In one South Carolina county, the emergence of cicadas has created a cacophony so loud that residents have mistaken it for sirens or a distant roar. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office took to Facebook to reassure the public, explaining that the sound is simply the male cicadas singing to attract mates. These insects have emerged from more than a decade of dormancy and are now engaging in their mating rituals.
As Tuesday progressed, the chorus of cicadas grew louder, prompting numerous calls to the sheriff’s office from different locations within the county. This phenomenon is part of a larger emergence of periodical cicadas in the eastern United States this month. These red-eyed insects, which appear in trillions during such emergences, follow either 13- or 17-year cycles. Their synchronized songs can reach decibel levels as high as jet engines, leading scientists who study them to wear earmuffs to protect their hearing.
The unique life cycle and mating behavior of cicadas make them a subject of fascination for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Despite their loud presence, cicadas play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as a food source for various animals and contributing to nutrient cycling in the soil.