Support Us Button Widget

Cicadas make an early appearance this spring

Expect to hear the cicada choir singing these next few months.

Cicada on a honeysuckle leaf.

The red-eyed bugs are expected to be spotted across the Southeast this spring + summer.

Photo by Martin LaBar

As the sun goes down, listen closely and you may hear the high-pitched buzzing of cicadas. The winged creatures aren’t due to emerge until 2024 — but it seems that some just can’t wait to arrive in Asheville.

Cicadas appear in our area in 13 and 17-year cycles. They surface in groups called broods that contain multiple species, cropping up at the same time. Although we’re seeing small numbers of cicadas popping up early this year, next spring will mark a historic emergence, due to both broods arriving simultaneously for the first time since 1803. “Predators should consider these early cicadas to be hors d’oeuvres compared to the massive emergence expected in 2024,” said Dr. Kritsky, dean of Behavioral and Natural Sciences at Mount St. Joseph University.

Interested in the early arrival of cicadas in our area? Help scientists track cicada movement with the Cicada Safari app. Upload photos of cicadas you find to be placed on a live map.

More from AVLtoday
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission determined the “selfie bear” was fit to survive on her own and released her in a remote area of WNC.
Gather your crew to enjoy some fa-la-la-la-libations at these holiday pop-up bars around Asheville.
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
Commissioners approved $1.5 million for Helene Relief, including rental assistance — plus, learn how to apply for rental assistance from Eblen Charities, who has partnered with the City of Asheville to distribute funds.
Feel the holiday spirit while you find goods and gifts from local makers at these holiday markets happening around the city.
The local chocolate company was lauded by the media icon for its Classic Hot Chocolate Collection.
At this morning’s Buncombe County briefing, Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler announced that the boil water notice has been lifted.
During the Friday briefing, Water Resources Department PIO Clay Chandler announced that the boil water notice may be lifted as early as next week.
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County community briefings.
If you’re looking for work and want to make a difference in the nonprofit sector, here are five organizations hiring right now in the Asheville area.