Why This Ancient Cicada Discovery Matters
A newly described fossil species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, is capturing the attention of palaeontologists and evolutionary biologists around the world. Found in Germany’s Messel Pit, this 47-million-year-old fossilised cicada is now considered the oldest known member of the subfamily Cicadinae in Eurasia, and a pivotal clue in the evolutionary history of true cicadas.
The discovery provides an extremely rare look at how early sound-producing cicadas evolved and dispersed. With over 3,000 modern species of cicadas, the fossil record has long remained puzzlingly incomplete. This finding fills an important gap and supports new theories about the ancient migration of cicada lineages across continents.
“The cicada we have described as a new genus and species is one of the oldest known representatives of today’s true cicadas in Eurasia and represents the earliest record of the subfamily Cicadinae worldwide,” said Dr. Sonja Wedmann, paleoentomologist at the Senckenberg Research Institute.
Messel Pit: Germany’s Fossil Treasure Trove
The Messel Pit, located near Darmstadt in Hesse, Germany, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most significant fossil beds. Formed from a volcanic lake during the Eocene epoch (57–36 million years ago), the pit’s oxygen-poor conditions allowed for unparalleled fossil preservation, including delicate insect structures.
“The excellent preservation not only of insects, but of all groups of organisms, is the reason why Messel is a UNESCO world heritage site,” explained Dr. Wedmann.
The fossil of Eoplatypleura messelensis is particularly remarkable because it includes fully intact wings, visible vein structures, and even faint traces of colouration, details rarely seen in insect fossils.
Anatomy of a Prehistoric Cicada
The fossilised cicada is a nearly complete adult female, with impressive anatomical preservation:
- Body length: 26.5 mm (~1 inch)
- Wingspan: 68.2 mm (~2.7 inches)
- Features: Compact head, small compound eyes, and large forewings with curved leading edges
“These patterns are similar to those of modern cicada species of the Platypleurini group, which live in woods and scrubland,” noted Dr. Hui Jiang, lead author of the study and palaeontologist at the University of Bonn.
The visible wing patterns hint at both camouflage and communication functions, supporting the idea that these behavioural adaptations were already present nearly 50 million years ago.
The Platypleurini Tribe: An Ancient Lineage
Cicadas of the Platypleurini tribe, today found in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, are known for their loud mating calls and vibrant wing designs. Until now, the fossil record placed their migration to Europe about 20 million years ago.
However, the presence of Eoplatypleura messelensis in Germany suggests a much earlier dispersion, possibly over 47 million years ago.
“This fossil pushes back the known fossil record of sound-producing cicadas in the tribe Platypleurini by approximately 20 million years,” said Dr. Jiang. “It indicates that the diversification of this group occurred much earlier than previously recognised.”
A Living Canvas: Evolution of Colour and Camouflage
One of the most fascinating aspects of E. messelensis is its wing pigmentation, which remains visible after millions of years. Modern cicadas use wing colouration to blend into their forest environments or signal mates.
“Given the subtropical vegetation in the Messel area around 47 million years ago, the colouration could have fulfilled a similar ecological function, for example, as camouflage,” said Jiang.
The preservation of these patterns offers a rare opportunity to trace ecological adaptations in prehistoric insects, linking past survival strategies to those of cicadas today.
Did This Ancient Cicada Sing?
Although the fossil is female, which lacks the tymbals (the structures males use to produce sound), its classification in the singing cicada subfamily (Cicadinae) suggests the males likely buzzed loudly in their time.
“Based on the cicada’s body shape and placement in the singing cicada group, it likely produced sounds similar in function to modern cicadas,” said Dr. Jiang.
The structure of the thorax and wing base mirrors that of sound-amplifying modern cicada, reinforcing the theory that acoustic communication was already developed in these early species.
A Reference for Evolutionary Biology and Genetics
Beyond its value as a spectacular fossil, Eoplatypleura messelensis also offers a benchmark for molecular studies. As researchers continue to examine cicada DNA, this cicada fossil provides a reliable chronological anchor for estimating mutation rates and evolutionary divergence.
“Eoplatypleura messelensis could serve as an important chronological reference for genetic studies on the evolutionary history of these animals,” Dr. Wedmann explained.
Its existence also suggests that additional fossilised members of Platypleurini, perhaps even older, may still be waiting to be discovered.
“This suggests that older fossils of the Platypleurini are yet to be discovered,” said Dr. Conrad Labandeira of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the study.
Cultural and Scientific Legacy of Cicadas
Cicadas have long held symbolic importance across cultures, from spiritual messengers in Hopi traditions to icons of rebirth in Chinese mythology. Their long life cycles, deafening choruses, and synchronised mass emergences continue to captivate both scientists and the public.
The discovery of E. messelensis strengthens the narrative that these insects have been vital to Earth’s ecosystems and human imagination for tens of millions of years.
A Cicada That Sings Through Time
The fossil of Eoplatypleura messelensis is more than a paleontological marvel; it is a story frozen in stone, revealing how insects evolved, migrated, and adapted to their environment over millions of years. As Dr. Wedmann eloquently summarised:
“Fossils such as our true cicada offer fascinating insights into life around 47 million years ago and provide valuable information on the origins of today’s insect diversity.”
From its colourful wings to its evolutionary significance, this ancient cicada offers a resonant reminder that even the smallest creatures can illuminate the grandeur of life’s history.
Image Courtesy – Senckenberg
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