News Excerpt:
Scientists have uncovered a dazzling new cicada species known colloquially as “Butterfly Cicadas” from Meghalaya.
About Cicadas:
- This cicada, belonging to the genus Becquartina, marks the first-ever record of this genus in the country.
- The colorful wings of the cicada earned it the nickname “butterfly cicada”, with the species name “bicolour” reflecting its two distinct colour forms.
- It is a unique cicada generally grouped as ‘butterfly cicada’ because of its colourful wings.
- It has not been found in other parts of Northeast India.
- The species is localized in Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi district, preferring thick forests and native vegetation.
- The basal one-third of the hind wing is rich saffron, and the apical two-thirds are matte black with prominent rich saffron squarish spots.
What are cicadas?
- Any member of the family of insects that produce sound.
- They have three simple eyes, two pairs of membrane-covered wings, and a conspicuous compound eye is called a cicadas.
- Cicadas range in size from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches), which is medium to large.
- Male cicadas vibrate membranes close to the base of their abdomens to make loud noises.
- Typically, female cicadas deposit their eggs in the woody plant tissues that fall off the plant either immediately after the eggs hatch or later.
- There are currently about 3,000 identified species of cicadas.
- Cicadas are tropical insects that live in deserts, grasslands, and woodlands.
- They are members of the Cicadidae family.
- The distinct morphologies, songs, and behaviors of the several species make identification simple.
- Cicadas have been utilized as a major food source, in folk medicine, and as religious and monetary symbols.
- Their song was originally thought to be able to predict changes in the weather.
- Male cicadas were kept in cages in China so they could sing.
- Numerous cultures' myths, literature, and music all feature the cicadas.
