Full size image available through contact

Cicada experts funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) will discuss the biology, economic impact, geographic distribution and genetics of the Brood X periodical cicadas emerging from the ground this May. These large, winged insects appear by the trillions across the northeast and mid-west every 17 years.

Brood X cicadas have developed in underground holes for the past 17 years by sucking on tree roots. The insects will surface in areas where susceptible trees were present during the last infestation, which occurred in 1987. Scientists predict that Indiana alone will be infested with millions of the bugs. A particularly heavy emergence will also occur in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Among other topics, the scientists will discuss how human alteration of forests affects cicadas. Cicadas are drawn to the forest edge; because eastern forests have grown since the last emergence, this year's cicadas will likely emerge deeper in the forest and move to the edge. Tracking the cicadas' relocation is among the researchers' topics. They will also present the latest findings on the effect of cicada root parasitism on red maples; how periodical cicadas interact with the forest ecosystem as a whole; and biogeographic and behavioral research that led to the discovery of a new cicada species with a 13-year life cycle, which appears to have originated from a 17-year life cycle species.

Who: Scientists from Indiana University at Bloomington; Indiana State University; and the University of Connecticut:

Biologist Keith Clay, Indiana University, Bloomington
Geographer James Speer, Indiana State University
Geographer John Odland, Indiana University, Bloomington
Biologist Christine Simon, University of Connecticut

What: Briefing on "Brood X" Periodical Cicada Research

When: Tuesday, May 11th, 1:30 p.m.

Where: National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1295 Arlington, VA 22230
(Metro Orange Line, Ballston Stop)
For Directions, see http://www.nsf.gov/home/visit/start.htm

For more information, and to arrange for a pass to enter the NSF building, please contact:

Media contacts: Cheryl Dybas, 703-292-7734, cdybas@nsf.gov
Liz Malone, 703-292-7732, emalone@nsf.gov

Source: Eurekalert & others

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009

When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.
-- African proverb