Cryptic Cicada Species

Cicada in the genus Neotibicen

Some species of insects look alike and escape detection by taxonomists as distinct species for many years. Males of cicada species that look alike may have very different calling songs. The male calling song is critical for attracting conspecific females. Thus, cicadas that have recently separated into distinct species can prevent hybrid matings if the calling songs of the males are distinct.

Cole* listened to songs of Neotibicen dorsatus cicadas. Those in the…

Source: Living With Insects Blog