Purdue News

Media briefing on periodical cicada emergence

Purdue University and Indiana University scientists will discuss the economic impact, biology, geographical distribution and control of periodical cicadas. These are large, winged insects that appear in large numbers every 13 years to 17 years.

The Brood X cicadas, expected to emerge between mid- to late-May, have developed in underground holes for the past 17 years by sucking on tree roots. The insects mainly will come out in areas where susceptible trees were present during the last infestation, in 1987. This includes much of Indiana, surrounding states and parts of the eastern United States. Experts predict Indiana alone will be infested with trillions of the bugs.

The briefing will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, in the multipurpose room of the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Media parking will be available in the museum circle drive on the building's south side or in the underground garage.

During the briefing, scientists from Indiana University and Purdue University will talk about periodical cicadas. Broadcast quality B-roll including 1987 cicada emergence, cicada sounds and sound bites with the scientists will be available at the news briefing or by request from David Bricker.

CONTACT: Susan Steeves, Purdue University, 765-496-7481, ssteeves@purdue.edu; David Bricker, IU-Bloomington, 812-856-9035, brickerd@indiana.edu