Ancient Cicada Fossil Unearthed in Germany Sheds Light on Early Evolution of Singing Insects

A Remarkable Cicada Fossil Discovery from the Eocene Epoch

Researchers have made a remarkable paleontological discovery by unearthing a cicada fossil estimated to be around 47 million years old, offering valuable insights into the early development of sound-producing insects in Europe. As a result, Eoplatypleura messelensis stands as the earliest identified sound-producing cicada in Europe and ranks among the oldest known examples worldwide. This astonishingly well-preserved specimen was found in the Messel Pit Fossil Site in Germany, an area globally acclaimed for its rich and detailed fossil record.

The newly identified cicada species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, is unique for its preservation and pivotal in redefining our understanding of cicada origins and the early history of acoustic communication among insects.

Unearthing the Eoplatypleura messelensis: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Europe

Dating to the Eocene epoch—a period that spanned from 56 to 34 million years ago—the fossil reveals a female cicada measuring approximately 26.5 mm long with a wingspan of 68.2 mm. Despite being flattened under geological pressure, the fossil retains fine anatomical structures, including intricate wing vein patterns.

Scientists analyzed the fossil and formally described in Scientific Reports on April 29. It was identified as both a new genus and species, aptly named to reflect its discovery site and taxonomic lineage.

Though the preserved specimens are female—and therefore silent like their modern counterparts—scientists suggest that males of this ancient species likely produced sound, much like modern-day singing cicadas. This makes Eoplatypleura messelensis the oldest known sound-producing cicada in Europe, and one of the most ancient examples globally.

Scientists recently uncovered a 47-million-year-old fossil of a cicada in a rock formation in Germany, the oldest known representatives of modern-day cicadas in Eurasia. https://t.co/7uBfsLo1qt

— Nautilus Magazine (@NautilusMag) May 8, 2025

Rewriting the Evolutionary Timeline of Singing Cicadas

According to lead researcher Dr. Hui Jiang of the University of Bonn, this fossil challenges long-standing assumptions about cicada evolution. Previously, it was believed that sound-producing cicadas of the Platypleurini tribe emerged in Africa approximately 25–30 million years ago before spreading elsewhere.

However, this discovery pushes the timeline back by nearly 20 million years, suggesting that Europe was once home to these early acoustic insects. This significant revision highlights that the diversification of the Platypleurini tribe occurred far earlier than previously estimated by genetic studies.

“This find is a game-changer,” noted Dr. Jiang. “It extends the known history of this lineage and places Europe at the center of early cicada evolution.”

The Fossil Record of Cicadas: Rare and Precious

Today, cicadas are widespread and highly diverse, with more than 3,000 recognized species found on every continent except Antarctica. However, their fossil record is surprisingly sparse, particularly for those belonging to the family Cicadidae, which includes today’s most vocal insects.

Globally, only 44 confirmed fossils have been attributed to this family. The most ancient singing cicada fossil was discovered in Montana, USA, and is estimated to be between 56 and 59 million years old. The E. messelensis fossil from Germany is nearly as old and marks the earliest known singing cicada found in Europe.

Dr. Conrad Labandeira of the Smithsonian Institution says, “This discovery offers a rare window into the evolutionary development of modern cicadas and suggests that even more ancient fossils may still be buried and waiting.”

Messel Pit: A Fossil Treasure Trove

The Messel Pit, located near Darmstadt, Germany, is renowned for its unparalleled fossil preservation. During the Eocene, the area was a volcanic crater lake with anoxic waters at its depths—conditions that prevented decay and allowed exceptional fossilization.

Dr. Sonja Wedmann, co-author of the study and paleoentomologist at the Senckenberg Research Institute, emphasized the uniqueness of the site: “Among the 20,000 insect fossils from Messel, Eoplatypleura messelensis is remarkable for its near-complete preservation—including head, legs, wings, and even its feeding snout.”

This extraordinary preservation enables a detailed study of the insect’s physical traits and offers a rare opportunity to understand its ecology and evolutionary biology.

Color Patterns and Acoustic Features in Ancient Cicadas

Interestingly, the fossilized wings of E. messelensis show traces of color patterns, likely serving as camouflage to help the insect blend into its surroundings—an adaptation still observed in cicadas today. This natural defense would have been vital in ancient Europe’s lush, subtropical forests.

In terms of anatomy, E. messelensis has many similarities with modern cicadas, yet it also displays notable distinctions. Its broader and shorter forewings might have influenced its flight behavior, while its larger abdomen suggests the potential for an internal sound-amplifying cavity.

Scientists hypothesize that males of this species could have emitted even louder calls than modern cicadas. For comparison, the African cicada Brevisana brevis produces calls reaching 107 decibels, as loud as a jet engine. The upcoming North American Brood XIV is expected to reach volumes of 90 to 100 decibels, equivalent to a subway train.

While this sound-producing capability in E. messelensis remains a well-founded hypothesis, further discoveries, especially of male specimens, are needed to confirm it.

The Future of Cicada Evolution Research

The discovery of Eoplatypleura messelensis opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of insect communication, biogeography, and adaptation. As Dr. Jiang pointed out, further research comparing the morphology of ancient and modern cicadas could clarify the anatomical adaptations responsible for sound production.

The fossil redefines the geographic and temporal origins of singing cicadas and underscores the importance of fossil sites like the Messel Pit in uncovering Earth’s prehistoric biodiversity.

A Voice from the Past

The fossil of Eoplatypleura messelensis is more than just an ancient insect preserved in stone—it is a relic of the early acoustic landscape of our planet. This extraordinary find not only repositions Europe in the evolutionary story of cicadas but also provides a sonic snapshot of prehistoric life, one that echoes across millions of years.

As paleontologists continue to explore fossil-rich sites, we may discover more about the origins of insect sound, shedding light on how ancient creatures once communicated in the forests of a long-lost world.