"Cicada Invasion: Historic Double-Brood Emergence Across the US"

Millions of cicadas are expected to emerge in Alabama this spring as two major broods, Brood 19 and Brood 13, are set to surface simultaneously for the first time since 1803. The insects, which emerge every 13 or 17 years, will be out for about six to eight weeks before disappearing again. While the emergence may concern some, entomologist Meredith Shrader assures that cicadas are harmless to humans and can benefit wildlife. Researchers are also eager to study the phenomenon, particularly the interaction between the two broods where they overlap.