In a fascinating natural spectacle, billions of cicadas are set to emerge simultaneously this spring in the United States. The event, referred to as the "cicadapocalypse," hasn't occurred since Thomas Jefferson was president and won't happen again until 2245.

This year's emergence will feature two different broods: Brood XIX, also known as the Great Southern Brood, which appears every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which emerges every 17 years. Experts describe this as a rare double brood emergence and consider it one of America's most remarkable insect phenomena.

Dr. Jonathan Larson, an entomologist and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, explained that while the idea of a cicadapocalypse may sound ominous, the two broods are unlikely to significantly overlap, and the insects themselves are harmless. The cicadas are part of the Magicicada genus, which follows either a 13-year or 17-year life cycle.

Unlike "annual" cicadas that appear every summer, periodical cicadas spend years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults. The upcoming cicada season is expected to last approximately six weeks, beginning in mid-May, once the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Certain regions of the Midwest and Southeast, including parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, are predicted to experience the cicada emergence. While there may be historical areas where the ranges of Brood XIII and Brood XIX overlap, the likelihood of a full cicadapocalypse is uncertain.

The emergence of these periodical cicadas offers a unique opportunity for scientific study. Dr. Chris Simon from the University of Connecticut encourages individuals in affected areas to download the Cicada Safari app and contribute photographs to help scientists study the insects and understand how climate change impacts their behavior.

While cicadas can be noisy and their bright red eyes might be disconcerting, Larson reassures that they do not pose a risk to plants or humans. However, younger trees may need protection from the insects' egg-laying activities, for which cicada nets can be used.

It is worth noting that cicadas have a long history of being consumed by humans, with an aroma akin to a sweet nut flavor. However, individuals with shellfish allergies should exercise caution, as the same allergenic protein found in shellfish is also present in many insects.

Overall, experts are excited about the upcoming cicada emergence, not only for its scientific significance but also for the rare chance it presents to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

"These are some of the coolest insects in America," said Larson. "I really hope that people will appreciate this for what it is: this unique natural phenomenon that you don't get anywhere else. It's beautiful."