In 2024, the next time 17-year cicadas emerge, people then may better know what to expect thanks to people of today.

Where -- and with what volume -- cicadas have emerged in northern Illinois is being tracked by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

The district has launched an online interactive cicada emergence map.

"We're hoping to collect information about the location and density of this year's Brood XIII periodical cicada emergence and we need help from folks across the entire Brood XIII area," said district spokeswoman Catherine Savage.

The Brood XIII area includes La Salle County.

On the Web site a map is posted that shows volunteered cicada emergence information.

"We ask that people visit the map, put in their address and pick a map pin color to represent the intensity of the emergence in their neighborhood -- ranging from a gray pin for 'no cicadas here!' to a hot pink pin for 'I'm inundated with cicadas!'"

The final result will be a research map that will "help other folks either find or avoid the little critters, whichever suits them."

The map is part of the Web site's "2007 Cicada Mania" section. It features extensive information about cicadas. It also offers cicada merchandise including clothing, pins and a mug -- all featuring a logo with a smiling cicada saying, "We don't bite."

The Web site is www.lcfpd.org/cicadamap.