The distinct, rhythmic drone of cicadas is an integral soundscape of late summer in Kansas City. For residents and visitors alike, the sudden emergence of these insects can be a source of fascination or mild concern. Understanding the specific species present, their lifecycle, and their impact on the local environment transforms this annual event from a curious nuisance into a fascinating natural phenomenon.
Periodical Cicadas vs. Annual Cicadas in the Region
Kansas City is host to both periodical and annual cicadas, though the latter are far more common. The large, dark insects with red eyes that emerge in overwhelming numbers every 13 or 17 years are periodical cicadas, belonging to the genus Magicicada. These synchronized emergences are rare and scientifically significant. In contrast, the smaller, greenish, or brownish cicadas heard singing throughout the hotter months are annual cicadas, also known as dog-day cicadas, representing numerous different species that complete their development in one or two years.
The 2024 Emergence: A Regional Phenomenon
While Kansas City did not experience the dense, continent-spanning emergences of the Brood X periodical cicadas seen in other Midwestern states, the region still felt the presence of its own periodical populations. Isolated pockets of 13-year cicadas, part of Brood XXI, have been documented historically in areas surrounding the metro. These events, while not as widespread as in the southern parts of the insect's range, provide a unique opportunity to observe the lifecycle up close.
Identifying Local Cicada Species
Magicicada tredecassini – A 13-year periodical species with a high-pitched whine.
Neotibicen similaris – The robust dog-day cicada known for its greenish thorax.
Neotibicen tibicen – The annual scissor-grinder cicada, common in urban areas.
Impact on Trees and Landscapes
The primary concern for homeowners in Kansas City centers on the female cicada's egg-laying behavior. She uses a saw-like ovipositor to cut slits into the tips of pencil-thick branches to deposit her eggs. This process can cause flagging, where the leaves on a branch turn brown and die, and in severe cases, can stunt the growth of young trees. However, established, healthy trees typically suffer only cosmetic damage and will recover.
Mitigation Strategies for Homeowners
Homeowners looking to protect vulnerable young trees have a few practical options. Covering the tips of branches with fine mesh netting during the egg-laying season is highly effective. Alternatively, delaying major pruning until late winter or early spring prevents the open wounds that attract egg-laying females. In most cases, the aesthetic impact is the primary issue, as the noise generated by the insects is considered a temporary seasonal feature rather than a health threat to the landscape.
The Science and Timing of Their Return
Cicadas spend the vast majority of their lives underground, feeding on xylem sap from tree roots. This subterranean existence is what defines the length of their lifecycle, whether it be 13 or 17 years. When soil temperatures reach approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of several inches, millions of nymphs emerge, climb vertical surfaces, and undergo metamorphosis into the adult form. This precise synchronization is a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that helps them overwhelm predators and ensure the survival of the species.
