Megatibicen pronotalis
(Davis, 1938)
Walker's Annual Cicada, Walker's cicada
Megatibicen pronotalis, commonly known as Walker's or Walker's cicada, is a of cicada in the Cicadidae. It is found in the northern Great Plains of the United States and has been reported from states including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida. Males produce sound using tymbals—hardened under plates on the venter at the base of the —and are reportedly among the loudest insects in the world. The species is often associated with riparian cottonwood (Populus) and willow (Salix) .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megatibicen pronotalis: //mɛɡəˈtɪbɪˌsɛn prəˈnoʊtəlɪs//
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Identification
Megatibicen pronotalis can be distinguished from similar annual cicadas by its association with riparian and its characteristic calling song. Males possess distinctive plates on the base of the that cover the tymbals used for sound production. The is closely related to Megatibicen dealbatus (plains cicada), which has a similar song; however, M. pronotalis occurs further east. It may be distinguished from Neotibicen species such as N. robinsonianus and N. lyricens by habitat preference and song characteristics.
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Habitat
Riparian areas, particularly associated with cottonwood (Populus) and willow (Salix) trees. Found in dry-mesic deciduous forests and at the interface between woodlands and prairie remnants.
Distribution
Northern Great Plains of the United States. Documented from Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida.
Seasonality
active in late summer and early autumn. Observations indicate singing activity beginning near the bottom of slopes in late summer, with continued activity into early fall.
Host Associations
- Populus - associated withriparian cottonwood trees
- Salix - associated withriparian willow trees
Life Cycle
typical of Megatibicen . emerge in late summer. Males produce loud calling songs to attract females. Exact details of laying, nymphal development, and underground feeding stages not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Males produce sound by rapidly expanding and contracting tymbals—hardened located under distinctive plates on the venter at the base of the . Only males are capable of producing sound. When handled, individuals emit a noisy, rattling alarm screech. The is reportedly among the loudest insects in the world. are wary and difficult to approach closely.
Human Relevance
Subject of entomological study and observation. Loud calling song makes it noticeable to humans in its range.
Similar Taxa
- Megatibicen dealbatusSimilar song and ; occurs further west in the plains
- Neotibicen robinsonianusSympatric with different preferences and song
- Neotibicen lyricensSympatric with different preferences and song