Cicadas, stinkbugs invade east coast

Cicadas%2C+stinkbugs+invade+east+coast

     Millions of cicadas are rising out of the ground for the first time in their lives, with one purpose—but don’t worry, they aren’t looking to take over the world.

    Magicicada is a genus of small insects that live most of their lives underground, but come to the surface near the end of their lives to mate and die. Three species are emerging along the east coast: septendecim, cassini, and septendecula.

    “I think it’s terrifying,” remarked junior Emily Taylor. “I’m not a fan of bugs…I don’t remember how big they are. I think they’re big.”

    Usually measuring between 1 and 1.5 inches, the cicadas’ presence can become overwhelming because of the sheer number of them that emerge.

   Magicicada exist in “broods,” or sets of the insects, which live and die together. The broods have been numbered by scientists to better keep track of them. Since the North Harford area experienced the emergence of Brood X in 2004, we are not likely to see any cicadas from Brood II.

   Even if they were to emerge in the North Harford area, senior Chuck Bigelow isn’t worried about them because of the current stinkbug invasion.

   “I don’t think the cicadas will be a problem, but the stinkbugs are driving me insane,” said Bigelow.

     Brown marmorated stink bugs, commonly known as Asian stinkbugs or brown shield bugs, came to Maryland in 2009 after slowly spreading from their point of introduction, thought to be Allentown, Pennsylvania.

   Since then they have reproduced without limit, as they have no natural predators.

   “I have at least 200 on my deck…my place is completely covered,” added Bigelow.

    Taylor shares similar, though more severe, sentiments.

     “I hate stink bugs,” she said, “I think they’re absolutely terrifying. I’m afraid I’m going to take a drink and see a cicada swimming in it. I’m afraid I’m going to go to turn on the light and there’ll be a stinkbug on the light switch. I’m always afraid they’ll catch on fire—they fly into the light and they’ll just start smoking, and it smells the worst.”

    The stink bugs use their pungent odors as a defense mechanism, spewing the aldehydes trans-2-decenal and trans-2-octenal, which, when combined, form a repulsive scent that drives away predators.

   Ironically, these chemicals are separately used in the food industry to give foods attractive flavors and smells.