Cicada Nymphs Research Articles

Ecological characterization of Heterorhabditis sonorensis (Caborca strain) (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae), an entomopathogenic nematode from the Sonoran Desert

Heterorhabditis nematodes are parasites of a wide range of soil-dwelling insect species. Although these nematodes have been exploited as biological control agents since the last half of the 20th century, much research remains to be done to understand how these organisms function in agricultural and other ecosystems. In this study, we present some ecological traits of Heterorhabditis sonorensis, a natural parasite of the cicada Diceroprocta ornea, from the Sonoran Desert. Specifically, we evaluated its infectivity across a diverse panel of insect groups and assessed its fitness (infectivity and reproduction) considering different temperatures, and soil moisture levels. Three other Heterorhabditis species served as points of comparison for temperature and soil moisture assays. Host range experiments indicate that H. sonorensis, although isolated from seasonal cicada nymphs, is more virulent and reproductively fit in the lepidopteran hosts tested. This nematode has an optimum temperature range at 25–30 °C but can also successfully reproduce at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C. Additionally, this nematode is adapted to a variety of soil moisture conditions with successful infections across the tested moisture range (3%–20%). Finally, we demonstrate that H. sonorensis infective juveniles have a high survival rate (over 80%) at various storage temperatures (10–25 °C) after 24 weeks of storage and remain infective as revealed by the post-storage infection assays.

The effects of pulsed fertilization and chronic herbivory by periodical cicadas on tree growth.

Although many studies have investigated plant growth in the context of episodic herbivory and pressed resource availability, relatively few have examined how plant growth is affected by pulsed resources and chronic herbivory. Periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.) adults represent a pulsed detrital subsidy that fertilizes plants, and live cicada nymphs are long-lived root-feeding herbivores. Previous studies of cicada herbivory effects have been inconclusive, and previous studies of cicada-mediated fertilization did not examine effects on trees, or on a multiyear timescale. Here, we describe the results of a 3-yr experiment that factorially manipulated the presence and absence of cicada fertilization and herbivory in a population of 100 American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) trees. We found that cicada fertilization strongly increased tree growth in the year of emergence, creating differences in tree size that persisted at least 2yr later. By comparison, we did not detect reductions in tree growth associated with cicada herbivory in any year of this experiment. However, cicada herbivory reduced the densities of, and damage from, other aboveground herbivores. These results suggest that cicadas affect the size structure of forests over multiple years, and raise questions about how cicada-mediated fertilization and herbivory will affect tree growth over longer timescales.

Virulence of two entomopathogenic nematode species, Steinernema sp. (strain PQ16) and Heterorhabditis indica (strain KT3987), to nymphs of the coffee cicada Dundubia nagarasingna

Summary The virulence and efficacy of two species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema sp. (strain PQ16) and Heterorhabditis indica (strain KT3987), against nymphs of the coffee cicada, Dundubia nagarasingna, was evaluated under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. The highest mortality rates of coffee cicada nymphs caused by these two nematode strains were 93.5 and 100%, respectively, at an inoculation dose of 600 infective juveniles (IJ) nymph−1. The virulence (LC50) was established as 137.5 IJ and 149.1 IJ for strains S-PQ16 and H-KT3987, respectively. The highest IJ yields of these nematode strains were 66 × 103 IJ (for S-PQ16) and 134.4 × 103 IJ (for H-KT3987) at a dose of 500 IJ nymph−1. The efficacies of the two nematode strains to coffee cicadas at treated dose of 60 × 103 IJ pot−1 were 84.4 and 88.9% after 30 days, higher than the efficacies at treated dose of 40 × 103 IJ pot−1. The number of IJ in 250 ml of soil at 10, 20 and 30 days after treatment, increased from 0.38 × 103 to 4.80 × 103 IJ in soil treated with a dose of 40 × 103 IJ and from 0.66 × 103 to 5.02 × 103 IJ in soil treated with a dose of 60 × 103 IJ (for S-PQ16). Similarly, for H-KT3987 the number of IJ increased from 0.43 × 103 to 8.99 × 103 IJ and from 0.62 × 103 to 9.64 × 103 IJ, at the respective doses. Based on results of a pot trial from glasshouse modelling, an IJ application dosage for biological control of coffee cicada nymphs in coffee plantations was proposed.

Influence of construction and demolition waste on fitness and community structure of cicada nymphs: New bioindicators of soil pollution.

