Western Bush Cicada
Megatibicen tremulus
This record describes Megatibicen tremulus (species). Recorded family: Cicadidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species can be separated from its close relative Tibicen dorsatus by using both morphological and behavioral characteristics. Morphologically, the sub-costa is the same color as the costa in T. tremulus . The tymbal covers are black in this species and brown in T. dorsatus (though this is variable). The best morphological feature is the subgenital claspers. In T. tremulus , the claspers form a V-shape with pointed tips. In T. dorsatus , the claspers are prong-horned and blunt, with considerably more setae. This character is not very variable. Behaviorally, the call emitted by Tibicen tremulus is different than that of T. dorsatus . This species was just described by Jeffrey Cole and the paper detailing it has been accepted and published.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Auchenorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Cicadoidea
- Family
- Cicadidae (Cicadas)
- Subfamily
- Cicadinae
- Tribe
- Tacuini
- Genus
- Megatibicen
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Reported from Colorado, New Mexico & w. Texas Extent of range remains undefined. Seems to occupy a more western distribution than T. dorsatus . Range overlap between dorsatus & tremulus has been reported, but the extent of sympatry is not well known. This species has also been collected within a few miles of the Oklahoma border in Western Kansas, so it's range almost certainly extends into Western Oklahoma, though it isn't represented there in the guide.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megatibicen tremulus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Western Bush Cicada (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , Bill Reynolds , James Bailey , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Bush Cicada
What is Western Bush Cicada?
Western Bush Cicada (Megatibicen tremulus) is a species in the family Cicadidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Western Bush Cicada?
Same as Tibicen dorsatus
How do you identify Western Bush Cicada?
This species can be separated from its close relative Tibicen dorsatus by using both morphological and behavioral characteristics. Morphologically, the sub-costa is the same color as the costa in T. tremulus . The tymbal covers are black in this species and brown in T. dorsatus (though this is variable). The best morphological feature is the subgenital claspers. In T. tremulus , the claspers form a V-shape with pointed tips. In T. dorsatus , the claspers are prong-horned and blunt, with considerably more setae. This character is not very variable. Behaviorally, the call emitted by Tibicen tremulus is different than that of T. dorsatus .
Where is Western Bush Cicada found?
Range: Reported from Colorado, New Mexico & w. Texas Extent of range remains undefined. Seems to occupy a more western distribution than T. dorsatus . Range overlap between dorsatus & tremulus has been reported, but the extent of sympatry is not well known. This species has also been collected within a few miles of the Oklahoma border in Western Kansas, so it's range almost certainly extends into Western Oklahoma, though it isn't represented there in the guide.