Q UIC KBA I T
Cicada Data Highest concentration
BY JANE PORTER
jporter@indyweek.com
Y
ou’ve likely heard about the impending return of the Brood X cicadas, one of 15 broods of periodical cicadas known to emerge from the ground on the same cycle. According to this map from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina isn’t poised to see very many of these cicadas this summer, unlike our nextdoor neighbor, Tennessee, and some other states north of us and in the northeast. That’s ok, though: there are other broods who will make an appearance in our fair state soon. Here’s what you need to know about these noisy insects.
Lowest concentration
15
The number of states in which the Brood X cicada will appear
1.5 million
per acre
The estimated density of cicadas when they emerge together; the high density overwhelms the insects’ predators
3,400
The number of species of cicada that exist worldwide; not all emerge on periodic cycles
100 decibels
The volume of the sound of cicadas’ mating call in unison, comparable to standing three feet away from a running chainsaw
12
The number of different broods of cicada that emerge from underground on 17-year cycles
3
The number of different broods of cicada that emerge from underground on 13-year cycles
64°
The soil temperature at which Brood X cicadas will emerge this summer
Source: smithsonianmag.com 4
June 2, 2021
INDYweek.com