ABSTRACT

Known for their 13 and 17 year life cycles and massive synchronous emergences, periodical cicadas are unique in the insect world. We will explore the natural history, ecology, and behavior of the seven species of periodical cicadas indigenous to North America. Predator satiation, the periodical cicada's bizarre strategy for survival, will be contrasted with defenses of their kin the dog-day cicadas. We will discuss the unusual accelerated appearance of Brood X cicadas that appeared in 2017 and preview the upcoming massive emergence of the remainder of Brood X in 2021.

About the Speaker:

A Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Maryland, Mike is a Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. His extension programs provide training on the theory and practice of sustainable pest management to green industry professionals and the general public. His research programs focus on global change issues including invasive species and urbanization. He has authored than 250 scientific and lay publications and delivered more than 1200 presentations. A regular guest on NPR, Mike has appeared on all major television networks in this country and several abroad and has been featured on National Geographic, Science Channel, Lehrer News Hour, BBC, and PBS. His "Bug of the Week" website, www.bugoftheweek.com and Youtube channel www.youtube.com/user/BugOfTheWeek reaches several thousand viewers weekly in more than 180 countries. He has received a dozen regional or national awards for excellence in extension programming and media communications. His most recent book "26 Things that Bug Me" introduces youngsters to the wonders of insects and natural history while "Managing Insect and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants" is a standard for the arboricultural industry.