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a novel, widespread environmental stress that negatively affects environment, organisms and ecosystem. Yet effects of cumulative consequences of C&D waste on the fitness and community structure of most underground insects remain unclear. With relatively sessile life underground lasting several years, cicadas can be an important aspect in forest nutrient cycles. Whether cicada nymphs are easily affected by C&D waste, and whether they have evolved any adaptations to cope with the adverse environments merit exploration. Here, we investigated the biodiversity, community structure, population dynamics and morphology of cicada nymphs in both uncontaminated and contaminated habitats by C&D waste in Guanzhong Plain, China since 2011. In total, 1,573 cicada nymphs were collected from 2011 to 2015, including 62 malformed nymphs. The malformed nymphs can be divided into three types: physically damaged individuals (still alive) (3.2%), fungus-infected individuals (dead) (64.5%), and bacterium-infected individuals (dead) (32.3%). The proportion of malformed nymphs increased year by year in the habitats contaminated by C&D waste. In the uncontaminated habitats, although no significant differences of population density among the investigated years were observed, yet there was a distinct increasing trend of population of Meimuna mongolica, whereas populations of both Cryptotympana atrata and Platypleura kaempferi distinctly decreased. This indicates that M. mongolica is possibly evolving into the most dominant species in the ecological niche when it competes with other sympatric species, but more researches are needed to establish whether there is a shift in the species composition of cicadas. In the habitats contaminated by C&D waste, a higher ratio of malformed individuals and a decline of population of both M. mongolica and C. atrata were revealed; P. kaempferi was not found in the contaminated habitats, indicating a weaker resistance of this species against C&D waste. The negative responses of cicada nymphs to C&D waste have significant implications for the habitat destruction. Cicada nymphs may be suitable bioindicators for underground-habitat-quality monitoring, as merits further research to reveal the association between the magnitude of C&D waste contamination with the fitness and population dynamics of cicada nymphs.

Terrestrial evidence for the Lilliput effect across the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary

Recent research has demonstrated that the Lilliput effect (reduction of body size in biota associated with the aftermath of mass extinctions) affected all trophic levels in the marine realm following the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) event. However, it is unclear if this size change was strictly a marine signal, or a global phenomenon that also affected continental ecosystems. Herein we present the results of an ichnological proxy for body size of soil-dwelling insects across the K-Pg boundary in Big Bend National Park, Texas, U.S.A. Quantitative efforts focused on Naktodemasis bowni, which are characterized as unbranching burrows composed of ellipsoidal packets of backfill menisci. These traces were likely produced by beetle larvae or cicada nymphs based on previous comparison with structures generated in modern soils and laboratory experiments. As an approximation for the body size of the subterranean insects, this dataset indicates that a smaller N. bowni diameter (DN) is statistically correlated (α<0.05) with several edaphic factors including poor soil drainage and weak soil development (Entisols). Additionally, the DN in strata immediately superjacent to the highest Cretaceous-specific taxa is smaller by 23% (5.6±1.8mm) in comparison to DN within the subjacent Cretaceous interval (7.3±2.7mm). This abrupt shift occurs in a well-drained Inceptisol, and cannot be attributed to facies changes, drainage, or paleosol maturity. Furthermore, a reduced DN (6.6±2.3mm) persists above this anomalous shift for at least 20 stratigraphic meters within chron 29r. The cause for this negative response in body size within soil-dwelling biota may be attributed to plant-community shifts in taxonomic composition and ecological strategies, which would have caused fundamental alterations to the diet of the herbivorous, subterranean insects. This study provides empirical evidence that the Lilliput effect was not restricted to marine environments during the aftermath of the K-Pg event.

Efficient isolation method for high-quality genomic DNA from cicada exuviae.

