Episode Summary
Executive Summary: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nagin Farsad, and entomologist Jessica Ware explore the 17-year emergence of periodical cicadas in the Northeast, explaining their taxonomy, life cycle, timing, and ecological role. The conversation mixes science, humor, and pop culture while addressing climate change, edible insects, and whether cicadas are truly pests or a seasonal ecological event.
Main Topics: Periodical cicadas and brood 10 emergence (Priority: 5/5): Ware explains that brood 10 consists of three cicada species with a 17-year underground juvenile stage, set to emerge in 2021 across the Northeast. Cicada biology, taxonomy, and metamorphosis (Priority: 5/5): The hosts unpack insect classification, distinguishing bugs from insects, and discuss cicada development, instars, molting, and xylem feeding. Ecological role and whether cicadas are a plague (Priority: 4/5): The discussion argues cicadas are not crop-destroying locusts; they provide food for wildlife and nutrients to soil after death. Climate change and timing shifts (Priority: 4/5): Ware notes warming soil could shift emergence timing and potentially disrupt the cicadas’ predator-satiation strategy. Edible insects and Martian protein (Priority: 3/5): The conversation turns to entomophagy, with Ware describing cicadas as nutty and protein-rich, though not ideal as a primary food source for space colonies. Dragonflies and broader insect fascination (Priority: 2/5): The episode briefly detours into dragonflies, highlighting Ware’s specialty and Tyson’s interest in their predatory behavior and fossil size.
Key Arguments: Periodical cicadas emerge after 13 or 17 years underground; brood 10 is a 17-year brood. Their emergence is timed by soil temperature, with 64°F cited as the trigger for adults to surface. Cicadas use a predator-satiation strategy: millions emerge at once so enough survive to reproduce. They are not locusts and do not destroy crops; instead they function as food for birds, mammals, reptiles, pathogens, and humans. Their decomposing bodies recycle nutrients into the soil and back into trees, aiding the ecosystem. Climate change may shift emergence timing, potentially reducing the effectiveness of synchronized mass emergence. Cicadas are not truly hibernating underground; juveniles are active, feeding on tree xylem, molting through instars, and excreting sugary waste. Cicadas can be eaten; Ware says they taste nutty and recommends cautious preparation for people with crustacean allergies.
Data Points: Cicada underground juvenile stage: 13 or 17 years - Ware explains the two periodical cicada life cycles. Brood discussed: Brood 10 - The 2021 emergence is centered on brood 10. Temperature trigger: 64°F - Soil temperature associated with emergence. Adult lifespan after emergence: 4 to 6 weeks - Tyson asks how long cicadas live once above ground. Estimated historical origin of periodical cicadas: ~500,000 years - Ware cites research estimating when the periodical strategy arose. Older cicada lineage estimate: ~4 million years - Mentioned as the broader presence of cicadas, including annual cicadas. Cicadas per acre: ~1.5 million - Ware estimates the density expected in some emergence areas. Dragonfly juvenile freshwater stage: Up to 5 years - Used as a comparison for long insect development times. Termite queen lifespan: 10-13 years - Another example of long-lived insects.
Pivotal Quotes: "This is the solution to having a bad year: there's these periodical cicadas that are coming out to bring us some enthusiasms, to bring us some pep to our day." — Jessica Ware: Ware frames the cicada emergence as a positive ecological event rather than a plague. "They're here for a good time, not a long time." — Nagin Farsad: Comic summary of the cicadas’ brief adult phase and reproductive purpose. "That is its life. Sucking on plant roots and peeing and pooping." — Neil deGrasse Tyson: Tyson reflects on the full cicada life cycle after learning adults live only weeks above ground.
Implications: The episode demystifies cicadas, showing how mass emergences fit ecology, climate sensitivity, and even human food systems. It suggests future warmings could alter insect timing and that insects may become more visible in science, food, and space-conversation contexts.