The recent discovery of a singing cicada fossil, Eoplatypleura messelensis, from the Eocene epoch has unveiled intriguing insights into the history of insect communication. Dating back approximately 47.2 million years, this fossil pushes back the timeline for cicadas’ singing abilities by about 17 million years, offering fresh perspectives on the evolution of cicadas and their communication methods. Detailed in the journal Scientific Reports on April 29, the finding is significant as it was believed that cicadas began their musical act around 30 million years ago, thus redefining the evolutionary narrative surrounding these remarkable insects.
The fossil, preserved in oil shale at the renowned Messel Pit near Darmstadt, Germany, features exquisite details about its structure and dimensions. Estimated at around 26.5 millimeters in body length and with a wingspan of 68.2 millimeters, the cicada belongs to the Platypleurini tribe, highlighting a group that previously had no fossil record. The fossil was studied by a team from the Senckenberg Museum, including research by Hui Jiang, a specialist in singing cicadas. The advanced digital modeling techniques they utilized, such as ZBrush and Maya, brought the intricate features of the cicada to life, revealing its striking color patterns likely used for camouflage.
Jiang’s discovery of not just one but two fossils signifies the importance of this find for understanding cicada evolution. Typically, it’s the male cicadas that produce the loud sounds for mating purposes, suggesting that these female fossils can provide a deeper understanding of the historical context of cicada songs. The revelations about their singing capabilities can inform scientists on cicada behavior and adaptation that persists today, aligning with current patterns observed in tropical and subtropical areas where modern Platypleurini cicadas thrive.
The Messel area’s climatic conditions during the Eocene epoch contributed to the thriving of cicada populations, with average temperatures estimated around 22°C (71.6°F). This scenario contradicts previously held assumptions that cicadas only spread into Eurasia post the tectonic collision between Africa and Eurasia, suggesting instead that cicadas existed much earlier in these regions. The findings illuminate the adaptability and migratory behavior of cicadas, challenging the established paradigms of their evolution and spread across the globe.
The fossil discovery promotes a more nuanced understanding of the Platypleurini tribe’s origins and its geographical distribution. Daniel Pauvik, an insect ecologist, emphasizes that this cicada fossil is a rare example from a family that holds a frail representation in the fossil record. It serves as a noteworthy milestone in the evolutionary narrative of various insect groups alongside emerging species, including specific birds and reptiles during the Eocene epoch.
Overall, the Eoplatypleura messelensis fossil is not only a spectacular addition to paleobiological records but also reshapes the scientific dialogues surrounding cicada evolution, expanding our understanding of the biological and ecological dynamics that were prevalent millions of years ago. It provides vital insights into how these insects developed their distinctive singing abilities long before human existence, showcasing a remarkable aspect of nature’s evolutionary history.
