17-year cicadas making their way into Tennessee

NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Two races of the periodical cicadas with a life cycle or 13- and 17-years will appear in Tennessee due to the states location.

The 13-year cicadas are more commonly found in southeastern states while the 17-year are found in more northern areas.

The species coming in, Broods, are designated by scientists by roman numerals.

There are three 13-year cicada broods (XIX, XXII and XXIII), and 12 of the 17- year cicada broods (I-X, XIII and XIV).

Adults usually emerge in early May in large numbers when the soil temperature 4 inches deep is 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Four or five days after emergence, the males start “singing.” This high-pitched, shrill call is produced by two drum-like membranes on the side of the abdomen.

This song serves as a mating call for females which then begin laying eggs.

Apple, pear, dogwood, oak and hickory are favorite hosts; however, many others have been reported.

More information on the cicadas and their life can be found here.