Brood XIX Cicada Emergence and Bug Blitz! - June 8th
There is an ongoing mega-invasion at Runge! In the month of May, on any given day, hundreds of school children may descend upon the nature center. Each night, thousands of migrating birds may land looking for refuge. And, as you read this, millions of periodical cicadas are beginning to emerge on the nature center grounds.
Brood XIX (The Great Southern Brood) is well on its way, with individuals beginning to emerge. Soon, up to 1,000,000 cicadas may cover every acre of forest in the area. Brood XIX are 13-year periodical cicadas, which mean that they live under ground in the nymphal stage for 13 years before emerging as one collective group to sing, breed, and lay eggs. There are four different species of 13-year periodical cicada that can be found in this particular brood, with three expected to be found in the Jefferson City area. This is where you come in.
Help us observe what species of periodical cicadas can be found on the Runge property. This can be done by adding observations to iNaturalist and adding your observation to the Runge Biodiversity Project. The best way to identify these amazing animals is to get a photo of the underside of the cicada, especially the abdomen. They cannot bite or sting (females have an impressive looking ovipositor, but cannot harm you), so don't be afraid to get ahold of one and flip it over.
We are also interested in seeing other animals as they interact with cicadas. Be on the lookout for critters such as turtles, snakes. frogs, birds, squirrels, and others that may happen to be feeding on these tasty morsels. Ideally you will be able to get a photo of the action, but if you cannot, try and get a photo of animals doing the eating and make a note on your observation.
Explore! Observe! Have Fun!
Are you alive? Thank a bug!
As predators, prey, food sources, pollinators of our food crops, drivers of nearly all food chains, scavengers, and decomposers—bugs rule the world!
Come to our Bug Blitz and explore and celebrate the world of interesting insects. This is a come-and-go event so stop by any time on Saturday, June 8, from 4 to 10:30 pm. All events will be outdoors, weather permitting.
Daytime activities include guided habitat explorations to catch bugs, learning stations on how to identify insects (are all bugs insects?), and insect challenges for prizes and a drawing. At night, we’ll set up our blacklight, set out moth bait, and observe fireflies and other nighttime insects.
We'll also have crafts, popcorn, and lemonade! It's a Bug Blitz Blowout so fly in and join us!
No registration required. All ages
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