The Cicadas of Thailand. Vol. 2: Taxonomy and Sonic Ethology

Description:

This is the second volume by the author on The Cicadas of Thailand. Volume 1 (2007), was subtitled General and Particular Characteristics. This second volume is the culmination of 13 years of research and provides detailed coverage of the taxonomy and sonic ethology of all currently known species of cicadas known from Thailand: 142 species in 42 genera, 6 tribes and 15 subtribes. Subfamilies: Cicadinae (the majority) and Cicadettinae (less than 5% of the species). Includes some taxonomic revisions and several new species are described.

Cicadas posses an organ complex specifically for the emission and reception of sounds, which forms a heterosexual apparatus which is complete in males but not in females. The latter are equipped only with the auditory part of the structure. Cicadas emit speciesspecific tymbalizations (songs), which are available online as supporting material to this volume (111 downloadable audio tracks). These are highly distinctive and can be used for taxonomic identification, largely because of the work of the author and his students. The sonic ethology for each cicada species is illustrated by a graphic transcription (sonogram), corresponding to identity cards and sound ethology cards, with each sonogram described in detail.

Bio-ethological monitoring in the field resulted in the discovery of new and sometimes surprising behaviours. Ethno-zoological notes are also provided for some species, for example, edible cicadas that can be very popular in local Thai markets. 400 photographs illustrate cicadas in their natural habitat.