Abstract
Okanagana striatipes and O. utahensis are species synchronous in location of activity and utilization of host plants. They possess similar acoustic behavior. Analysis of calling songs shows that calls overlap in frequency but differ in temporal pattern. Based on characteristics of the cicada auditory system and the species recognition mechanism, the potential for acoustic interference exists. Both species are ectothermic behavioral thermoregulators. Measurements of thermal preference and body temperature during singing show that although thermal preferences are similar, O. utahensis sings at a significantly higher body temperature. Differences in body temperature required to coordinate singing in the 2 species provide a partial temporal separation of acoustic signaling. We suggest the physiological mechanisms that permit synchronous utilization of a habitat by the 2 species are the production of calling songs of different temporal patterns and the presence of different thermal requirements, which may permit and/or facilitate temporal separation of the acoustic environment during the day.
Recommended Citation
Sanborn, Allen F.; Breitbarth, Jessica H.; Heath, James E.; and Heath, Maxine S.
(2002)
"Temperature responses and habitat sharing in two sympatric species of Okanagana (Homoptera: Cicadoidea),"
Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 62:
No.
4, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol62/iss4/5