MEDIA ADVISORY: MU Experts to Discuss 2011 Cicada Outbreak, Potential Damage to Landscaping, Farms

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

WHAT:  In late May through June 2011, billions of cicada insects will begin their noisy singing throughout Missouri to attract mates. This is part of a 13-year cycle of the bugs’ lives. Some cicadas produce sounds up to 120 decibels, among the loudest of all insect-produced noise. 

University of Missouri entomologists and horticulturalists in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will give a presentation on this phenomena and what homeowners and farmers can expect. The experts will show examples of the insects from the Enns Entomology Museum collection, give a briefing on the unique cicada life and reproduction cycle, detail potential tree and crop damage caused by these insects, discuss the bugs’ impact on wildlife, and answer questions.

WHO:  Bruce Barrett, professor of entomology

Richard Houseman, associate professor of urban entomology

Rob Lawrence, forest entomologist, Missouri Department of Conservation and adjunct assistant professor of plant sciences

Chris Starbuck, associate professor of horticulture

WHEN:  10 – 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2011

WHERE:  Enns Entomology Museum
Room 3-38 Agriculture Building (second floor)
On the MU campus
(Enter door on southwest corner of Agriculture Building, across from MU Student Center.  Go up the stairs and to the right.)