The Midwest Is About to Get Some Noisy Neighbors: Brood of Cicadas Emerges After 17 Years Underground

Theodore Burk, D. Phil.Professor, Animal Behavior, Entomology and Behavioral Ecology[email protected]402-280-2156

Theodore Burk, an entomologist at Creighton University, is available to provide insight into the lifecycles and behaviors of periodical cicadas. In one of nature’s most unique phenomena, a brood of periodical cicadas — Brood IV — are emerging this spring across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas after 17 years underground. This emergence won’t go unnoticed as male cicadas in tremendous numbers will make incredibly loud noises as they sing to attract females. After just three to four weeks, the cicadas will subside and the next generation won’t be heard from for another 17 years. Burk can discuss where these periodical cicadas can be found and how their remarkable lifecycles and synchronized emergence protects their species.