Periodical cicadas use light for oviposition site selection

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• Habitat Selection

Background:

• Organisms assess habitat suitability using local information across spatial and temporal scales.
• Habitat selection research has focused on spatial scales, with less attention to temporal scales.
• Immediate environmental cues can indirectly predict future habitat quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal scales of habitat selection in periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.).
• To determine if light environment influences long-term oviposition site selection in cicadas.
• To explore the role of host tree quality in cicada habitat choice.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments were conducted to assess cicada oviposition site selection.
• The local light environment of host trees was manipulated and observed.
• Experimental nutrient enrichment of host trees was performed to test its effect on oviposition.

Main Results:

• Female periodical cicadas use the local light environment of host trees for long-term oviposition site selection.
• Light environments may also influence microsite selection within host trees.
• Nutrient enrichment of host trees did not affect cicada oviposition densities.

Conclusions:

• The light environment serves as a reliable predictor of future host tree quality for periodical cicadas.
• This light-based habitat selection influences the spatial distribution of cicada-mediated ecological processes.
• Understanding temporal scales in habitat selection is crucial for ecological studies.