Illyria burkei

Illyria burkei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Illyria
Species:
I. burkei
Binomial name
Illyria burkei
Synonyms
  • Tibicen burkei Distant, W.L. 1882

Illyria burkei, also known as the monsoon rattler or eastern rattler, is a species or species complex of cicadas in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1882 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[1][2][3]

Description

The forewing length is 24–36 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across northern Australia from the Kimberley region of north-western Western Australia, through the Top End of the Northern Territory, eastwards to northern and eastern Queensland. The habitat includes open eucalypt woodland and Acacia shrubland.[2][3]

Behaviour

Adults may be heard from November to January, clinging to branches and trunks, on which they may aggregate in large numbers, uttering persistent, coarse, loud, rattling and buzzing calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Distant, WL (1882). "On some undescribed Cicadidae from Australia and the Pacific region". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1882: 125–134 [126].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Illyria burkei (Distant, 1882)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-30.
  3. ^ a b c d L.W. Popple (2025). "Rattler (species complex) Illyria burkei (Distant, 1882)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-30.