Indian Identity of Cicada Species

• 21 Jul 2023

Recently, a commonly found cicada species in South India, previously misidentified as Purana tigrina from Malaysia, has been correctly identified as Purana cheeveeda (after its Malayalam name Cheeveedu) by the Association for Advancement in Entomology.

Key Points:

• Morphological Differences: Researchers made the discovery in Kerala by observing distinct differences in male genitalia and operculum structures.
• Shedding Foreign Identity: The correction rectifies the long-standing error in taxonomic identification, eliminating the foreign tag attached to the cicada species and embracing its true Indian identity.
• Gradual Disappearance: Purana cheeveeda, once commonly seen in homesteads, is now facing a decline, possibly indicating the deterioration of soil and vegetation quality in the region, as cautioned by researchers.
• Significance: The correct identification of the cicada species contributes to a more accurate understanding of South Indian cicada fauna and highlights the importance of precise taxonomic research in ecological studies.