Beware Of The Possibility Of Copperheads Snacking On Cicadas

Many of you may have already read about the Brood X cicadas that are set to emerge from their underground habitat starting around mid-May 2021 or once temperatures below ground reach 64°F. Once these critters come marching out of the ground, a host of other critters will descend upon them. Cicadas make a tasty meal for many other creatures including birds, amphibians, fish, some mammals, and reptiles including copperheads. Watch out this spring and summer! There may be more copperheads than normal slithering about as they hunt for some crunchy cicada snacks.

Brood X cicadas are not the typical green cicadas you see every year. Not only do they differ in color (black, orange, and red) but they have spent the past 17 years underground as larvae.

Amaury Laporte/Flickr

These cicadas are special and were last seen in 2004. This year, millions of them will march out from the ground across 15 states, including Illinois, and will first search for higher ground.

Henryr10/Flickr

The nymphs will shed their external skeleton and will be able to fly - that is, if they survive potential predators and make it to this stage. They then mate, lay eggs, and die several days later. The next Brood X crew won’t emerge for another 17 years.

corporationtshirt/Flickr

These insects are incredibly noisy but harmless. But what isn’t harmless is at least one predator - the eastern copperhead.

Tracy Lee/Flickr

Yes, eastern copperheads do exist in Illinois. They are found mainly in the southern third part of the state in forests, river bluffs, and rocky outcroppings.

Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Flickr

Depending on where you live in the Prairie State, you may not have to worry about these venomous snakes. But if you do live close to where they do and in an area that will also experience a Brood X cicada infestation, let this serve as a warning to watch out!

Douglas Mills/Flickr

Copperheads blend in well and with a flurry of cicada activity, it may be hard to see them slithering along the ground looking for insects to snack on.

smashtonlee05/Flicker

Were you around for the Brood X cicada infestation in 2004? If so, did you see any copperheads snacking on any? Please let us know about your experience in the comment section!