In recent years, animal ethics issues have led researchers to explore nondestructive methods to access materials for genetic studies. Cicada exuviae are among those materials because they are cast skins that individuals left after molt and are easily collected. In this study, we aim to identify the most efficient extraction method to obtain high quantity and quality of DNA from cicada exuviae. We compared relative DNA yield and purity of six extraction protocols, including both manual protocols and available commercial kits, extracting from four different exoskeleton parts. Furthermore, amplification and sequencing of genomic DNA were evaluated in terms of availability of sequencing sequence at the expected genomic size. Both the choice of protocol and exuvia part significantly affected DNA yield and purity. Only samples that were extracted using the PowerSoil DNA Isolation kit generated gel bands of expected size as well as successful sequencing results. The failed attempts to extract DNA using other protocols could be partially explained by a low DNA yield from cicada exuviae and partly by contamination with humic acids that exist in the soil where cicada nymphs reside before emergence, as shown by spectroscopic measurements. Genomic DNA extracted from cicada exuviae could provide valuable information for species identification, allowing the investigation of genetic diversity across consecutive broods, or spatiotemporal variation among various populations. Consequently, we hope to provide a simple method to acquire pure genomic DNA applicable for multiple research purposes.

Illumina MiSeq sequencing investigation of Chanhua (Cordyceps cicadae Shing) fungal community structures in different regions

ObjectiveThis study was carried out to elucidate the fungal diversity of Chanhua (Cordyceps cicadae Shing), which is an entomogenous fungal parasite that grows on wingless cicada nymphs. MethodsSamples were collected from 10 different geographical regions including Yibing in Sichuan Province, Jiangsu Province, Jiangxi Province, Anhui Province, Guangdong Province, and Guangxi Autonomous Region. The Illumina MiSeq-based method was used to investigate the Chanhua fungal community structures. ResultsThe results showed high fungal diversity, with 22 families found in the different samples, Eurotiomycetes was the dominant fungal family associated with Chanhua (composing 36.69% of the sample from Sichuan Mianyang), whereas Cordycipitaceae only composed 0.51% (Sichuan Yibing) to 0.33% (Guangdong) of these samples. Surprisingly, the proportion of Capnodiales was 5.27% in Sichuan Mianyang, whereas the percentage in other regions ranged from 4.35% (Sichuan Yibing) to 2.55% (Zhejiang), and the remaining proportion (more than 80%) was made up of unidentified fungus. ConclusionsThese findings contribute to a better understanding of Chanhua from different regions and revealed an unexpectedly and high amount of unidentified diversity of these fungal communities. These results indicate that Chanhua parasitic fungi need to be further analyzed and identified for finding new medical fungi resources.

Unintentional ingestion of Cordyceps fungus-infected cicada nymphs causing ibotenic acid poisoning in Southern Vietnam

Background: Cordyceps fungus found in infected cicada nymphs (“cicada flowers”) is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps fungus toxicity in humans has not been previously reported. We report 60 cases of apparent Cordyceps poisoning in Southern Vietnam.Methods: We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data from the medical records (21 cases) and by telephone interview (39 cases) of patients admitted to seven hospitals in Southern Vietnam following ingestion of cicada flowers between 2008 and 2015. We also determined the species of Cordyceps present in the cicada flowers and performed a partial chemical analysis of the fungus.Results: Sixty cases of toxic effects following ingestion of cicada flowers were documented. Symptom onset occurred within 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms included dizziness, vomiting, salivation, mydriasis, jaw stiffness, urinary retention, seizures, agitated delirium, hallucinations, somnolence and coma. None of the patients suffered liver or kidney injury. There was one fatality. The Cordyceps fungus involved in these poisoning was identified as Ophiocordyceps heteropoda. The presence of ibotenic acid was confirmed, but musimol and muscarine were absent.Conclusions: Cicada infected with Ophiocordyceps heteropoda in Vietnam contain ibotenic acid and are associated with a clinical syndrome consistent with its effects.

Colony Characteristics, Nucleoside Analog Profiles, and Genetic Variations of Medicinal Fungus Polycephalomyces nipponicus (Ascomycetes) Isolates from Northeast Thailand.

The entomopathogenic fungus Polycephalomyces nipponicus is known to have activity against human pathogenic bacteria and the malaria pathogen; however, information about its genetic variation is limited. In this study, cicada nymphs infected with entomopathogenic fungi were collected from various locations in the northeast of Thailand. Internal transcribed spacer sequencing was used to identify the fungal pathogen P. nipponicus. A total of 36 isolates of P. nipponicus from 6 provinces were investigated for variations in fungal morphology, nucleoside analog content, and genetics. The results showed that colony morphology varied depending on the strain of the tested fungi, without influence from its geographic origin. A similar finding was observed with regard to the production of nucleoside analog content. Interestingly, the important bioactive compound adenosine was detected in the mycelial extract of all 36 isolates. This indicates that P. nipponicus could possibly be used as a source of potential therapeutic bioactive compounds. In addition, random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, as supported by the Nei Index and Shannon Index values, showed high genetic variation within and between the populations. These findings represent what is, to our knowledge, the first information on the colony morphology, adenosine analog profile, and genetic variation of P. nipponicus.

