Observations on the aggregation of adult cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in tropical forests

Abstract

The distribution of adult cicadas in various tree species was studied in Costa Rica. These observations indicate that tropical cicadas, mostly males, often congregate in certain tree species in various kinds of secondary forest habitats. Aggregated male cicadas exhibit intense chorusing and females fly into chorusing aggregations, presumably for mating. Trees used for aggregations are also cicada feeding sites. The conspicuous absence of oviposition evidence or nymphal skins suggest that these trees are used primarily for intensive male chorusing which assembles females for mating. Tendency to congregate in particular trees is related to the spatial position of the trees and their exposure to direct sunlight. Highly fragmented forest patches in some regions (central highlands, lowland Guanacaste) function as islands for cicadas to complete their life cycles and mating, whereas the abundant secondary forest habitats in other regions (northeastern lowlands) are being invaded by a few species which use secondary forest trees for completion of life cycles and mating. The apparent absence of dense aggregations of adult cicadas within climax tropical forests, even though nymphal skins are found here, is probably related to the very patchy distribution of individuals of each tree species and perhaps other factors (i.e., shading) affecting the attractiveness of trees for congregating cicadas.