Climate scientists just scored a huge scientific first! They have extended the timeline for cicadas and their capacity for noise by about 17 million years. The newly discovered species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, dates to the Eocene epoch—about 47.2 million years ago. This fossil find, located in Germany’s famous Messel Pit near Darmstadt, sheds light on the evolution of insect communication and the history of cicadas.
Eoplatypleura messelensis is a member of the Platypleurini tribe, which includes today’s singing cicadas. This ensemble is well known for their stunning vocal talents. Eoplatypleura messelensis, the oldest known cicada fossil, is more than 26.5 millimeters long. At 68.2 millimeters in wingspan, it is the smallest and most primitive member of the singing cicada family. The fossilized specimens, both seen here in digital color reconstructions (top and bottom), were preserved in oil shale — preserving stunning details of these ancient insects.
The Messel Pit is renowned for its rich fossil finds and has provided invaluable insights into life during the Eocene epoch. Eoplatypleura messelensis found the sweet spot of an average temperature of roughly 22 °C (71.6 °F). This balmy climate offered perfect conditions for insect life to thrive. This discovery provides important context for the very different ecological conditions that allowed these cicadas to thrive hundreds of millions of years ago.
“This is one of the most beautiful fossil insects,” stated Dr. Wedmann, highlighting the exceptional preservation of Eoplatypleura messelensis. This finding is about more than just the breathtaking image. It offers significant information on the early beginnings of that singular brood of cicadas in that particular area.
The periodical cicadas’ mating calls rank among the loudest sounds produced by any insect. This amazing ability is vital to their spectacular mating displays and elaborate communication tactics. More about Eoplatypleura messelensis Researchers are currently studying Eoplatypleura messelensis. Their goal is to find out how these amazing animals used color to communicate and survive in their world.
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