Host Selectivity by Cicada for Final Stage of Moulting

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the factors that might influence cicada choice of substrate for its final moult. The
factors considered included DBH (Diameter Breast Height) of the trees, plant height, type of plant, plant species and
canopy cover above final moult area. Thirty five plots were sampled in an area of 875m2
in Kibale Forest, Uganda. The
number of cicada skins found on each plant species of the site was recorded. The characteristics of the plant species (height
and DBH) and the canopy cover of the plots were also measured. It was found that cicadas have a higher affinity to sites
with high canopy cover, plants of height less than 1.5m and tree saplings of DBH less than 10 cm for the final stage of their
moulting. The highest number of cicada nymph skins was found on Palisota sp. However it was concluded that this
observation did not translate into cicadas having a high selectivity to Palisota sp. for the final stage of moulting. It was thus
concluded that cicadas do not have a preference on where to carry out their final moult on emergence from the soil but
rather climb up the first plant they encounter