In September 2024, we collaborated with National Geographic Spain and published a brief article about our work on the phenology of cicadas in the central Iberian Peninsula
The cicada family, or Cicadidae, includes around 1,500 species and is primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of the planet. Each year, the song of cicadas accompanies us from late spring to late summer. This iconic sound is produced by the males when the air temperature averages 24.8°C, through the vibration of two small membranes called tymbals, located in two cavities on either side of the abdomen.
Since 1985, we have studied the phenology of two native cicada species, Lyristes plebejus and Cicada orni, in the southern part of the Community of Madrid. The results show that cicadas begin to sing in mid-June and continue until August or September, depending on storms and late summer temperatures. However, over the course of the study period, the "summer song" has started earlier in both species. In fact, in 2024, we first heard cicadas on May 30th, marking an advance of about 18 days from the median date, and representing the earliest recorded date. This study highlights how climate variations affect the phenology and life cycles of many species.
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