Get ready Georgia, the cicadas are coming back

Yahoo! News - Mar 19th, 2025

Georgia is preparing for the return of Brood XIV of cicadas, which is anticipated to emerge this spring. This periodical brood, last seen in 2008, includes three species of cicadas that surface every 17 years once soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees. Entomologists, including John Cooley from the University of Connecticut and Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann from Cornell University, highlight the differences between these cicadas and the more common annual cicadas. Unlike the green annual cicadas that appear in the heat of summer, these periodical cicadas are black and orange and will emerge in spring. The regions in Georgia expected to see the most activity include Fannin, Lumpkin, Rabun, and Union counties.

The significance of Brood XIV's emergence lies not only in its rarity but also in its historical and ecological context. Initially mistaken for a biblical plague by 17th-century European colonists, the predictable pattern of these cicada swarms has since been understood. The emergence offers a unique opportunity for scientific observation and public interest, highlighting the fascinating life cycle of these insects. For residents of affected areas in Georgia, it also brings a mix of awe and nuisance, due to the loud noise and sheer numbers of cicadas. This event underscores the complex interplay between nature's cycles and human perception, as well as the importance of entomological studies in understanding such phenomena.

Georgia Cicadas Brood Xiv John Cooley Jody Gangloff Kaufmann Entomology Periodical Cicadas

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and informative overview of the upcoming cicada emergence, with a strong focus on scientific accuracy and expert insights. It effectively communicates the key facts and historical context, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in natural phenomena. While the article excels in accuracy and clarity, it could benefit from greater source transparency and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its balance and engagement. The story's timeliness and relevance to the public are significant strengths, though its impact is primarily educational rather than transformative. Overall, the article serves as a reliable and accessible guide to understanding the cicada emergence, with room for improvement in source diversity and engagement strategies.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate and aligns well with verified sources. It correctly identifies Brood XIV as the cicadas expected to emerge in Georgia this spring, a fact corroborated by multiple sources. The claim that these cicadas emerge every 17 years and were last seen in 2008 is also accurate. The statement about soil temperature triggering their emergence at around 64 degrees Fahrenheit is consistent with expert information. The historical context provided, mentioning European colonists' initial biblical plague assumption, is an interesting detail that is supported by historical records. However, the story could have included more specific evidence or direct quotes from the experts cited to enhance its precision. Overall, the factual claims are well-supported, with minor room for improvement in source citation and specificity.

Balance

The article maintains a balanced tone, focusing on scientific facts and expert opinions without veering into sensationalism. It presents information on both periodical and annual cicadas, offering a comprehensive view of the subject. However, the story could have included perspectives from local residents or environmentalists to provide a more rounded view of the cicadas' impact on the community. The article predominantly relies on expert entomologists, which, while authoritative, limits the diversity of viewpoints. Including more voices could enhance the story's balance by showing the broader ecological and social implications of the cicada emergence.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow and structure that makes it easy to follow. It effectively explains the differences between periodical and annual cicadas, using accessible language that is suitable for a general audience. The use of expert quotes helps clarify technical information, although more direct quotes could further enhance understanding. The story maintains a neutral tone, avoiding overly technical jargon, which aids in reader comprehension. However, a more detailed explanation of the ecological impact of cicadas could provide additional context for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources, including entomologists from reputable institutions like the University of Connecticut and Cornell University. These experts provide authority and reliability to the information presented. However, the story could benefit from more direct quotes or references to specific studies or publications to further bolster the credibility of the claims. The reliance on expert opinion is appropriate for the topic, but additional sources, such as local agricultural experts or environmental agencies, could provide a broader perspective on the cicada emergence and its potential effects.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of the cicada emergence process, including the scientific reasoning behind it. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology for gathering this information. The story does not specify how the experts' opinions were obtained or whether there was any direct communication with them. Additionally, there is no disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest that the experts might have. Greater transparency about the sources and the process of information gathering would enhance the article's credibility and trustworthiness.