Work

Trophic dynamics of cicada nymphs after severe wildfires: The importance of resprouting plant species

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Wildfires significantly affect soils and vegetation in natural ecosystems, altering trophic interactions and nutrient cycling. This study investigates the trophic dynamics of cicada nymphs ( Cicada orni ), strictly dependent on plant roots for nutrition during their hypogeal phase, in two severe wildfire-affected regions of north-eastern Iberian Peninsula. For this, stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were analysed on cicada exuviae and host plant databases collected from burnt and unburnt areas over a decade. The results show shifts in cicada isotopic signatures influenced by plant regeneration strategies and changes in soil properties. Resprouting species, such as Genista scorpius , emerged as important post-fire food resources. Significant temporal and spatial variations in isotopic values underline the role of fire in shaping belowground trophic dynamics. These findings emphasize the importance of plant resilience mechanisms in sustaining herbivorous insect populations and contribute to the understanding of post-fire ecological recovery and management in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Source: Forest Ecology and Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123381

Authors: C. Tobella, J. Navarro, J.M. Bas, P. Pons

Institutions: Universitat de Girona, Institut de Ciències del Mar

Language: English

Topic: Isotope Analysis in Ecology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560