Recent from talks
Amphipsalta zelandica
Knowledge base stats:
Talk channels stats:
Members stats:
Amphipsalta zelandica
The chorus cicada, Amphipsalta zelandica, is the most common species of cicada in New Zealand, where it is endemic and found in most areas. They typically live in forests and areas with open bush, where their left-over nymph skins can be seen on tree trunks and branches during the summer months. The males produce their cicada sound in unison, which can reach deafening proportions at the height of their population around February. Groups of cicada can suddenly transition from the typical cicada sound to synchronised clicks, using their wings to clap against the surface they are sitting on.
Chorus cicada have a nymph stage before their last molt and become an adult. During this nymph stage they are a soft and creamy white, and very similar looking to the adult form (but without wings). Adults are usually larger than 2 cm in length while the largest species are up to 4 cm; this includes the wings. Chorus cicadas’ wings only appear after molting to become adults, they are membranous with veins, filter out ultraviolet light, and the wing span is about 6 cm.
The colour of the chorus cicada can be black/green/brown and many have stripes along their body. The antenna of the chorus cicada has seven segments with the seventh being constricted medially, which means the last segment is tightened towards the middle. The adult male cicadas differ from the females by the presence of a clasper sheath, and females do not have the finger-like extensions that the males have.
The song made by cicadas is the loudest noise made by any insect. Male chorus cicadas produce a communication song that is specific to their species, and so species can be identified by their song. A pulse group of their song is made up of five clicks where the central click (third click) is stronger than the two on either side of it. The central click can become two clicks if the cicada is tired and has no energy. These clicks are made by the cicada hitting its wings against the surface it is sitting on. These pulse groups can be produced quickly and continuously in a prolonged note during chorus singing. Chorus cicadas are New Zealand's largest cicadas, with size averaging 40 mm.
The adults and immatures of the chorus cicada both feed on xylem sap made from plants. This sap is low in nutrients and doesn't contain all the necessary amino acids, so to make up for this the insects rely on an endosymbiotic bacteria to provide the lacking nutrients from the sap. This type of food makes the chorus cicada a generalist feeder as it has a range of host plants that it feeds on. An orchard root system provides a good food source for the nymphs which live in the soil.
Chorus cicadas are endemic insects to New Zealand. The most closely related species are found in Australia, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. However, some studies about the New Zealand fauna show that the fauna of New Zealand was from several invasions across the Tasman Sea from Australia or New Caledonia.
Chorus cicadas are often found in towns and cities. They are distributed throughout the whole country, common in the North Island, some coastal areas of the South Island, central Otago and parts of Canterbury.
Chorus cicadas are commonly found in open forests and woodlands but also sometimes found on buildings, fences or lamp posts. Cicadas prefer sub-tropical, sub-humid and temperate environments.
Hub AI
Amphipsalta zelandica AI simulator
(@Amphipsalta zelandica_simulator)
Amphipsalta zelandica
The chorus cicada, Amphipsalta zelandica, is the most common species of cicada in New Zealand, where it is endemic and found in most areas. They typically live in forests and areas with open bush, where their left-over nymph skins can be seen on tree trunks and branches during the summer months. The males produce their cicada sound in unison, which can reach deafening proportions at the height of their population around February. Groups of cicada can suddenly transition from the typical cicada sound to synchronised clicks, using their wings to clap against the surface they are sitting on.
Chorus cicada have a nymph stage before their last molt and become an adult. During this nymph stage they are a soft and creamy white, and very similar looking to the adult form (but without wings). Adults are usually larger than 2 cm in length while the largest species are up to 4 cm; this includes the wings. Chorus cicadas’ wings only appear after molting to become adults, they are membranous with veins, filter out ultraviolet light, and the wing span is about 6 cm.
The colour of the chorus cicada can be black/green/brown and many have stripes along their body. The antenna of the chorus cicada has seven segments with the seventh being constricted medially, which means the last segment is tightened towards the middle. The adult male cicadas differ from the females by the presence of a clasper sheath, and females do not have the finger-like extensions that the males have.
The song made by cicadas is the loudest noise made by any insect. Male chorus cicadas produce a communication song that is specific to their species, and so species can be identified by their song. A pulse group of their song is made up of five clicks where the central click (third click) is stronger than the two on either side of it. The central click can become two clicks if the cicada is tired and has no energy. These clicks are made by the cicada hitting its wings against the surface it is sitting on. These pulse groups can be produced quickly and continuously in a prolonged note during chorus singing. Chorus cicadas are New Zealand's largest cicadas, with size averaging 40 mm.
The adults and immatures of the chorus cicada both feed on xylem sap made from plants. This sap is low in nutrients and doesn't contain all the necessary amino acids, so to make up for this the insects rely on an endosymbiotic bacteria to provide the lacking nutrients from the sap. This type of food makes the chorus cicada a generalist feeder as it has a range of host plants that it feeds on. An orchard root system provides a good food source for the nymphs which live in the soil.
Chorus cicadas are endemic insects to New Zealand. The most closely related species are found in Australia, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. However, some studies about the New Zealand fauna show that the fauna of New Zealand was from several invasions across the Tasman Sea from Australia or New Caledonia.
Chorus cicadas are often found in towns and cities. They are distributed throughout the whole country, common in the North Island, some coastal areas of the South Island, central Otago and parts of Canterbury.
Chorus cicadas are commonly found in open forests and woodlands but also sometimes found on buildings, fences or lamp posts. Cicadas prefer sub-tropical, sub-humid and temperate environments.
Recent media