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Context

• An insect cicada species, which is commonly found in South India, has assumed an Indian identity in light of the finding of a new study.
• Earlier it was known as Purana tigrina and since 1850 was considered to be of Malaysian origin.
• It is now named as Purana cheeveeda (after its Malayalam name Cheeveedu).

Other Details

• The Association for Advancement in Entomology has now corrected the taxonomic identification and classification of this species.
• Earlier cicada found in the region was considered as the Malaysian species owing to the superficial similarities of these species such as –
  • Colouration
  • morphology

Findings of the study/research

• A team of researchers was led by Kalesh Sadasivan, a research associate of Travancore Nature History Society.
• While documenting cicadas, it found differences in the structure of the male genitalia & operculum.
• Morphological characteristics differences were found.
• They compared the specimens to the holotype and specimen of P. tigrina from Malaya.

Significance of this study

• Enriching and identifying biodiversity of the
• More accurate classification of taxonomy of this
• More efforts to understand the distinct features of this species for better conservation.
• It will also help in the impact of decline of this incest on deteriorating quality of soil and vegetation.
• It also implies a high degree of endemism.

Distribution

• Mainly found in Malabar, Travancore and Malaya regions of South India.
• It can also be believed to be found across the tropical evergreen forests ranging from Goa to Kanyakumari.

Cicada

• These are hemipteran insects, also known as true bugs, belonging to the superfamily of Cicadoidea.
• There are more than 3,000 known species of cicadas.
• Most diversity of this species is found in Indian and neighbouring country Bangladesh.

Features

• These generally have two pairs of membranous wings and prominent compound eyes.
• The length is in range of 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches).
• They produce loud, high-pitched buzzing sounds during hot weather.
• These are generally found on large trees in natural forests.
• They also occur in deserts, grasslands.

Usefulness of Cicdas

• They help in aerating the soil.
• They are used in folk medicines.
• In some regions they act as religious and monetary symbols.
• This species is an indicator of soil health and vegetation.
• The dead body acts as a nutrient source, nitrogen to be specific, which helps in growth of the plants.
• In some community is an important source of food.

Threats

• Deforestation due to construction activities.
• Frequent natural or human induced forest fires.
• It is also captured for food and medicine purpose

PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements about Cicadas: 1. These are the insects belonging to the super family of Cicadoidea. 2. Purana cheeveeda, a commonly found insect species, is now considered to be of Malaysian origin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (A)

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/commonly-found-cicada-species-sheds-its-foreign-tag-to-embrace-an-indian-identity/article67087350.ece