News release from Lattice Newswire:
This year marks a rare convergence as two significant cicada broods—the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII—emerge simultaneously, an event occurring only once every 221 years. These broods are examples of periodical cicadas, which synchronize their development and emerge in unison every 13 or 17 years, contrasting with annual cicadas that emerge yearly. And given the scope of this year’s periodical broods (Brood XIX is the largest by geographic reach, and Brood XIII is the largest in size), 2024 will bring a once-in-a-lifetime level of cicada activity to the U.S.
Not every part of the country experiences the impacts of cicadas equally. Researchers calculated the percentage of counties in which either Brood XIII or Brood XIX is expected to emerge, then ranked states accordingly. Researchers also calculated percentages and totals for the individual broods and their overlap, where applicable.
These are the main takeaways from the report, highlighting some key stats for North Carolina:
- Cicadas are benign creatures, posing minimal threat and providing a host of ecological benefits by aerating soil and serving as a crucial food source for various animals.
- Interestingly, cicada hatches also create a boon for fishing enthusiasts. The large number of cicadas that emerge during hatches provide excellent feeding opportunities for fish, attracting them in large numbers to the water’s surface and leading to exceptional fishing.
- Cicadas can produce their mating calls at a noise level of 90 dBA. This volume is greater than that produced by hair dryers, comparable to that of lawnmowers, and on par with what’s considered damaging to human hearing given long periods of exposure.
- North Carolina is one of just 17 states expected to see either the rare Brood XIX or Brood XIII this year.
- Which brood will North Carolina see? Brood XIX.
- In total, 16 North Carolina counties will be affected—or 16.0% of all North Carolina counties.
- North Carolina is expected to be the 5th most impacted by Brood XIX this year.
- The complete data table included in the full report identifies the brood(s) expected in more than 1,000 U.S. counties in 29 different states.
Source: Captain Experiences analysis of U.S. Forest Service data
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