Selection of entomopathogenic fungus for biological control of chili anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp.

The literature on the entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Cordyceps describing its use in the agricultural area as a biocontrol agent is limited. In this study, a total of 47 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from dead cicada nymphs obtained from various locations in the northeast of Thailand. These isolates were primarily screened for antagonistic activity to inhibit the mycelial growth of one isolate of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and one isolate of C. capsici. The screen revealed that five isolates of entomopathogenic fungi showed good inhibitory effects on the fungal mycelial growth and were chosen for further confirmation of their antagonistic effects against five isolates of C. gloeosporioides and five isolates of C. capsici by the dual culture method. After investigation, the isolate Cod-NB1302 had the best inhibitory effect. Moreover, the mycelium extract and culture filtrate of isolate Cod-NB1302 also had inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth and conidial germination of all isolates of plant pathogenic Colletotrichum spp. under in vitro conditions. Interestingly, the mycelium extract and culture filtrate effectively reduced the size of the disease lesion and disease severity on chili fruits after inoculation with the plant pathogenic fungi. However, the mycelium extract exhibited greater antifungal activity than the culture filtrate. Finally, the isolate Cod-NB1302 was identified as Ophiocordyceps sobolifera based on the sequence of three ribosomal nuclear DNA genes and two protein-coding genes. These findings suggest that the isolate Cod-NB1302 is a potential candidate, with antagonistic activity, for use as a source of antifungal agents to control anthracnose disease caused by the plant pathogenic Colletotrichum spp.

Eficácia do enxofre aplicado via solo no controle da cigarra Quesada gigas (Olivier) em cafeeiro

The cicadas (Hemiptera; Auchenorryncha: Cicadidae) that attack coffee plants (Coffea spp.) belong to different species and Quesada gigas (Olivier, 1790) is the most frequently found. Mobile nymphs attack the root of the coffee, and the continuous sucking sap causes plants depletion, which manifests itself in the shoot by stunting, chlorosis and premature fall of the upper leaves of the branches. The symptoms are always more pronounced during droughts. The final consequences of the attack result in a decrease in production and even total loss of the crop, if the pest is not controlled in time. This study aimed to test the sulfur 90% (Sulfurgran® - Produquimica) in control of cicada nymphs Q. gigas when applied to soil surface and in the modalities incorporated into soil under projection of coffee plant canopies at the dosages of 30, 60 and 90 kg per hectare of the commercial product in comparison with the thiamethoxam + cyproconazole (Verdadero 600® WG - Syngenta) applied via drench in the lap of plants. Each plot consisted of ten plants, with eight central the useful part. The evaluation of efficiency was made by opening a trench in the soil, covering the entire region of the roots, and counting live nymphs number in two plants of the useful part of each plot. The results show that Sulfurgran® product controlled the cicada, at all doses in both ways of application, and did not differ from Verdadero 600 WG®.

Delayed effects of fire and logging on cicada nymph abundance

The degradation of the root system after fire and logging entails alteration of belowground biodiversity. Nymphs of Cicada orni feed on the sap of roots and can be indicators of the fate of the root-feeding fauna. I studied the cicada population of a pine forest which was affected in 2010 by a wildfire that burned all the vegetation aboveground and was subsequently logged. I hypothesized that the effect of these disturbances on the forest root system would negatively affect nymph abundance and length, due to the consequent food limitation. I used a BACI (before-after control-impact) design approach, assuming that root degradation, taking place around 1 year after the death of aerial structures, was the main impact on cicada nymphs. Cicada exuviae attached to vegetation were collected as a proxy for nymphs. From 2011 to 2012, the relative abundance of exuviae increased from 12.6 to 23.3 exuviae/100 m2 in the control area, but decreased from 18.0 to 3.6 exuviae/100 m2 in the burned area, probably as a consequence of progressive root degradation and/or to the absence of 2-year-old nymphs due to the destruction of eggs by fire. However, interannual trends in exuviae length of males and females cicadas were not significantly different between areas. This population crash illustrates a previously undescribed time lag in the response of belowground animals to fire and logging which may have consequences for the ecosystem as a whole.

