Cicada (Diceroprocta apache (Davis)) mortality by feeding on Nerium oleander.

Abstract

In mid· July 1977, there was a strong emergence of cicadas, Oiceroprocta apache, in the vicinity of Tacna, Yuma County, southwestern Arizona. In this desert habitat the adult cicadas were feeding on the sap of many species of desert shrubs, including Prosopis juliflora, Cercidium floridum, Cercidium microphyl/um, and Acacia gregii. It was commonplace to flush two to fifo teen adult cicadas from a shrub of one of these species. In the grounds of a motel and several private gardens in Tacna, Nerium oleander had been planted as an ornamental tree. Cicadas were often observed feeding on the twigs of these trees.