Viable Hybrid Young From Crossmated Periodical Cicadas

Three species of periodical cicadas, Magicicada septendecim, M. cassini, and M. septendecula appear to remain distinct in nature by a strong prezygotic behaviorial isolating mechanism involving habitat preferences and song differences. Two of the species will cross—mate, however, when confined in a small cage. It was shown experimentally that the eggs resulting from such cross—matings hatch into viable young of intermediate size.