Isolation of the Entomopathogenic Fungal Strain Cod-MK1201 from a Cicada Nymph and Assessment of Its Antibacterial Activities.

The entomopathogenic fungus Cod-MK1201 was isolated from a dead cicada nymph. Three regions of ribosomal nuclear DNA, the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA repeats (ITS), the partial small subunit of rDNA (nrSSU) , and the partial large subunit of rDNA (nrLSU), and two protein-coding regions, the elongation factor 1α (EF-1α), and the largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb1) gene, were sequenced and used for fungal identification. The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS and the combined data set of the five genes indicated that the fungal isolate Cod-MK1201 is a new strain of Cordyceps sp. that is closely related to Cordyceps nipponica and C. kanzashiana. Crude extracts of mycelium-cultured Cod-MK1201 were obtained using distilled water and 50% (v/v) ethanol, and the antibacterial activity of each was determined. Both extracts had activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but the ethanol extract was the more potent of the two. The antibacterial activity of the protein fractions of these extracts was also determined. The protein fraction from the ethanol extract was more antibacterial than the protein fraction from the aqueous extract. Three antibacterial constituents including adenosine, the total phenolic content (TPC), and the total flavonoid content (TFC) was also determined. The results showed that the adenosine content, the TPC, and the TFC of the ethanol extract were more active than those of the aqueous extract. Moreover, synergism was detected between these antibacterial constituents. In conclusion, the entomopathogenic fungal isolate Cod-MK1201 represents a natural source of antibacterial agents.

Analysis of Inter-Individual Bacterial Variation in Gut of CicadaMeimuna mongolica(Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Intestinal bacterial community plays a crucial role in the nutrition, development, survival, and reproduction of insects. When compared with other insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, the habitats of cicada nymphs and adults are totally different. However, little is known about the differences in the gut bacterial communities in the nymphs and adults within any cicada species. The diversity of bacteria in the gut of nymphs and adults of both genders of Meimuna mongolica (Distant) was studied using the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method. Few inter-individual variations among gut microbiota were observed, suggesting that M. mongolica typically harbors a limited and consistent suite of bacterial species. Bacteria in the genera Pseudomonas and Enterobacter were the predominant components of the gut microflora of M. mongolica at all life stages. Bacteria of Pantoea, Streptococcus, and Uruburuella were also widespread in the cicada samples but at relatively lower concentrations. The relative stability and similarity of the PCR-DGGE patterns indicate that all individuals of this cicada species harbor a characteristic bacterial community which is independent from developmental stages and genders. Related endosymbionts that could be harbored in bacteromes of cicadas were not detected in any gut samples, which could be related to the cicada species and the distribution of these endosymbionts in the cicada cavity, or due to some of the possible limitations of PCR-DGGE community profiling. It is worthwhile to further address if related cicada endosymbiont clades distribute in the alimentary canals and other internal organs through diagnostic PCR using group-specific primer sets.

Sampling of Terrestrial Salamanders Reveals Previously Unreported Atypical Color Morphs in the Southern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon serratus

Atypical color morphs have been described in many species of salamander, but few descriptions are quantitative, and none address those found in the Southern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon serratus. In 2010 and 2011, we conducted 5 weekly rounds of diurnal leaf litter and natural cover object searches per season (Spring and Fall) in the Ozark Mountains of South central Missouri, U.S.A., with a total of 800 individual 3 × 3 m plots searched. We found 1876 Plethodon serratus (Southern Red-backed Salamander), 20 P. albagula (Western Slimy Salamander), and four Eurycea longicauda melanopleura (Dark-sided Salamander). Of the 1876 P. serratus encountered, all but six exhibited the red-backed phase. Atypical color morphs included the lead-backed phase (n = 2, including a gravid female), the silver-backed (grey stripe) phase (n = 1), a ghost-backed (white stripe) phase (n = 1) and the hypomelanistic phase (n = 2). The majority of salamanders were found in leaf litter, followed by woody cover and rocks. Two adults of P. serratus were encountered in burrows of cicada nymphs. We encountered only 3 of the 4 color morphs described for P. cinereus, the sister species of P. serratus, but added two color morphs to the list known for P. serratus. We expect that additional surveys for P. serratus in other parts of their range will help determine whether color morph frequency varies between populations and habitat as it does for P. cinereus.

