Fidicina picea cicada

Taxonomic position: Fidicina picea (synonym Guyana picea) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. This large insect is widely distributed across South and Central American regions, where it is recognized as a significant pest affecting various perennial plantations.

Host plants: The damage is primarily inflicted on woody species. Fidicina picea is frequently reported on coffee trees, various species of citrus, as well as several ornamental and forest trees. High population densities can lead to substantial economic losses in commercial fruit production.

Biology and life cycle: The insect follows a hemimetabolous life cycle. The nymphs develop underground, feeding on the roots of host plants for several years. Once mature, the nymphs emerge from the soil to undergo metamorphosis. The adults are active in the canopy, where mating occurs, and females lay eggs within the tissues of young shoots.

Nature of damage and harm: The primary harm is caused by nymphs feeding on root systems, which weakens the trees and creates entry points for secondary fungal and bacterial pathogens. Adult insects damage the branches during oviposition, which leads to shoot distortion, premature drying of branches, and a significant reduction in overall plant vigor and productivity.

• Monitoring adult populations using light traps.
• Application of contact-systemic insecticides during the peak emergence of nymphs.
• Implementation of soil health management practices.
• Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi to suppress populations.
• Pruning and destroying infested shoots to eliminate egg clutches.