Context
Recently, a new species of cicada (Platyomia kohimaensis) was discovered in Naga Hills, Nagaland.
About cicada species
- Cicadas are hemipteran insects known for their loud, complex and species-specific acoustic signals or songs.
- Hemipteran insects, also called true bugs, have mouthparts used for piercing and sucking and have two pairs of wings.
- The new species of cicada belong to the Platylomia radha group described in the Naga Hills east of the Himalayas.
- These species have been found near the village of Mitelphe in the Kohima region.
- It is a dusk singing, large-sized cicada that calls for a short window during the evening twilight hours. It timbalises in the form of a continuous and regular cackling.
- Timbal is a membrane that produces sound for various insects.
Habitat
- Most cicadas are canopy dwellers and are found in natural forests with large trees.
- The typical variety of cicadas in India and Bangladesh is ranked high in the world, followed by China.
Threat
- Large-scale clearing of natural forest land into human settlement and agricultural fields, along with burning of forests is behind the shrinking distribution of Cicada.
- Considered as a delicacy and fetching at a good price, its uncontrollable photography and killing during its massive emergence poses a serious threat to its survival.
