Last modified: Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Media advisory:
IU and Purdue scientists to answer questions about Brood X periodical cicadas
WHAT: Indiana University and Purdue University scientists will discuss the economic impact, biology, geographical distribution and control of Brood X periodical cicadas, which are scheduled to emerge from the ground in May (2004). These large, winged insects appear in Indiana, and elsewhere, every 17 years.
Brood X cicadas, expected to emerge in the region 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 which occurred 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.
WHEN: Thursday (May 6) at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Indiana State Museum, Multipurpose Room, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204-2725. Media parking is available in the museum circle drive on the building's south side or in the underground garage.
WHO: Scientists from Indiana University and Purdue University:
- Biologist Keith Clay, IU Bloomington
- Entomologist Cliff Sadof, Purdue
- Economic geographer John Odland, IU Bloomington
- Entomologist Timothy Gibb, Purdue
Broadcast quality b-roll, including 1987 cicada emergence, cicada sounds and sound bites with the scientists, will be available at the news briefing. B-roll requests from reporters, editors and producers who cannot attend the event should be made through David Bricker.
To speak with these scientists or for more information, please contact Susan Steeves, Purdue School of Agriculture, 765-496-7481 or ssteeves@purdue.edu or David Bricker, IU Media Relations, 812-856-9035 or brickerd@indiana.edu.
For high resolution Brood X cicada photos, see:
