Palapsalta palaga
| Palapsalta palaga | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Palapsalta |
| Species: | P. palaga
|
| Binomial name | |
| Palapsalta palaga | |
Palapsalta palaga is a species of cicada, also known as the northern river tree-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2016 by entomologists Christopher Owen and Maxwell Sydney Moulds.[1]
Etymology
The specific epithet palaga (Latin: ‘gold ingot’) refers to the yellow colouration of the cicadas.[1]
Description
The length of the forewing is 18–24 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs from north of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory, eastwards to Georgetown in north Queensland. The associated habitat is riverine eucalypt woodland.[3][2]
Behaviour
Adult males may be heard from December to February, clinging to the upper branches of eucalypts, emitting fluttering songs in short bursts.[3]
References
- ^ a b c Owen, CL; Moulds, MS (2016). "Systematics and phylogeny of the Australian cicada genus Pauropsalta Goding and Froggatt, 1904 and allied genera (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini)" (PDF). Records of the Australian Museum. 68 (4): 117–200 [182]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- ^ a b "Species Palapsalta palaga Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- ^ a b c "Northern River Tree-buzzer Palapsalta palaga Owen & Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-24.