Reproductive character displacement and speciation in periodical cicadas, with description of new species, 13-year Magicicada neotredecem.

Abstract in brief

• The study identifies a new 13-year cicada species, Magicicada neotredecem, which shows distinct acoustic signals and physical traits, especially when overlapping geographically with M. tredecim, suggesting reproductive character displacement.
• In regions of sympatry, M. neotredecem adjusts its call pitch upwards, and females show a preference for these altered calls, indicating that acoustic signal divergence may reinforce reproductive isolation.
• The research discusses theories of cicada speciation driven by lifecycle changes and temporal isolation, highlighting how lifecycle evolution could promote divergence and speciation through mechanisms like lifecycle facilitation and canalization.