Calling songs of the sibling species Cicada barbara and C. orni were studied in sympatric and allopatric populations on the Iberian Peninsula, where the distribution ranges of both species overlap. No difference was found in any acoustic property for the sympatric and allopatric populations of C. barbara studied and only one variable (minimum frequency) was significantly different between sympatric and allopatric populations of C. orni. No hybrids with intermediate songs were found and no character displacement in the calling song was detected. It is very likely that these species were already considerably differentiated when they met on the Iberian Peninsula. Particularly, premating (or even postmating) isolating mechanisms (according to Mayr's Biological Species Concept) or different specific-mate recognition systems (in the view of the Paterson's Recognition Concept of Species) were most likely already present, which prevented hybridization between this pair of species. It is assumed that the calling songs are the most important premating isolating mechanism corresponding to the specific-mate recognition systems of these species of cicadas.

The relative impact of selection, chance and history will determine the predictability of evolution. There is a lack of empirical research on this subject, particularly in sexual organisms. Here we use experimental evolution to test the predictability of evolution. We analyse the real-time evolution of Drosophila subobscura populations derived from contrasting European latitudes placed in a novel laboratory environment. Each natural population was sampled twice within a three-year interval. We study evolutionary responses at both phenotypic (life-history, morphological and physiological traits) and karyotypic levels for around 30 generations of laboratory culture. Our results show (1) repeatable historical effects between years in the initial state, at both phenotypic and karyotypic levels; (2) predictable phenotypic evolution with general convergence except for body size; and (3) unpredictable karyotypic evolution. We conclude that the predictability of evolution is contingent on the trait and level of organization, highlighting the importance of studying multiple biological levels with respect to evolutionary patterns.

The cicada fauna from Portugal is reviewed, as a result of a joint Portuguese-French project. Thirteen species are reported (Lyristes plebejus, Cicada orni, Cicada barbara lusitanica, Tibicina tomentosa, Tibicina quadrisignata, Tibicina garricola, Melampsalta varipes, Tympanistalna gastrica, Euryphara contentei, Tettigetta argentata, Tettigetta estrellae, Tettigetta josei, Tettigetta mariae), while five taxa which were previously referred to in the literature, have not been found (Tibicina corsica fairmairei, Tibicina haematodes, Tibicina nigronervosa, Cicadetta flaveola, Cicadivetta tibialis). Based on morphological and acoustic features, the following synonymies are established: Tettigetta argentata (Olivier, 1790) = Tettigetta atra (Gomez-Menor, 1957) n. syn. and Tettigetta estrellae Boulard, 1982 = Tettigetta septempulsata Boulard & Quartau, 1991 n. syn. Data on time of emergence, geographical distribution, habitat occupation and acoustic calling behaviour are given for each species.

Human‐mediated introductions of species may have profound impacts on native ecosystems. One potential impact with largely unforeseen consequences is the potential admixture of introduced with autochthonous species through hybridization. Throughout the world, bumblebees have been deliberately introduced for crop pollination with known negative impacts on native pollinators. Given the likely allochthonous origin of commercial bumblebees used in Portugal (subspecies Bombus terrestris terrestris and B. t. dalmatinus), our aim was to assess their putative introgression with the native Iberian subspecies B. terrestris lusitanicus. We analysed one mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and genomic data involving thousands of genome‐wide restriction‐site‐associated DNA markers (RAD‐seq). In the mitochondrial COX1 analyses, we detected one relatively common haplotype in commercial bumblebees, also present in wild samples collected nearby the greenhouses where the commercial hives are used. In the RAD‐seq analysis, we found a clear genetic differentiation between native and commercial lineages. Furthermore, we detected candidate hybrids in the wild, as well as putatively escaped commercial bumblebees, some of which being potentially fertile males. Although we cannot assess directly the fitness effects of introgressed alleles, there is a risk of maladaptive allele introgression to the local bumblebee subspecies, which can negatively impact autochthon populations. One immediate recommendation to farmers is for the proper disposal of hive boxes, after their use in greenhouses, so as to minimize the risk of escapees contaminating native populations. On the other hand, the feasibility of using local subspecies B. t. lusitanicus, preferably with local production, should be evaluated.