Meghalaya: Researchers discover stunning new cicada species

Guwahati: Scientists have uncovered a dazzling new cicada species known colloquially as “Butterfly Cicadas” from Meghalaya hinting at a tale of evolution yet untold.

The cicada belonging to the genus Becquartina, marks the first-ever record of this genus in India. Scientists associated with the study say this finding ignites a spark of wonder in the heart of biodiversity exploration, showcasing the untapped potential of Meghalaya’s rich ecosystems.

The genus Becquartina is reported for the first time from India with a new species, Becquartina bicolor from Meghalaya.

Dr. Vivek Sarkar, Senior Research Associate at the Wildlife Institute of India, chanced upon this gem during his exploration, supported by a Rufford small grant. Simultaneously, Mr. Rodeson Thangkhiew, a diligent research scholar from Nongkhrah village, guided by Prof S.R. Hajong at NEHU, Shillong, stumbled upon the same mesmerizing creature nestled within a community forest in Ri Bhoi district. The collaborative discovery has been published in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa.

“It is a unique cicada generally grouped as ‘butterfly cicada’ because of its colorful wings.  The species name bicolor was used in reference to the fact that there are two distinct colour forms of this species It appears as endemic and is found localized in Garo Hills and Ri Bhoi district. All together the genus Becquartina has six species known from Southeast Asia. The present discovery adds up to the total number of species as seven. Because of its presence only in a protected area of Garo Hills and in a community forest in Ri Bhoi district, a need for conservation of original habitat is the need of the hour,” S R Hajong of NEHU told EastMojo.

“The discovery of this celestial cicada species is not just a scientific marvel—it is a testament to the endless wonders that await those who dare to venture into the heart of Meghalaya’s mystical forests,” Dr Vivek Sarkar of WII told EastMojo.

Researchers associated with the study say that based on its appearance, the name ‘Bicolor Butterfly Cicada’ seems appropriate for this species

The cicada was first found in and around the plateau of Balpakram National Park of South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya state in the year 2017. Later in 2020, the species was recorded from Nongkhrah community forest near Nongpoh in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. It has not been recorded from other parts of Northeast India as of now. In the Garo Hills, the species prefers the thick forest at the gorge of the Balpakram plateau making it almost impossible to collect and they are often seen in a few fragmented parts of the plateau which have tall trees. In Ri Bhoi, the habitat consists of native vegetation of a mixed subtropical forest, especially vegetation located near low-lying humid, and shaded areas.

This cicada was observed to be active from the third week of April to the middle of June. In the year 2017, the first cicada was observed in the third week of April and the last cicada was recorded in the third week of June, the peak was the second week of May at Garo Hills. In 2019, the cicada was observed from the last week of April to the first week of June in the same locality. The die-out of this species at the end of its annual activity seems to be greatly influenced by the heavy, continuous monsoon shower at the Balpakram plateau. In Ri Bhoi, their appearance was recorded during the month of April and remained until around the first week of June as observed from 2020 to 2022.

At Garo Hills, the males call rigorously from 7.30 am to 9.30 am and in the evening until dusk in a pseudo-chorus. After the morning calling session, a male randomly calls once in a while, which often instigates the timbalising in other nearby males but not at the intensity they show in the morning and evening. These calls are random and with longer pauses between them. As the day progresses, the time between the calls reduces, and they call more
frequently towards the afternoon, which turns into rigorous and continuous calls by 4.30 pm and continues at the same magnitude till dusk.

However, the calling pattern is a bit different in Ri Bhoi District. Calls are heard during daylight hours beginning around 8.30 am and continuing until around 3.30 pm. Moreover, it is more pronounced between around 10.30 am to 2.30 pm. Further, they were heard equally during warm and sunny or overcast days

“Yet, beneath the surface of wonder lies a solemn call to action. The newfound treasure trove of this species, nestled within the protected areas of Garo Hills and Ri Bhoi’s community forests, beckons humanity to stand as stewards of these sacred spaces. For in safeguarding their pristine habitats, we safeguard the very essence of our shared existence, ensuring that the symphony of nature’s brilliance continues to echo through the ages,” Vivek Sarkar told EastMojo.

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