They are numerous. They are patient. They are COMING for the United States in droves this spring: They are cicadas. *The* Cicada guy Dr. Gene Kritsky joins to chat all about the annual cicadas you may see every summer vs. the periodical ones that cycle through the states in broods of giant numbers. Learn how they survive underground for decades, what they are doing down there, all about their lifecycle, who eats them and why, plus get inspired to take a cicada safari, download Cicada Safari, and appreciate their sexually desperate songs, which can be as loud as an ambulance. By the end, you’ll want to don a bug costume and hitchhike to the Midwest. (Don’t do that.) Dr. Gene Kritsky’s new cicada book: Periodical Cicadas: The Brood X Edition Download the Cicada Safari app at the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Gene’s website: genekritsky.com Also see CicadaMania.com, and follow Instagram.com/CicadaMania A donation was made to Mount Saint Joseph’s cicada research in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences Sponsor links: www.alieward.com/ologies-sponsors More links at: alieward.com/ologies/cicadalogy Gene’s wife Jessee J. Smith is a silversmith who makes bug jewelry. Check it out! Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month: www.Patreon.com/ologies OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, pins, totes! Follow twitter.com/ologies or instagram.com/ologies Follow twitter.com/AlieWard or instagram.com/AlieWardSupport the show: http://Patreon.com/ologies

Entomologist Dr. Gene Kritsky discusses the fascinating emergence of trillions of cicadas, explaining the synchronization, prime number cycles, and predatory challenges. The podcast explores the eerie transformation process, taste for humans, fungal infections, and the impact of climate change on cicada emergence. It also delves into the mysteries of cicadas' behavior, distribution patterns, and the innovative 'Cicada Safari' app for tracking their appearance.

Cicada expert Gene Kritsky delves into the fascinating world of cicadas, discussing their yearly vs. periodical cycles, survival tactics underground, mating rituals, and the loudness of their songs. Learn about their timekeeping abilities, evolution, and how to engage with them through photography. Get ready for the upcoming cicada emergence this spring in 18 states!