A cicada species, an insect, was found to be of Indian Origin

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Context

An insect cicada species, which is commonly found in South India, has assumed an Indian identity in light of the finding of a new study.
Earlier it was known as Purana tigrina and since 1850 was considered to be of Malaysian origin.
It is now named as Purana cheeveeda (after its Malayalam name Cheeveedu).

Other Details

The Association for Advancement in Entomology has now corrected the taxonomic identification and classification of this species.
Earlier cicada found in the region was considered as the Malaysian species owing to the superficial similarities of these species such as –
- Colouration
- morphology

Findings of the study/research

A team of researchers was led by Kalesh Sadasivan, a research associate of Travancore Nature History Society.
While documenting cicadas, it found differences in the structure of the male genitalia & operculum.
Morphological characteristics differences were found.
They compared the specimens to the holotype and specimen of P. tigrina from Malaya.

Significance of this study

Enriching and identifying biodiversity of the
More accurate classification of taxonomy of this
More efforts to understand the distinct features of this species for better conservation.
It will also help in the impact of decline of this incest on deteriorating quality of soil and vegetation.
It also implies a high degree of endemism.

Distribution

Mainly found in Malabar, Travancore and Malaya regions of South India.
It can also be believed to be found across the tropical evergreen forests ranging from Goa to Kanyakumari.

Cicada

These are hemipteran insects, also known as true bugs, belonging to the superfamily of Cicadoidea.
There are more than 3,000 known species of cicadas.
Most diversity of this species is found in Indian and neighbouring country Bangladesh.

Features

These generally have two pairs of membranous wings and prominent compound eyes.
The length is in range of 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches).
They produce loud, high-pitched buzzing sounds during hot weather.
These are generally found on large trees in natural forests.
They also occur in deserts, grasslands.

Usefulness of Cicdas

They help in aerating the soil.
They are used in folk medicines.
In some regions they act as religious and monetary symbols.
This species is an indicator of soil health and vegetation.
The dead body acts as a nutrient source, nitrogen to be specific, which helps in growth of the plants.
In some community is an important source of food.

Threats

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements about Cicadas:

1. These are the insects belonging to the super family of Cicadoidea.

2. Purana cheeveeda, a commonly found insect species, is now considered to be of Malaysian origin.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Cicada species