Cicada Sound Observation Protocol

Make a Cicada Observation

Data collection begins Monday, May 20th, 2024.

Pick a location to make an observation! We want to know both where cicadas are and where cicadas are not around St. Louis, which means that we want observations from locations with and without cicadas.
The best time to make an observation is during the day when the weather is warm.
Try to avoid making a recording at a time when there are unusual sources of sound in the environment. Constant noise from things like lawn mowers, sirens, construction, loud music, nearby conversations, or other continuous noise sources can also be picked up as part of the background. Brief loud sounds such as birds singing, car horns, or traffic are fine, as you will be reporting the average sound in your location.
Note the date, time, and location. If you are unsure of the location, use google or apple maps to get your address or latitude and longitude.
Remove your cell phone from any case or holder.
Open the Arudino SJ App and start a three minute measure of sound intensity. Need help? See the Getting Started Guide below.
While you are making your three minute recording, look around your location. Do you hear any cicadas? Do you see any cicadas? Count all of the adult cicadas and exuviae (cicada shells) that you can find during your three minute observation.
When you are finished, report your data using our online google form. Want to contribute many observations? You can also download an spreadsheet version of this form. Please send spreadsheets to semiller@umsl.edu or aimee.dunlap@umsl.edu.