Billions of periodical cicadas from Brood XIX and Brood XIII are set to emerge in 18 Midwest states after 221 years, specifically including Kansas City.

The cicadas will surface in waves, with Brood XIX appearing in late April and early May, and Brood XIII following from mid-May through June.

This synchronization of emergences is unusual and is believed to be a survival mechanism, making it hard for predators to track their life cycles.

The cicadas' activities include loud mating calls from males and females laying about 500 eggs each, after which they die.

Cicadas are beneficial to the ecosystem, aiding in lawn aeration, water filtration, and soil nutrition, while posing no threat to humans or pets.

Protective measures for young trees are recommended due to potential damage from the cicadas' egg-laying process.

Researchers Lill and Weiss are focused on educating the public about cicadas, combating misconceptions, and using digital tools to highlight their ecological importance.