The recent discovery of a new species of cicada, Platyomia kohimaensis, in the Naga Hills of Nagaland has drawn attention to the importance and threats faced by these chirping insects. This comes soon after two other discoveries of cicada species, Savazana mirabilis and Salvazana imperalis, were reported from Meghalaya. These developments underscore the rich biodiversity of the North-East region of India.
Understanding Cicadas and Their Unique Characteristics
Cicadas are a type of hemipteran insects, also known as true bugs, distinguished by their distinct acoustic signals or songs. These sounds, unique to each species, serve a crucial role in locating mates and communicating. Cicadas possess a pair of sound-producing membranes called timbals and use them to create their distinctive cackling sounds which are most often heard during the evening twilight hours.
In addition, they are equipped with mouthparts for piercing and sucking and have two pairs of wings. The newly discovered Platyomia kohimaensis is a part of the Platylomia radha group, known to inhabit the Naga Hills in the eastern Himalayas. This large-sized, dusk singing cicada is characterized by its short but intense calling periods during the evening twilight hours.
The Significance of Cicadas in the Ecosystem
Aside from adding a rhythmic soundtrack to our evenings, cicadas play a vital role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. They prune mature trees, help aerate the soil, and their decomposing bodies provide a crucial source of nitrogen for growing trees. Their acoustic signatures serve as indicators of a healthy forest ecosystem, making them crucial for ecological studies and conservation efforts.
Cicadas’ Habitat and Global Distribution
Cicadas primarily dwell in the canopies of large trees in natural forests. Interestingly, India and Bangladesh hold the highest generic diversity of cicadas in the world, surpassing even China. This implies a vast range of species and genuses within these winged insects, indicating the rich biodiversity of these regions.
Threats to Cicada Populations
Despite their ecological importance, the survival of these chirping insects is increasingly under threat. Large-scale clearing of natural forest land for human settlements and agricultural fields, as well as forest fires, are causing a substantial reduction in cicada habitats.
Furthermore, the insects themselves are hunted and captured due to their status as a delicacy that fetches high prices in certain markets. Their mass emergence periods, during which they are most easily caught, have been exploited, posing an additional threat to their survival.
The discovery of the new cicada species in India’s North-East reflects both the region’s remarkable biodiversity and the pressing need for conservation efforts. The role of cicadas as environmental indicators calls for more attention to their preservation and protection of their habitats. This will not only ensure the survival of these unique insects but also contribute to maintaining the overall health of our forest ecosystems.
