INTRODUCTION
Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) are different from the more
familiar ‘annual’ cicadas that emerge later in the
summer. The development of Periodical cicadas is synchronized,
while that of ‘annual’ cicadas’ is not. Almost
all periodical cicadas grow and mature into adults at the same
time,
which is
why we witness such huge groups of them every 17 or 13 years.
Specific groups of periodical cicadas are called
“Broods.” Entomologists
have devised a chart that documents the emergence of these groups.
There are twelve “Broods” that appear in the northeastern
part of the United States in different years. This year, the lucky
area is Brood X. Brood X refers to certain parts of fifteen states
(DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WVA) and
Washington DC. These states will witness the emergence of the 17-year
periodical cicadas sometime around May or June of 2004.
See the
map at: http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/Michigan_Cicadas/Periodical/BroodX.html.
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ARTICLES
Brood
X cicadas will cause limited damage to trees, yard plants across
Eastern U.S. http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/1348.html
A news release from Indiana University discusses the
effect the cicadas can have on plants, trees, and crops.
How cicadas
work
http://science.howstuffworks.com/cicada.htm
Learn all about cicadas from this article from the How
stuff works Web site.
They’re
back! The 17-year cicadas are coming this year
http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/frederick/2004/cicadas.htm
An article by Charles Metz, which appears on the Master
Gardeners Web site; provides a general discussion about the periodical cicadas
and information about cicada control.
They’re
back !!! Periodical cicadas
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/greenline/03v2/05.html
An article from the University of Illinois Extension
Green Line Web site gives a short discussion about periodical cicadas in Illinois,
as well as other general information about the periodical cicadas.
The
otherworldly roar of the cicadas
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/cicadas.htm
An article by Jim Pomeroy, naturalist at the Hidden Pond
Nature Center in Northern Virginia, discusses the life of the periodical cicadas.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Published
scientific literature on periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.)
http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/Michigan_Cicadas/Periodical/magilit.html
This is a list of general and technical papers about
the periodical cicadas published before 2000.
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CICADA CONTROL
Natrop’s
2004 Periodical Cicadas Brood X fact sheet
http://www.natorp.com/Cicadas2004.pdf
This fact sheet provides a section about cicada control
and other information about the 2004 periodical cicada.
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CULTURAL ENTOMOLOGY: CICADAS
Bugbios:
Cicada in Chinese Folklore
http://www.insects.org/ced3/cicada_chfolk.html
An article by Garland Riegel, featured in the November
1994 issue of Cultural Entomology Digest, discusses the use of the cicada in
Chinese medicine and the symbolism in Chinese art and artifacts.
Bugbios:
Cicada in Ancient Greece
http://www.insects.org/ced3/cicada_ancgrcult.html
An article by Rory B. Egan, which appeared in the November 1994
issue of the Cultural Entomology Digest, discusses cicada references
in Greek literature and mythology.
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GENERAL CICADA RESOURCES
Cicada
Mania Web log
http://www.dancentury.com/cicada/index.html
This is the perfect site for the cicada enthusiast. There
is a message board, frequently asked questions, links to more cicada Web sites,
a photo gallery and even merchandise.
Cicada
Central
http://collections2.eeb.uconn.edu/collections/cicadacentral/index.html
“This site is designed to be a center for the exchange
of scientific information concerning cicadas of the world. “ It includes “photos,
songs and information about Australian, New Zealand, and North American cicadas.
The North American portion of this site also contains facts about periodical
cicadas. In addition, you can find information about cicada-related scientific
literature, a list of world cicada tribes, a list of worldwide cicada researchers,
and links to other cicada sites. Visit Chris Simon's lab at the University of
Connecticut to learn about research and research opportunities.“
Cicadas of the Mid Atlantic
http://www.cicadas.info
This Web site "has been created to
act as a repository for information regarding annual and periodical
cicadas found in the Mid-Atlantic area of the United States."
If you witness an outbreak of periodical cicadas and you live in
the Mid-Atlantic region you can go this Web site and submit your
information.
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GOVERNMENT
National
Agricultural Library: Cicada factsheet
http://www.nal.usda.gov/outreach/cicadas.pdf
A fact sheet that contains information on what cicadas eat, how
they make noise, and other fascinating cicada facts.
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TEACHING RESOURCES
Becoming
an Ecologist: Investigation into the Life Cycle of the 17-year
Cicada
http://csip.cornell.edu/Curriculum_Resources/CEIRP/Cicada.asp
“This lab is designed to help students gain experience
and develop an understanding of elements of scientific inquiry through the study
of an ecological phenomenon. It can be a good way to introduce or conclude an
ecology unit.” Guides for teachers and students are included.
Cicada Watch:
2004: Teaching Resources
http://www.msj.edu/cicada/teaching.html
Includes ideas for lesson plans such as conducting an
oral history, researching old newspapers, studying nymphal tunnels, and folding
an origami cicada.
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UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
Many universities in states across the
country sponsor Web sites about the periodical cicadas. These Web
sites provide general and specific information about the periodical
cicadas such as information on the biology and distribution of
cicadas throughout the United States. Some universities are conducting
a survey of local cicada outbreaks and are seeking the public’s
help with documenting these outbreaks. If you are interested in
participating in a survey contact the science department at your
local university or search the Web for a local survey. The following
are examples of university Web sites.
Indiana:
Cicada Project from Indiana University
http://www.indiana.edu/~act/cicada/index.html
Included on the Web site is information about the biology
of the cicada, the Indiana University Cicada Project, Cicada survey in Indiana,
and links to information about cicadas.
Home
and Garden Information Center: University of Maryland.
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/hgic/cicadas/cicada_menu.html
Presented on this Web site are fact sheets, a photo gallery
and links to information about the periodical cicada.
Michigan:
University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology, Insect Division. Periodical
cicada page
http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/Michigan_Cicadas/Periodical/Index.html
This Web site provides a description, life cycle, maps,
and sounds of the periodical cicada. Also included are a bibliography and additional
links.
Ohio:
Cicada Watch 2004: The Official Cicada Web site of the College
of Mount St. Joseph.
http://www.msj.edu/kritsky/scherzinger/index.html
Cicada Watch 2004 provides a list of frequently asked
questions, a cicada calendar, report an emergence survey, cicada events, teaching
resources, and a press kit.
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Compiled by Jennifer Harbster May, 2004
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