Nymphal Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) as a Prey Item of Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) in the Lower Mississippi River

Stomach contents of 3 Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Shovelnose Sturgeon) collected in the Lower Mississippi River in January 2010 yielded 44 specimens of cicada nymphs, Diceroprocta sp. The fish were collected during a sudden rise in water level. The floodplain-dwelling cicada were likely washed out of their terrestrial habitat and into the river, where opportunistic sturgeon were foraging.

Soil Habitat Characteristics of Cicada Nymph in an Urban Apartment Garden

Cicada is a very familiar insect to people but habitat characteristics of them are not well known. To investigate habitat characteristics of cicada nymph, plant species, plant cover, soil hardness, accumulated organic mass, organic content in soil, and root density were investigated at 11 sites in an apartment complex garden in Seoul. Selected sites had different densities of cicada nymph case above the ground. Density of cicada nymph case was positively correlated with accumulated organic mass, organic content in soil, and root density and negatively correlated with soil hardness. Even though shrub coverage was not linearly correlated with the density of cicada nymph case, 80% cover of shrub was necessary for the high density of them. Data in this study suggested that organic matter in addition to root density be the primary limitation factor of cicada nymph and high amount of litter-fall decrease soil hardness through the increase of soil organic matter. This study suggests that the density of cicada nymph can be managed through organic content in soil.

&lt;I&gt;Metacordyceps guniujiangensis&lt;/I&gt; and its &lt;I&gt;Metarhizium&lt;/I&gt; anamorph: a new pathogen on cicada nymphs

&lt;I&gt;Metacordyceps guniujiangensis&lt;/I&gt; and its &lt;I&gt;Metarhizium&lt;/I&gt; anamorph: a new pathogen on cicada nymphs

Spatiotemporal Variation in Cicada Diversity and Distribution, and Tree Use by Exuviating Nymphs, in East Asian Tropical Reef-Karst Forests and Forestry Plantations

Abstract Spatiotemporal variation in the species composition, relative abundance, and plant use by cicada nymphs were studied among continuous and fragmented forests and human-modified forestry plantations upon an uplifted reef-karst substrate in tropical East Asia. Nymphal emergence was concentrated in the rainy season but tended to begin earlier, end later, or both, on plantations. Species abundances fluctuated over time and among the types of forests, with greater variation in plantations and fragmented forests. Seven cicada species were present, but the overall similarity in species composition was low among the forest types. Higher mean numbers of species and mean abundances occurred on plantations than in fragmented and continuous forests, but the species heterogeneity was higher in continuous forests and lowest on plantations. Exuviae were found at various heights that were correlated positively with the abundance of exuviae and negatively with the diameter at breast height of trees, whereas coefficients of variation in the height distribution among trees were not correlated with the abundance of exuviae. The plant-use breadth was widest in the cicadas Chremistica ochracea (Walker) and narrowest in Cryptotympana takasagona. Kato, Phtypleura takasagona Matsumura, and Euterpnosia koshunensis Kato, with the other species intermediate, corresponding with their relative abundance. Among-species overlap was generally higher in the continuous forests but declined in forest fragments and plantations. Our results indicated that fragmenting tropical primary forests and creating plantations may generate higher richness and abundance of annual cicadas, but risk the loss of rare or endemic species that show a greater preference for tree species of the primary forests.

Traces and burrowing behaviors of the cicada nymph Cicadetta calliope: Neoichnology and paleoecological significance of extant soil-dwelling insects

Abstract This study documents the traces and burrowing behaviors of nymphs of the prairie cicada Cicadetta calliope (Hemiptera: Cicadidae), as observed in neoichnological experiments. Cicada nymphs were collected from the C horizons of sandy Fluvents along the Kansas River east of Lawrence, Kansas. The nymphs appeared to be fifth instars, 13–17 mm long and 6–7 mm wide. Nymphs were placed in plastic enclosures containing layers of colored, moist, very fine-grained sand. They burrowed immediately, excavating air-filled, sediment-enclosed cells between 20 mm and 40 mm long and averaging 9 mm wide. Burrowing was completed in three stages: (1) sediment in the forward portion of the cell was excavated and rolled into a ball with the forelimbs; (2) the nymph turned 180° using a forward roll, and moved to the back of the cell; and (3) the sediment ball was pushed up against the back wall of the cell and kneaded with the forelimbs into a thin layer. Resulting burrow traces are sinuous and distinctly meniscate and ...