Cicada mordoganensis
Cicada mordoganensis, the East Aegean cicada, is a species of cicada belonging to the family Cicadidae, subfamily Cicadinae, and the genus Cicada.
Etymology
The genus name is derived from the Latin word cicada, meaning "buzzer", while the species epithet mordoganensis refers to Mordoğan, a coastal town in Türkiye's İzmir Province, where this cicada was first documented.
Appearance
Male specimens typically measure between 40 and 47 mm in body length, with females being 39 to 46 mm.
Habitat and behaviour
Males are commonly found singing on olive trees and pines, often forming loud choruses.
Distribution
This species is primarily found along the western coast of Turkey. It also inhabits several nearby Greek islands, including Rhodes, Samos, Icaria, Kos, Patmos etc., as well as the northeastern coast of Crete.
The calling song of Cicada mordoganensis is distinct from that of Cicada orni and Cicada cretensis.
Evolution
The species likely diverged from Cicada orni due to geographic isolation.