ARKANSAS, USA — A once-in-a-lifetime cicada co-emergence is just a month or two away from occurring in Arkansas. Billions, if not trillions, of the loud and colorful insects are expected to appear after spending more than a decade underground.
While swaths of bugs won't necessarily be blocking out the sun or swarming people on the street, experts say that the emergence could be noticeable for those who spend time outdoors this spring and summer.
Additionally, the abundance of cicadas will likely bring hungry wildlife out of hiding.
"Cicadas, like all organisms, play an important role in the ecosystem, and as such their emergence can affect the ecosystem, providing a food source for wildlife and fish, for example," said Trey Reid with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
"It's theorized the cicadas emerge en masse as a sheer numbers game; many will be eaten by creatures higher up the food chain, but enough will survive. So naturally they'll provide a food source for all sorts of animals," Reid added.
The bugs are notoriously a favorite snack for many creatures and critters native to Arkansas. Dr. Austin Jones, an entomology instructor at the University of Arkansas, says the younger the cicada is, the more sought after it will be by predators.
"From the perspective of the ecosystem, this is a huge event. These animals have been living underground, slowly soaking up nutrition and building biomass for 13 years, way longer than the average insect lives. When they all emerge at once, it’s time for many predatory and scavenging critters to feast," Jones said.
Jones says that because the bugs will be everywhere it's going to be easier to spot its predators.
"Birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, you name it, they eat these tasty little packages of protein. However, one cicada nymph specialist that may be unwanted when it arrives to feast on cicadas is the copperhead, so be on the lookout for them during the emergence event. The adult cicadas are less sought after by predators as they have harder shells, and less nutritional value as they age," Jones added.
Here's how these extra cicadas are expected to interact with some members of the Natural State's ecosystem.
- Snakes — Snakes, such as copperheads, will come out of hiding to eat cicadas. While snake populations can see spikes due to the abundance of food, it will return to normal when the food source runs out.
- Birds — Cicada emergences are an "all-you-can-eat buffet" for birds, and some scientists theorize that more young birds make it to adulthood because of the extra food.
- Fish — Trout, bass, catfish, stripers, and carp are just a few types of fish that love eating cicadas, and some anglers recommend using live cicadas as bait.
Jones said he has seen firsthand the excellent fishing conditions that abound during cicada emergences.
"I can remember during my second emergence experience when I was 27 that the catfish I had caught that spring all had bellies full of nymphal periodical cicadas that had been washed down into Beaver Lake from a strong spring rain that happened during emergence," Jones said.
"For anglers, one of the most exciting things about the cicada emergence is the chance to fish while the sunfish, bass, trout, and other species are possibly whipped into a feeding frenzy by so many insects to eat. Fly fishers often fish what's called a 'hatch,' using small handmade lures out of feathers, foam, and animal hair to imitate various insects that hatch at different times based on temperature and other factors. So, the cicada emergence is like a massive hatch to fish," Reid said.
Jones notes that the emergence is a good thing, working as a sign of a functioning environment.
"Having the emergence occur is also a good sign that things haven't changed too much in the environment due to climate change or human modification of the habitat to prevent this wonderment from occurring," Jones said.
Reid says that anyone who plans to go outdoors this spring and summer should be on the lookout for potentially harmful animals out hunting for cicadas.
"Wildlife risks to humans are very low, and virtually zero when we interact with them at a safe distance while exercising common sense," Reid said. For more information on snakebites and how to treat them, click here.
While wild animals will surely be out searching for grub, they won't be the only things chowing down on cicadas this year. Dogs, cats, and even humans enjoy eating the bugs.
The bugs are safe for pets to eat, but vets warn to not let your cat or dog eat too many, as a cicada binge can cause bloating.
As for humans, the bugs have been lauded for being packed with protein and are even significant symbols in some cultures.
Looking for a delicious cicada recipe for some summertime grilling? Look no further than this cicada-rubbed flank steak. What about a tasty midnight snack? Cicadas have become a pizza topping.
However, experts and outdoorsmen alike warn that if you plan on eating cicadas, you need to be careful.
As far as eating cicadas, experts say to purchase them from reputable vendors rather than taking a living-off-the-land approach, as wild cicadas can carry illnesses. It's also a better idea to cook them versus eating them raw.
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