Distribution of cicadas in Illinois with a focus on the natural history, population genetics, and conservation of Megatibicen dorsatus (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Dana, Catherine E

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117811 Copy

Description

Title

Distribution of cicadas in Illinois with a focus on the natural history, population genetics, and conservation of Megatibicen dorsatus (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Author(s)

Dana, Catherine E

Issue Date

2022-12-02

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Heads, Sam W

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Heads, Sam W

Committee Member(s)

• Davis, Mark A
• Alleyne, Marianne
• Suarez, Andrew V
• Whitfield, James B

Department of Study

Entomology

Discipline

Entomology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Beameria venosa
• conservation
• Cryptotympanini
• distribution
• insect collection
• microbiome
• midwest
• nature preserves
• Neotibicen auriferus
• Okanagana balli
• population genetics
• rights-of-way
• RADSeq
• state records

Abstract

This dissertation examines an array of risk factors affecting Illinois cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) with considerations for successful management of species of greatest conservation need. To start, I broadly focus on the cicada biodiversity inhabiting Illinois’ habitat mosaic. In my first chapter, I reviewed the distribution and ecology of the cicada species of Illinois. New county and state records, including DNA barcoding to confirm species identity are included. On clifftop prairies in southwestern Illinois multiple populations of both Neotibicen auriferus and Beameria venosa were discovered, both new state records. For my second chapter, I investigated the impact of habitat fragmentation on cicadas in Illinois by looking at the distribution and genetic diversity of the prairie cicada Megatibicen dorsatus. This species was historically in high quality prairies, but is contemporarily restricted to small remnant prairies scattered throughout the state. A double digest restriction associated DNA sequencing (ddRADSeq) library was created with DNA from 452 M. dorsatus individuals from across Illinois. This method revealed gene flow among remaining populations along railroad rights-of-way, but less connectivity to higher quality prairies like Loda Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve. Development of methods like RADSeq for cicada genetics and conservation can be applied worldwide to this cosmopolitan group of insects. With large-scale changes in the landscape occurring globally, it is important to assess the impact and long-term trends that might be influencing cicada populations and their geographic distribution. Finally, in my third chapter I explored the role antimicrobial, superhydrophobic surfaces present on the wings of cicadas might play on colonization by microbes. I examined the external microbiome of M. dorsatus to identify the microbial community that they are exposed to in the prairie. I compared the microbiome of M. dorsatus to another more common species of cicada that lives in urban areas throughout the state, Neotibicen pruinosus pruinosus. I divided individuals into separate parts to test if less microbial diversity and different community structure was present on the forewings compared to the rest of the body. To ensure that these differences were a product of exposure to the environment, I also compared the microbiome of early- and late-season collected individuals. I found that the legs were a likely source point of microbes. Cicadas were also carriers of several plant pathogens, although more evidence is needed to see if they play a role in spreading infections among plants. Due to my methodology not being specific to the ectobiome, I discovered gut endosymbionts of both species and added more information to the phylogeny of these different endosymbionts (i.e., Candidatus Hodgkinia, Candidatus Sulcia muelleri, and Yeast-Like Symbionts). I hope that these findings will help provide information that can be used for the conservation of cicadas on the Illinois landscape through insight into the lands in need of protection, species diversity and distribution, necessary corridors for gene flow, ongoing and potential threats, and pathogens. Cicadas provide an important ecosystem service of nutrient cycling from below to aboveground. Among insects, cicadas are considerably large bodied and thus provide a substantial resource to insectivorous species. Given the sparse number of remnant prairies in Illinois (less than 0.07% of original prairies) and how specialized several cicada species are to this environment, their conservation is at a crucial time.

Graduation Semester

2022-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Catherine E. Dana

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