Residents of Newberry County Alarmed by Mysterious Cicada Noise

News Summary

Residents in Newberry County have been puzzled and alarmed by a loud noise this spring, described as a siren or roar. The culprits are the cicadas, specifically the Brood XIX cicadas, which are especially active this year. While they can be a nuisance, the Sheriff’s Office assures families that they pose no threat. The cicadas have been underground for 13 to 17 years before emerging to mate and lay eggs. This year’s dual emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII means unique cicada sounds across the region as they add to the local ecosystem.

Residents of Newberry County Alarmed by Mysterious Cicada Noise

In the quaint town of Newberry County, folks have been scratching their heads this spring over an unusual and loud outdoor noise. Many have been reaching out to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office to report what they’ve described as a wild “siren,” “whine,” or even a “roar.” But not to worry, there’s a buzzing explanation behind the ruckus.

Meet the Chirping Culprits

Turns out, the source of this commotion is none other than the cicadas – those thick-bodied insects that seem to take over our gardens every so often. These fascinating creatures belong to a *superfamily* of insects and are famous for making their grand appearance each spring. But there’s more to their story than just making noise. The cicada nymphs have been quietly living *underground* for an astounding 13 to 17 years. After all that time, they finally break free to join the party above ground!

A Cicada Boom in the Upstate

This year, the Brood XIX cicadas are particularly active in the Upstate region of South Carolina, sending their sounds echoing across the countryside. The Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that while these little guys can certainly be a nuisance, they pose no danger to either humans or pets. So, families can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the weirdness together!

About Those Noisy Little Bugs

Adult cicadas are quite the sight – measuring between 1 to 2 inches long, showcasing striking compound eyes that can be black, red, blue, or white, depending on their individual traits. Yep, they’re quite the fashion statements in the insect world! Besides their gorgeous eyes, cicadas also have three simple eyes, called ocelli, nestled right in the middle of their heads.

The Loud Symphony of Cicadas

Now, let’s get to the fun part – the noise! The cacophony of male cicadas is nothing short of a symphony, designed to attract females and establish their turf. They make this loud, shrill noise by utilizing a unique anatomical feature known as the tymbal organ. When the male cicadas contract certain muscles, they create a rapid clicking sound that can reach volumes comparable to the noise of a lawnmower or even a motorcycle.

Life Above Ground

Once cicadas emerge, they have a brief life above ground lasting only about three to five weeks. It’s a crucial time for them to mate and lay their eggs. With over 3,000 cicada species existing worldwide, the uniqueness of their sounds becomes apparent as each species tries to attract their own mates while simultaneously warding off predators. In South Carolina, we’re accustomed to hearing the annual cicadas every summer, but periodical cicadas like Brood XIX only show up every 13 to 17 years.

An Unusual Year Ahead

This year especially is interesting because it marks a rare event where two different broods are getting in on the action simultaneously: Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle). This dual emergence means the air will be filled with cicada sounds throughout eastern and southern U.S. For those wondering, the next time this thrilling occurrence will happen will be in 2037. Mark your calendars!

The Silent Heroes of the Environment

Despite the annoying noise levels, cicadas do offer some *secret* benefits. They serve as a tasty snack for local birds, help aerate lawns, and enrich the soil when they eventually decompose. So, while you might feel tempted to complain about the racket, think of the valuable roles these buzzing bugs play in our ecosystem.

This spring, as cicadas take the spotlight in Newberry County with their loud performances, embrace it. After all, it’s part of the natural charm that makes our small town a bit more beautiful and chaotic at the same time!