Return of the Periodical Cicadas: Fear, fascination, and fun in 2021

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. Learn when cicadas will appear and how they will impact humans, pets, wildlife, and plants in our region. Presenter: Dr. Michael Raupp, a Professor Emeritus and Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. Dr. Raupp has authored more than 250 publications, delivered more than 1300 presentations, is a regular guest on NPR, and has been featured on National Geographic and the Science Channel. “Bug of the Week” website, www.bugoftheweek.com and YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/BugOfTheWeek reach thousands of viewers weekly in more than 200 countries. 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.

This session is open to all; registration required. Please go to villageoftakomapark.com for more information and to register to receive the Zoom link.