Neocicada

Neocicada species can be distinguished from other North American cicada genera by their taxonomic placement in tribe Leptopsaltriini and their geographic separation from the related genus Cicada. Specific species-level identification requires examination of morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys; N. hieroglyphica is commonly known as the hieroglyphic cicada and N. chisos as the chisos cicada. The three Central American species (N. australamexicana, N. centramericana, N. mediamexicana) were distinguished and described in 2005 based on comparative morphology.

Associated with trees and shrubs; cast nymphal skeletons have been observed on tree trunks and shrubs. The genus occurs in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest, mesic lowland deciduous forest, and xeric sand prairie remnants. Specific habitat preferences vary by species, with Central American species occupying distinct geographic ranges.

North America and Central America. Species occur in the United States (including Missouri and Texas), Mexico, and Central America. The genus does not occur in Florida alongside periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.), which are absent from that state.

Adults have been observed at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mid-July, indicating summer activity. As with most cicadas, emergence likely coincides with warmer months, though specific seasonal patterns for individual species require further documentation.

Cicadas have a life cycle involving nymphal development underground followed by emergence, molting, and adult reproduction. Cast nymphal skeletons are commonly seen on tree trunks and shrubs. Specific life cycle details for Neocicada species, including nymphal development period and host plant associations for feeding, are not well documented.

Produces loud daytime calls, typically issuing from trees. Adults are nocturnally attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light sources. The genus exhibits song production activity as part of reproductive behavior.

Serves as a subject for entomological study and biodiversity documentation. The hieroglyphic cicada (N. hieroglyphica) is of particular interest to collectors and researchers. No significant agricultural or medical importance has been documented.

• CicadaClosest relative of Neocicada according to taxonomic revision, but geographically separated from this Old World genus
• TibicenAnother North American cicada genus occurring in similar habitats; distinguished by taxonomic placement and morphological characters
• DiceroproctaFlorida-occurring cicada genus found in similar tree-associated habitats; distinguished by genus-level taxonomy
• MagicicadaPeriodical cicada genus that does not occur in Florida where some Neocicada species are found; distinguished by 13- or 17-year mass emergence life cycle

• cicada
• Hemiptera
• Cicadidae
• North America
• Central America
• Leptopsaltriini
• acoustic communication
• light-attracted

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Ascalaphidae | Beetles In The Bush
• August | 2022 | Beetles In The Bush
• Insecta | Beetles In The Bush | Page 5
• Cicadas (of Florida), Neocicada hieroglyphica (Say), Tibicen, Diceroprocta and Melampsalta spp. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
• The genus Neocicada Kato, 1932 (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadidae), with descriptions of three new species