NEHU scientists discover Nagaland's first cicada species

NEW DELHI: A team of scientists from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has discovered the first cicada species in Naga Hills, Nagaland. The species scientifically termed as Platylomia Kohimaensis has been discovered by Dr S R Hajong, associate professor, NEHU's Department of Zoology, and Dr. Limatemjen, State Science College at Jotsoma, Nagaland.

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Hajong, along with co-author Dr Limatemjen, published the findings in the taxonomy journal 'Zootaxa' on Tuesday. "The study was part of a project funded by the Centre's Department of Biotechnology under which 70 cicada species from the Northeast were inventoried," Hajong told PTI.

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The species belong to the Cicadoidea family and are recognized by their stout bodies, broad heads, clear-membraned wings, and large compound eyes. There are around 3000 species of cicadas and are broadly classified into two categories. Annual cicadas are spotted once every year and periodical cicadas are believed to spend most of their lives underground and emerge only once in a decade or two.

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