Cicada Brood XIV: What is It?

periodical cicadas on a tree branch — *Periodical cicadas on a tree branch, Jbjensen1, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Spring 2025 will mark the return of Brood XIV, a massive cicada group unseen since 2008. Experts expect billions will emerge after 17 years underground, blanketing regions from New York to West Virginia by late April or early May.

Known as the “Great Eastern Brood,” this spectacle is harmless to humans but critical for soil health and wildlife. Here’s everything you need to know about these unique insects.

What are Periodical Cicadas?

*Group of periodical cicadas – Dan Keck from Ohio, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Group of periodical cicadas, closer look – Jbjensen1, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*A single periodical cicada – Jbjensen1, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Periodical cicadas (Magicicada) are close relatives of aphids and stink bugs. They emerge every 13 or 17 years, unlike annual “dog-day” cicadas.

Their synchronized emergence is a survival tactic called predator satiation: swarming in numbers too vast for predators to consume. Even if 98% are eaten, enough survive to sustain the brood.

Males produce loud buzzing noises using tymbals (specialized abdominal organs). These calls exceed 100 decibels—comparable to a motorcycle or lawn mower—and peak during their brief adult phase.

About Brood XIV

Areas where periodical cicadas are likely to emerge in 2025 — *Areas where Brood XIV are likely to emerge in 2025, source from Cicada Safari*

Brood XIV, nicknamed the “Great Eastern Brood,” is the second-largest periodical cicada brood after Brood XIX.

You can identify them by these unmistakable features:

Jet-black bodies with bold orange wing veins.
Bright red eyes (a hallmark of periodical cicadas).
Size: Adults measure 1–1.5 inches long.

First recorded in 1634, this brood emerges every 17 years, with its last appearance in 2008. In late April or early May 2025, they will reappear across 13 states, including parts of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Life Cycle of Cicada Brood XIV

These insects have a fascinating life cycle that takes place mostly underground:

Underground Phase (17 Years)

Females slice into pencil-sized tree branches to deposit 20–30 eggs per slit, laying up to 600 eggs total. After 6–10 weeks, rice-sized nymphs hatch and drop to the ground. Nymphs tunnel 8–24 inches deep, feeding on watery fluid from tree roots (xylem sap) using needle-like mouthparts. This nutrient-poor diet fuels their slow growth.

Over 17 years, nymphs go through five stages, shedding exoskeletons to grow. Their underground existence avoids predators but leaves them vulnerable to floods, construction, or soil disruptions.

Emergence Phase (Springtime)

Nymphs wait for soil temperatures at 8-inch depth to hit 64°F (18°C)—often after a warm spring rain. This ensures synchronized emergence across the brood.

At dusk, nymphs crawl out en masse to evade birds and rodents. They climb trees, fences, or even buildings. Anchored to a surface, they split their exoskeletons.

Pale, soft-winged adults emerge (called the teneral stage), hardening into mature cicadas within hours.

*Cicada emergence holes – Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Adult Phase (A Few Weeks)

Adult cicadas only live above ground for a few weeks. During this brief period, males use tymbals (ribbed abdominal membranes) to produce signals or calls. Females respond with wing flicks, guiding males to mate.

Females target young trees (oak, maple, fruit species) to slit branches and lay eggs. This flagging stresses saplings but rarely harms mature trees. Adults die within weeks. Eggs hatch, nymphs fall, and survivors burrow to feed—marking the start of the next 17-year generation.

*Mating cicadas – superbatfish, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Is Brood XIV Dangerous?

Rest assured: Cicadas don’t bite, sting, or spread disease. They’re noisy but harmless to humans and pets. In fact, their presence is more of a nuisance than an actual threat.

However, the female’s flagging behavior can stress saplings or shrubs and may cause their branches to weaken or die. If you have young plants you want to protect during peak emergence periods (late spring), cover them with netting until the egg-laying season ends.

Aside from being harmless, cicada emergences like Brood XIV have important effects on ecosystems:

Improving Soil Health – Cicada tunnels reduce soil compaction and improve water flow. Decomposing adults return nutrients to the soil.
Supporting Wildlife – Billions of cicadas become food for birds, mammals, and fish. This surge helps predator populations thrive.

Conclusion

Brood XIV’s 2025 emergence is a fleeting event that only happens once every 17 years. While cicadas pose minimal risks, young trees may need safeguarding. Their visit is brief and harmless—ideal for educational family activities.

For expert guidance on pest management, cicadas or otherwise, contact MMPC. Our licensed specialists offer efficient solutions tailored to your property’s needs.