The Nymph Architect of the Cicada Guyalna chlorogena: Behaviours and Ecosystem

Abstract

At the beginning of the last year of its larval life, the nymph of Guyalna chlorogena builds, from a vertical well, which is the result of a verticalization process from a deep horizontal gallery, a clay turret 20 to 40 cm high which appears as a regulating device of the physico-chemical conditions inside the burrow. The construction of the turret is remarkable for its finish. The nymph maintains, repairs and rebuilds it if necessary. It opens and closes it under certain circumstances. Before moulting, the nymph comes out at the top, opening it according to a set protocol and time schedule, using its chitins’ forelegs. The burrow is associated in a commensal relationship with arborescent Fabaceae species (of the Tachigali genus) through its nutrition mode, the suction of the elaborated sap in fine roots, close to the meristems.