D. Beasley, E. P. Benson, S. Welch
Jul 9, 2012
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Abstract
Citizen science is the process in which citizens are involved in science as researchers (Carr 2004). This can range from involvement in a collaborative effort from academic and government agencies in the assessment of a common environmental (community) concern to the management of common natural resources (Conrad & Hilchey 2011). Traditionally, the use of citizen scientists involved the collection of data on species detection and habitat. This is due to the difficulty of a single monitoring agency in obtaining accurate data for proper population assessment (Conrad & Hilchey 2011). Increasing concern regarding the effect of climate change and land development on biodiversity has raised interest in assessing evolutionary responses of plants and animals, particularly for species that are absent in some years but abundant in others (Heliovaara et al. 1994; Lepetz et al. 2009). Brood XIX of periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada) consists of 3 species (M. tredecassini, M. tredecim, M. tredecula) that emerge synchronously every 13 years. Historically, Brood XIX has been recorded to span along the United States east coast from Maryland to Georgia and in the Midwest from Iowa to Oklahoma (Simon 1988). Males and females emerge from the ground close to their host tree and eclose into their adult form. Adults are approximately 4 cm long with red eyes, orange-veined wings and black bodies (Fig. 1). They live above ground for approximately 4-6 wk. The males produce species-specific calls that attract both sexes in the forest canopy resulting in large aggregations in areas of high population densities. After mating, females disperse to nearby trees and lay eggs into slits cut into the branches. Nymphs hatch from eggs after 6-8 wk and drop to the ground where they feed on root xylem fluids for another 13 yr (White & Strehl 1978; Williams & Simon 1995). In South Carolina, the 1985 emergence began around 21 Apr in Abbeville and Saluda counties. Cold weather delayed the emergence in 1998 resulting in fewer sightings. Based on anecdotal and general accounts, periodical cicadas were suspected to emerge in approximately 25 South Carolina counties (Gorsuch 1998). The anticipated 2011 Brood XIX emergence provided a unique opportunity to apply the use of citizen scientists in obtaining a more accurate assessment of the species range in South Carolina. The aim of the project was to use voluntary internet reports of sightings to examine spatial and temporal patterns of periodical cicada emergence and document citizen’s impressions of the Brood XIX emergence. Three South Carolina state institutions established internet sites for citizens to report sightings (Clemson University: http://clemsoncicada.word-