Illyria australensis

Illyria australensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Illyria
Species:
I. australensis
Binomial name
Illyria australensis
Synonyms
  • Tettigia australensis Kirkaldy, 1909

Illyria australensis, also known as the semi-arid rattler, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1909 by English entomologist George Willis Kirkaldy.[1][2]

Description

The forewing length is 20–23 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from coastal north-western Western Australia, between Cygnet Bay and Port Hedland, eastwards to Daly Waters in the Northern Territory. The habitat is low open woodland.[2][3]

Behaviour

Adults have been heard from December to February, clinging to the branches and trunks of small trees, uttering metallic, buzzing calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Kirkaldy, GW (1909). "Hemiptera, old and new, No. 2". The Canadian Entomologist. 41 (11): 388–392 [391].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Illyria australensis (Kirkaldy, 1909)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  3. ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Semi-arid Rattler Illyria australensis (Kirkaldy, 1910)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-29.