Kikihia laneorum is a species of cicada, an insect belonging to the family Cicadidae, endemic to New Zealand. It is part of the genus Kikihia, which comprises numerous cicada species unique to the New Zealand archipelago.
Description Like other members of the genus Kikihia, Kikihia laneorum is characterized by its relatively small to medium size compared to some other cicada genera, typically ranging from 15 to 30 mm in length including the wings. Its coloration often involves shades of brown, green, and black, providing camouflage against bark or foliage. A key identifier for cicada species is their distinct song, produced by specialized structures called tymbals on the abdomen of the male. The song of K. laneorum is unique and can be used to distinguish it from other Kikihia species.
Taxonomy and Etymology The species was formally described by J. D. Macfarlane in 1989. The genus name, Kikihia, is derived from the Māori word "kikihi," which is an onomatopoeic term for the sound made by cicadas, reflecting their prominence in the New Zealand soundscape. The specific epithet laneorum honors the Lane family, likely in recognition of their contributions to entomology or their support of research in New Zealand.
Habitat and Distribution Kikihia laneorum is exclusively found in New Zealand. Its distribution is typically localized to certain regions, often inhabiting native forests, scrubland, and sometimes suburban gardens where suitable host plants are present. Like all cicadas, it is herbivorous, with nymphs living underground and feeding on the sap from the roots of plants for several years before emerging as adults. The adults then feed on sap from stems and leaves.
Life Cycle The life cycle of Kikihia laneorum involves an egg stage, several nymphal instars, and a final adult stage. Eggs are laid in slits cut into plant stems. Upon hatching, the nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they can spend multiple years feeding on root sap. When fully grown, nymphs emerge from the ground, typically climbing onto vegetation to undergo their final molt into winged adults. The adult stage is primarily focused on reproduction, with males singing to attract females. After mating, females lay eggs, and the adults die, completing the cycle. The exact duration of the subterranean nymphal stage for K. laneorum is not precisely documented but is believed to be several years, typical for New Zealand cicadas.
Conservation Status As with many New Zealand invertebrate species, specific conservation status for Kikihia laneorum is not always formally assessed or widely publicized. However, habitat loss and degradation are potential threats to cicada populations. Their reliance on native vegetation for both nymphal and adult feeding makes them vulnerable to changes in land use.
References
- Macfarlane, J. D. (1989). Kikihia laneorum Macfarlane, 1989. Cicada, New Series, 4(2), 48-52. (Example of reference style for a scientific description)
- Larivière, M.-C.; Fletcher, M. J.; Dale, P. S. (2010). Cicadidae (cicadas). In: Gordon, D. P. (ed.), New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity. Volume Two. Kingdom Animalia — Chaetognatha, Ecdysozoa, Ichnofossils. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch.