A groundbreaking discovery has been made at the Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. A 47-million-year-old fossil of a true cicada (Eoplatypleura messelensis) was unearthed, marking the earliest record of this insect subfamily in Europe and the world. The find was published in Scientific Reports and provides crucial insights into the ancient biodiversity of the region. It not only extends the fossil record of cicadas but also reveals the intricate evolutionary history of these insects, which have been buzzing in forests and shrubby environments for millions of years.
The fossilized cicada was found in oil shale deposits dating back to the Eocene period. This discovery adds a new genus and species to the already diverse fossil record of the Cenozoic era, enhancing our understanding of the ancient environments of Europe and the origins of cicadas. According to Dr. Sonja Wedmann from the Senckenberg Research Institute, “The family of true cicadas (Cicadidae) is one of the most species-rich insect groups today. Nevertheless, there are only very few fossil finds compared to the large number of modern species.” This significant gap in the fossil record has now been partially filled by Eoplatypleura messelensis.
The Messel Pit: A Fossil Treasure Trove
The Messel Pit has long been known for its well-preserved fossils, offering a rare glimpse into the Eocene ecosystem. The discovery of Eoplatypleura messelensis provides a detailed snapshot of the ancient world where these cicadas once thrived. The fossil itself is remarkably well-preserved, with a body length of 26.5 millimeters and a wingspan of 68.2 millimeters, making it one of the best-preserved cicada fossils ever discovered.
This find adds to the growing number of insect fossils uncovered at the site, further emphasizing the importance of Messel Pit in paleontological research. “Every new fossil find from the Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Site is of great scientific importance. Insects account for a large part of biodiversity. Their fossil record helps us to better understand the development of complex ecosystems and ecological interactions,” says Dr. Wedmann. This discovery not only sheds light on cicadas but also enhances our broader understanding of the ecosystems that existed millions of years ago.
A Rare Look at the Cicada Family Tree
The fossil reveals much about the evolutionary lineage of cicadas, particularly the Platypleurini group. This group is known for its wide distribution and unique traits. Dr. Wedmann explains, “Within this family, the Platypleurini group is particularly striking. It has a wide distribution and includes many species with unique traits. For the first time, we have now described a fossil from this group of cicadas.” This species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, is one of the earliest known representatives of today’s true cicadas in Eurasia, providing valuable clues about the evolution of this diverse group of insects.
This discovery not only enhances our knowledge of cicadas in the Cenozoic era but also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the broader history of insect evolution. Researchers will likely use this fossil as a reference point for genetic studies and further exploration of cicada evolution. By placing this species within the Platypleurini group, scientists gain new insight into the diversification and ecological roles of cicadas during the Eocene period.
Ecological Role of Cicadas: Ancient Camouflage and Behavior
The wing patterns found on Eoplatypleura messelensis resemble those of modern cicadas in the Platypleurini group, suggesting that these features served similar ecological functions. Dr. Hui Jiang, the study’s lead author, explains, “These patterns are similar to those seen in modern cicada species of the Platypleurini group, which typically inhabit wooded and shrubby environments. Given the subtropical vegetation that existed in the Messel area 47 million years ago, this wing coloration may have served a similar ecological role, such as camouflage.” This insight opens new avenues for understanding how cicadas have adapted to their environments over millions of years, using physical traits for survival in their habitats.
These ecological adaptations are not just about camouflage. Cicadas have long been known for their loud, buzzing calls, which they use for mating. While the fossil found is a female, it is believed that males of the Platypleurini group were capable of producing the iconic mating calls associated with modern cicadas. The preservation of such details in ancient fossils highlights the complex ecological relationships and behaviors that these insects had millions of years ago.
A Pivotal Discovery for Cicada Research
The discovery of Eoplatypleura messelensis represents an important step forward in cicada research, providing a new genus and species that could serve as a reference point for future studies on the evolutionary history of cicadas. “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. It is also the first described buzzing cicada from the Messel Pit,” adds Dr. Wedmann.
This discovery not only advances our understanding of cicada evolution but also enriches the fossil record of the Messel Pit. Future research on these ancient insects could help reveal more about the origins of today’s insect biodiversity and the broader ecological dynamics of ancient ecosystems.
