodical counterparts, which have more distinct physical traits. Periodical cicadas are known for their bright red eyes that stand out on their body. Their bodies, especially their legs and the veins in their wings, are orange. The different color patterns of cicadas help entomologists identify which type they are observing.

After an emergence, a brood will lay its eggs, the adults will die, and the new nymphs will return underground until the next emergence. There are a total of 15 broods in the northern, midwestern, and southern regions of the United States: 12 are 17-year broods and three are 13-year broods. When the broods emerge, swarms of cicadas fill the sky and trees, leaving molted skin everywhere. While dealing with these insects can be stressful, especially for those who dislike bugs, cicadas pose no threat to humans or animals and are simply a nuisance.

About Brood XIV

Brood XIV is one that entomologists are particularly interested in when it emerges every 17 years. This brood is famous for being among the largest of the periodical groups. To learn more about the upcoming emergence, let’s look at when the last brood appeared.

When Was the Last Brood XIV Emergence?

Brood XIV last emerged in 2008 and saw millions of cicadas across the different states mentioned above. The brood’s emergence, similar to the upcoming one, is beneficial to the environment. When broods emerge, a new food source for predators is bountiful, helping to support other insects and animals who need nutrients. The sheer mass of cicadas was shocking to residents in the affected areas, with molts left everywhere and cicadas flying through the air. Given that it’s been 17 years since then, when will the next emergence occur, and what will it look like?

When Is Brood XIV Emerging?

Brood XIV has already started to emerge in some U.S. counties. The University of Connecticut researches different cicada broods and has been tracking sightings since the predicted emergence in May. North Carolina was a hot spot of cicadas at the beginning of May, with data collected as of May 2nd stating there have been 140 sightings in the Asheville area. By May 10, sightings had increased to around 700. Since then, sightings have increased, with news channels reporting on the growing swarms. Periodical cicadas only emerge for a few months at a time, with some present for as little as six weeks. With this in mind, the cicadas are expected to return underground in mid to late June. For those needing a break from the noise, this is welcome news.

Periodical cicadas emerge with the goal of transforming into adults. These cicadas spend 13-17 years underground as nymphs, or immature cicadas. They develop by feeding off the sap that comes from tree roots until their emergence. After emerging, the male cicadas will sit on trees and vibrate a part of the abdomen called the tymbals. This ‘singing’ is used to attract mates. After mating, the female lays eggs on the trees, which will hatch about six to seven weeks later. The new generation of nymphs will then fall to the ground and burrow their way underground again. This repeats the cycle until the next emergence, 13-17 years later.

Where Will They Be?

While there are multiple broods across North Carolina, Brood XIV mostly emerges in the western part of the state. Places like the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, and close to the Tennessee border are all places where there are plenty of sightings. Simply put, cicadas are most abundant where there are plenty of trees for them to lay their eggs.

After mating, females carve out a slit or groove on tree limbs or trunks to lay their eggs in. These slits expose the xylem, a nutrient-rich fluid that benefits the nymphs. The slits also provide shelter and protection for the eggs. Because of this, forests such as those in the Great Smoky Mountains are ideal places for cicadas to lay eggs. This makes cities like Asheville the center of cicada swarms. Whether you are trying to avoid them or hoping to see them, knowing their locations can help you learn more about these rare cicadas.