Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1916 by
William T. Davis as
Cicada bifida
Tibicen bifidus
Changes in Generic status from Tibicen to Hadoa also results in changes from -us to -a in the endings of the species assigned to this new Taxon.
Explanation of Names
bifidus is Latin for "cleft or divided into two parts". In this case it refers to a part of the male genitalia called the uncus.
Identification
Described as "similar in appearance to dealbatus but much smnaller".
This cicada is said to be very pruinose and to possess a well defined broken pruinose stripe running along the dorsum of the abdomen.
Range
Colorado south into New Mexico
(Western states along the Rockies and Great Plains regions)
Range needs to be better defined as this incl. the Tibicen bifidus complex - incl. T. simplex.
Remarks
Refer to:
The Southwestern Naturalist 56(3):363-368. 2011
doi: 10.1894/F09-JC-44.1
Similar to Tibicen simplex
A relatively small member of the Genus Tibicen and more closely related to members within the western complex of smaller species.
See Also
Tibicen simplex
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"SMALL Tibicen Species"
Several of these smaller and "mostly western" species appear quite divergent from the eastern members and may deserve separate Generic status. (Additional work is much needed to better understand the species' relationships within this Genus.)
NOTE: As mentioned, the above arrangement is "hypothetical" and much of it is based on older classification schemes (+ per. observ. and per. comm.). Additional genetic analysis and detailed morphological studies may reveal different taxonomic relationships.
Print References
Refer to:
The Southwestern Naturalist 56(3):363-368. 2011
doi: 10.1894/F09-JC-44.1
Elevation of a Subspecies of tibicen (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae) to a Full Species
Allen F. Sanborn,* and Polly K. Phillips
Department of Biology
11300 NE Second Avenue, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161
(AFS) 17446 SW 33rd Court, Miramar, FL 33029 (PKP)
*Correspondent: asanborn@mail.barry.edu
Associate Editor was Jerry L. Cook
Abstract
The Tibicen bifidus species complex is composed of T. b. bifidus (Davis, 1916) and T. b. simplex Davis, 1941. We analyzed biogeographical, morphological, and physiological parameters to determine if these taxa represent two species. There are significant differences in biogeography, as well as selection of host-plant and several morphological characteristics. Comparisons of their calling songs approach statistical significance. Sound-pressure level of alarm calls and thermal responses of the two taxa do not differ significantly. Our data suggest that the two taxa represent distinct species.