CHOIR TREE ( BROOD XIX )

Jon Lumpkin & Christine Cannon, 2024 

 

Spring 2024 saw the13 year periodical mass emergence of Magicicada Brood XIX. ( the great southern brood ). Periodical cicadas have evolved to synchronize their arrival on13 and17 year lifecycles with populations in some areas reaching densities up to 1.5 million insects per acre.

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 This occurrence floods the wildernesses with a ready food supply for several weeks, resulting in predator sedation, hardier offspring, and higher birth rates for a wide range of animals inhabiting these forests.

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 Cicada emergences converge on well substantiated mature trees where males sing synchronously to attract mates. The decibel level ( 90 - 100 db ) of these choruses can be comparable to that of a jet engine. These vital congregations in choir trees ensure the continuity of the brood and rounds it’s exhaustive reproductive cycle.