Leonard Haseman Wrote This Report For The University Of Missouri's Agricultural Experiment Station In

Leonard Haseman wrote this report for the University of Missouri's Agricultural Experiment Station in 1915 with the goal of dispelling some of the myths about cicadas. He writes:

The numerous traditions and superstitions which have been connected with the periodical recurrence of the cicada since the early settlements are still quite prevalent in many localities of Missouri and are often the occasion of unwarranted alarm.

Haseman predicted the emergence of Brood XIX throughout Missouri in 1920. Today, we're seeing (and hearing) the descendants of that brood throughout the state again. Below is a video taken just outside the front door of our library. It might look like the tree branches are swaying in a gentle breeze, but that's mostly just cicadas.

Sound on to experience the screeching that we can hear in our offices with all the windows and doors closed, even as we type.