NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The invasion of cicadas in Tennessee and Kentucky has been marked by a loud chorus that is only getting louder. Karla Addesso, a Research Associate Professor of Entomology at TSU, notes that the current peak of the cicada presence is happening now. This is the time when the bugs are at their loudest as the males have emerged from the ground in search of a mate, resulting in a cacophonous chorus. Addesso explains that the loud noise is a signal to the females, similar to when the males are chorusing.
Cicadas are more likely to swarm around people on lawnmowers due to the vibrations and sounds they produce. Once mating is complete, the males typically die, and the females begin “flagging” – a process where they make little slits in tree branches to lay their eggs. This can result in the tips of young tree branches turning brown due to the cicadas’ actions. However, the loud noise will eventually start to die down as the cicadas return to the ground by late June.
As the invasion of cicadas continues to impact the region, residents are advised to take precautions and be aware of the insects’ behavior. Stay updated on the latest news regarding the cicadas by visiting wkrn.com for more information and stories on this phenomenon.
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