New Singing Cicada Species Discovered in Italy and Switzerland
Posted on February 26, 2015
6-27A new singing cicada species has been discovered in Italy and Switzerland. The new species has been named the Italian Mountain Cicada. The scientific name is Cicadetta sibillae. Scientists estimate the new species evolved about one million years ago.The new species is one of just ten singing cicada species found in Switzerland. It was discovered by researchers from the University of Basel. The insect has a four centimeter wingspan and sings in a high pitch. It feeds on plant sap.
The scientists say they ascertained this was a new species by its song. Cicadas make sounds by a special paired set of organs known as timbals that are located at the base of the abdomen. The song of the new species is described as having a "a complicated pattern where slow phrases alternate with fast and rhythmic ones." The researchers also analyzed the genes of the cicada.
PhD student Thomas Hertach from the University of Basel has been studying cicadas for over a decade. He says in a statement, "Because the differences are so small, we had to collect and analyze extensive data material."
A report on the new species can be found here in the journal, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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