Une Cigale dans le blanc des yeux : synopsis d’une aberration chromatique très rare chez Cicadetta montana (Scopoli, 1772) (Hemiptera, Cicadidae)

Abstract

A cicada in the white of the eyes: synopsis of a very rare chromatic aberration in Cicadetta montana (Scopoli, 1772) (Hemiptera, Cicadidae). An unknown and very rare individual variation is presented for the first time in Cicadetta montana (Scopoli, 1772). The habitus differs from the typical form of the species by the white coloring of several anatomical parts which are mainly little sclerified and usually tinged with orange. If the compound eyes keep their usual brownish coloring, the ocelli are completely white. The comparison between two aberrant mature specimens with specimens of the typical form was made from cicadas collected in the department of Haute-Savoie (France). The degree of maturity of the aberrant specimens was evaluated, in order to remove the doubt on the suspicion of an incomplete coloration such as it exists in freshly emerged individuals. To do this, the complete observation of the chromatogenesis of two specimens was carried out in their natural environment. An approach to chromatic aberrations in cicadas is delivered and an explanation of this phenomenon is proposed in the light of scientific data available in the literature.