Nancy Hinkle, entomology professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, spoke with Atlanta News First about the cicadas to emerge this spring.
“This year, we anticipate that over a trillion cicadas will emerge in 12 to 14 states,” Hinkle said. “You will not see any periodical cicadas before Tax Day, and there will be none emerging after the end of May.”
The cicadas that will surface in the spring are known as “Brood XIX.” For the past 13 years, periodical cicadas have been underground feeding on tree roots.
Unlike the larger cicadas that emerge in Georgia each summer, periodical cicadas have a distinct color.
“Periodical cicadas are red and black,” Hinkle said. “We claim them here at the University of Georgia.”
While periodical cicadas do not pose a threat, they can be eaten by several animals, including humans.
If you hate bugs or bad smells, Hinkle said to watch your step.
“When they start rotting, they can smell pretty lousy,” she said. “If you can survive through May, you’ve got it made.”