(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Field Museum is inviting visitors to take part in a series of cicada-themed events and activities, which officially started Wednesday.
Insect expert at the Field Museum Dr. Maureen Turcatel answered visitors' questions about cicadas as part of the first Meet a Scientist event of cicada season.
She says at the event, visitors can view specimens from the museum's collection and learn about various cicadas and their predators.
"Sometimes they are afraid of bugs so we can reassure them cicadas are harmless, they're not gonna bite, they're not gonna sting. Some people are very curious. They want to know how they get so loud, and we have all these resources available for them."
One visitor, Lyla, was excited to celebrate her seventh birthday with cicadas.
"I'm happy for cicadas…. I really like their buzzing sound," she said and then imitated the sound they make.
Lyla was one of the first to experience the new cicada-themed Meet a Scientist event. Turcatel says the events will be happening weekly during the cicada emergence.
"We're gonna bring some specimens from our collections to show the differences of three species: the periodical cicadas, the annual cicadas, the cicada killers, which are their main predators. And just be here to answer any of their questions."
The goal of the event series is to educate and inspire visitors.
"I hope that it will spark their curiosity and they will encourage them to go outside and see the cicadas and just observe this event,” Turcatel said.
The Field is also hosting insect-pinning classes on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. (tickets are available for purchase here) and a bug-inspired meal at Big Star on Tuesday, June 11 at 6 p.m.
Additionally, a LabDate PlayDate: Cicadas Take Flight Storytime & Craft will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 11 a.m. in the Crown Family PlayLab. This event is free for families with children ages 2-6 and features a story-time and craft session.
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