oa Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa - Emergence and oviposition of Quintillia cf. conspersa Karsch (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in the southern Karoo, South Africa

Abstract

The mass emergence of a cicada Quintillia cf. conspersa was observed in the southern Karoo. We suggest that Q. cf. conspersa emerges in response to rainfall in mid-summer. The density of emergence holes was correlated with the density of certain plant species. Eggs were most frequently laid on non-succulent Galenia fruticosa (L.f.) Sond. (Aizoaceae), but hatching success was higher on succulent Aizoaceae and Asteraceae. The selection of succulent plants as a substratum for ovipositing is unusual in the Cicadidae. Egg-batches were distributed randomly with respect to plant canopy condition.