.reuterspictures photographers get up close and personal with the billions of red-eyed cicadas that are emerging after 17 years spent alone underground
Upon emerging, the insects blanket the trees and ground -- with the males filling the air with buzzing and whistling to attract females. But that sound also brings tourists and scientists to study this rare event. With air temperatures and surface soils warming from climate change, scientists are also keen to learn how the creatures are responding.Temperatures affect when cicadas emerge and their underground growth.
Her chase is being helped this year by tens of thousands of citizen scientists uploading photos of cicadas along with coordinates to an online platform called Cicada Safari app, developed by Gene Kritsky, dean of behavioural and natural sciences at Mount St. Joseph University.A nymph stage Brood X cicada in Rock Creek park in Washington.
"It's kind of a lower pitch, more mellow, and you can't really hear it when you're on a highway," Simon said. In some areas in recent decades, early groups are getting bigger and surviving longer. The early Brood X cicadas in 2017 showed up in larger numbers than ever recorded. Some insects pop up four years too early or late. That has led Simon and other scientists to suspect the insects somehow track when four years have gone by -- a mechanism that could be disrupted by climate change.A newly emerged adult cicada is seen on a tree in College Park.
With a better understanding of how cicadas know when to emerge, scientists may be able to solve whether and how climate change is having an impact, Simon said. Eventually, we could see 17-year cicadas "escape through time" and permanently change to a 13-year cycle.. Washington, United States. Reuters/Carlos BarriaA newly emerged cicada stands on a tree at Rock Creek park.America's periodical cicadas are no strangers to climate change.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
These cicadas have waited 17 years for their close-upThe Brood X cicadas are here — and many more are on the way. Just the thought of these bugs grosses many people out and fills them with dread. But AP photographer Carolyn Kaster has been getting as close as she can as they start to come out in her area.
Read more »
These cicadas have waited 17 years for their close-upThe Brood X cicadas are here — and many more are on the way. Just the thought of these bugs grosses many people out and fills them with dread. But AP photographer Carolyn Kaster has been getting as close as she can as they start to come out in her area.
Read more »
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Reunion Tour Heated Up in Los AngelesPlus, here's what cicadas and Bennifer have in common.
Read more »
Climate change responsible for 37% of global heat deaths, study saysA new study has calculated that more than one-third of global heat deaths can directly be attributed to human-caused climate change.
Read more »
Watch CNN's Brianna Keilar eat dead cicadas - CNN VideoCNN's Brianna Keilar tries cicadas on New Day while speaking with Chef Bun Lai who features them on his menu.
Read more »
Sandy Gill Collection Land with Grace Highlights the Climate Migrant CrisisFrom giving fashion advice to amplifying those affected by climate change with her 'Land with Grace' collection, Sandy Gill is one to watch.
Read more »