Scrub Cicadas

Diceroprocta

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diceroprocta: /daɪˌsɛroʊˈprɒktə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Diceroprocta eugraphica P1290077a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cicada (on hog-plum) (5993624354) by Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Diceroprocta viridifascia P1010719a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Diceroprocta viridifascia 0zz by Photo by David J. Stang. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Diceroprocta swalei - Flickr - aspidoscelis by Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM. Used under a CC0 license.
Cicadas Mating - Flickr - treegrow (1) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Diceroprocta is a diverse genus of scrub cicadas with at least 60 described species. They are known for their distinctive calls and robust appearance, often residing in scrub and open woodland habitats across North America.

Physical Characteristics

Cicadas in the genus Diceroprocta typically have a robust body with a distinct head and large, membranous wings. Coloration can vary widely among species, often exhibiting shades of green, brown, or yellow.

Identification Tips

Look for the unique wing patterns and body shapes that distinguish different species within the genus. Call similarities can also help in identifying specific species.

Habitat

Diceroprocta species are often found in scrub habitats, grassy areas, and open woodlands where they can access sunlight and vegetation.

Distribution

This genus of cicadas is primarily distributed across North America, with specific species found in various regions, particularly in warmer climates.

Diet

Diceroprocta cicadas are sap-sucking insects, feeding on the xylem fluid of plants using specialized mouthparts.

Life Cycle

Most Diceroprocta species are considered annual, undergoing multiple overlapping generations throughout the year, predominantly from late spring to fall.

Reproduction

Males produce characteristic mating calls to attract females, which lay eggs in plant stems or the ground. The precise reproductive strategies may vary between species.

Predators

Natural predators include birds, small mammals, and other insectivorous animals that may prey on cicadas.

Ecosystem Role

Diceroprocta cicadas serve as pollinators and as a food source for various predators, contributing to the ecological balance in their habitats.

Cultural Significance

Cicadas, including those in the genus Diceroprocta, are often noted for their distinctive sounds and have cultural importance in various communities, sometimes linked to folklore or seasonal changes.

Collecting Methods

  • Visual observation
  • Netting
  • Sound recording to attract individuals

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying specimens
  • Pinning for display

Evolution

Diceroprocta belongs to the larger family Cicadidae and shows a significant evolutionary adaptation related to their life cycles and ecological roles as sap-sucking insects.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some Diceroprocta species can be misidentified due to their similar morphological features and sounds. Additionally, they may be confused with other genera of cicadas.

Tags

  • Cicadas
  • Diceroprocta
  • Insecta
  • Hemiptera
  • Cicadidae