Echoes from northern Iberia: distribution, ecology, genetics, and identification of Asturian cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae).

Cicadas are a group of insects recognized for their distinctive life cycle and the stridulatory calls produced by males to attract females. While cicadas are commonly associated with thermophilic forests and xerophilic shrublands in Mediterranean regions, their distribution in temperate areas of Europe remains poorly understood. This study focuses on the cicadas of the northern Iberian Peninsula, specifically Asturias, characterized by a temperate climate. Over three years of fieldwork, we surveyed potential sites to locate cicada populations. Efforts were made to collect data on their habitat, ecology, and behavior. Acoustic recordings were used to characterize species-specific calling songs, and specimens were captured for genetic analyses. In addition, species distribution models were developed using climatic variables to assess potential habitat suitability across the region. We identified four cicada taxa-Cicada orni, Tibicina quadrisignata, Tettigettalna argentata, and Cicadetta sp.-primarily occupying forested habitats, native shrublands, and pine plantations. These species were found between 200 and 1,600 m a.s.l. and were acoustically active at temperatures above 18 to 21 °C, preferentially during sunny and low-wind conditions. Distribution models highlighted the warmest valleys of the study area as the most favorable for cicada occurrence, providing guidance for future sampling efforts. Furthermore, we provide the first genetic characterization of the cicada species detected in the region, which supports the morphological and acoustic identifications and reveals the presence of a putative new species of the genus Cicadetta. Finally, we outline conservation-relevant considerations for the preservation of cicada populations in temperate environments.