Scientists find cicada species in BD

Scientists from Bangladesh, China and India have recorded the cicada species Dundubia annandalei in Bangladesh for the first time, with climate modelling suggesting that global warming could expand its suitable habitat. 

But, its potential impact on fruit crops and trees remains unknown, prompting researchers to call for long-term field studies and monitoring.

The study, published in the international journal Insects, confirmed the species' presence through field sampling, examination of physical features and analysis of environmental data, researchers told The Daily Observer.

It was led by Mohammed Abul Monjur Khan, a professor in the Department of Entomology at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), and Cong Wei of Northwest A&F University in China. Indian researcher Babu Saddam and BAU postgraduate student Shahamat Jawad collected field samples and contributed to identifying the insect.

The team gathered 63 specimens from different parts of Bangladesh between February and March 2025. They are preserved in the BAU entomology museum. One female was found under a street light on the university campus.

The species was found in orchards growing mango, litchi, dragon fruit, guava, pineapple, banana, jackfruit, lemon and orange. Adults and shed skins were also found on sal, bamboo, teak and jarul trees and shrubs.