Lack of host phylogenetic structure in the gut bacterial communities of New Zealand cicadas and their interspecific hybrids.

Host-microbe interactions are intimately linked to eukaryotic evolution, particularly in sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts for nutrient provisioning. Cicadas (Cicadidae: Auchenorrhyncha) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia, Sulcia, and Ophiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these non-gut symbionts in nutrient provisioning, the role of beneficial microbiota within the gut remains unclear. Here, we investigate the relative abundance and impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing data from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one pair of two species. We find low abundance and a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota.

Thirteen new species of Chilecicada Sanborn, 2014 (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae: Tibicininae) expand the highly endemic cicada fauna of Chile.

The genus Chilecicada Sanborn, 2014 is shown to be a complex of closely related species rather than a monospecific genus. Chilecicada citatatemporaria Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. culenesensis Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. curacaviensis Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. impartemporaria Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. magna Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. mapuchensis Sanborn n. sp., C. oraria Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. parrajaraorum Sanborn n. sp., C. partemporaria Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. pehuenchesensis Sanborn Cole n. sp., C. trifascia Sanborn n. sp., C. trifasciunca Sanborn Cole n. sp., and C. viridicitata Sanborn Cole n. sp. are described as new. Chilecicada occidentis Walker, 1850 is re-described to facilitate separation of the new species from the only previously known species. Song and cytochrome oxidase I analysis available for most species support the separation of the new taxa from the type species of the genus. Known species distributions and a key to the species of the genus are also provided. The new species increases the known cicada diversity 61.9% to 34 species, 91.2% of which are endemic to Chile.