It's not tiyanak!-ethnoentomology and conservation status of the laughing Acadeinae Psithyristria ridibunda Lee and Lit, 2015 (Hemiptera:Cicadeinae:Psithyris)

Issue Date

10-2015

Abstract

The discovery of the lightning conidia in 1998 and its eventual formal description as Psynthyristria ridibunda Lee and Lit, 2015, can be traced to a common belief on myth about the existence of unseen tiny creatures or spirits (tiyanak, dwarves, witches or fairies) in one of the sections of the Mount Banahaw complex-specifically Mount Banahao de Lucban. Sounds of high-pitched laughter from among surrounding trees near the peak, particularly after sunset bolster such belief. In 1998, during a biodiversity monitoring activity, the source of the laughing sound was traced to a small cicada which was recently described as Psynthyristria ridibunda Lee and Lit, 2015. The genus Psynthyristria is endemic to Luzon and all its is species appear to the narrow endemics. The area in which Psynthyristria occurs is a disturbed mountain exposed to agriculture and nature/outdoor sport (mountaineering, camping) as well as semi-religious activities. It is recommended that the laughing cicada be treated as a vulnerable or threatened species.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

29

Issue

2

Page

226

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

AUCHENORRHYNCHA; INDIGENOUS ORGANISMS; NATURE CONSERVATION; BIODIVERSITY; ENTOMOLOGY; LAND RESOURCES

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