Ecology ofMeimuna mongolica(Hemiptera: Cicadidae) Nymphs: Instars, Morphological Variation, Vertical Distribution and Population Density, Host-Plant Selection, and Emergence Phenology

Abstract

The cicada Meimuna mongolica (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) is one of the most important pests of economic forest in Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi Province, China. Information about ecological characteristics and some sustainable control measures of this species is urgently required for its control. In this study, nymphal instars, morphological variation, vertical distribution, and population density in soil, and emergence phenology of nymphs of M. mongolica on three main host plants (Pinus tabuliformis Carr., Populus tomentosa Carr., and Pyrus xerophila Yü) were studied, based on combined morphological and molecular identification, investigation of the first-instar nymphs hatched from eggs and others excavated from soil, and investigation of exuviae in the adult emergence period. Five nymphal instars of M. mongolica were redetermined according to the distribution plots of the head capsule widths of the nymphs. Nymphs of third and fourth instars showed morphological variation, which is closely related to host-plant association. The mean densities of nymphs in soil under the three host plants were significantly different, indicating a distinct host preference. The nymphs could extend their distribution from the 0–10 cm soil layer to the 51–60 cm soil layer underground but not beyond 60 cm soil layer under all the three host plants. The 21–30 cm soil layer under all the three host plants has the highest nymphal population density. The sex ratio of the entire population was nearly 50:50, but males dominated in the early half of the duration of the emergence. These ecological characteristics of M. mongolica could provide important information for sustainable control measures.

Development of mouthparts in the cicada Meimuna mongolica (Distant): successive morphological patterning and sensilla differentiation from nymph to adult

“…As in other cicadas, the nymphs of Meimuna mongolica live underground. We found them concentrated within the 21–30 cm-deep soil layer47, which may harbor the largest numbers of small roots and therefore provide the most abundant food source for cicada nymphs48. The more homogeneous subterranean microhabitat of nymphs may partially explain the limited types and numbers of sensilla present on nymphal mouthparts49.…”

“…In November 20, 2014, the eggs were removed to room temperature to promote hatching. In May 20, 2015, the first-instar nymphs were obtained for morphological study47.…”

De novo comparative transcriptome analysis of a rare cicada, with identification of candidate genes related to adaptation to a novel host plant and drier habitats

“…Cicadas are root pests feeding on the xylem fluids of their host plants and then emerge from the soil to use the tree canopies for mating, oviposition, and also additional feeding [13, 14]. Populations of S. yangi feeding on different host plants may confront different chemical environments.…”

Influence of construction and demolition waste on fitness and community structure of cicada nymphs: New bioindicators of soil pollution

“…Among which, 23 pits were surveyed under Populus tomentosa , with 6, 6, 6 and 5 pits in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively; 37 pits were investigated under Pinus tabuliformis , with 12, 12, 8 and 5 pits in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively; 19 pits were investigated under Pyrus xerophila , with 8, 6 and 5 pits in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. All pits (1 m × 1 m × 0.7 m) were located randomly under the crown of the host plants [ 13 ].…”

“…Considering intraspecific morphological variations may occur in related cicada species, especially in the 3 rd - and 4 th -instar nymphs [ 13 ], the mitochondrial COI barcode was employed to further ensure our morphological identification. In total, 64 COI sequences (591 bp) from 64 representatives (individuals) were obtained ( Table 1 ).…”