Scientists recently uncovered a dazzling new cicada species known colloquially as “Butterfly Cicadas” from Meghalaya.
About Butterfly Cicada:
It is a newly discovered species of cicada belonging to the genus Becquartina. It brings the total number of known species in the genus Becquartina to seven.
It was discovered in Meghalaya. It 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.
Features:
The species is localised in the Garo Hills 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?
Cicada, (family Cicadidae) is any of a group of sound-producing insects. They have two pairs of membranous wings, prominent compound eyes, and three simple eyes (ocelli).
Cicadas are medium to large in size, ranging from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches). More than 3,000 species of cicadas are known. Most of them are tropical and occur in deserts, grasslands, and forests.
Male cicadas produce loud noises by vibrating membranes (tymbals) near the base of the abdomen. Female cicadas usually lay their eggs in woody plant tissues that drop from the plant when, or shortly after, the eggs hatch.
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