Pauropsalta agasta

Pauropsalta agasta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Pauropsalta
Species:
P. agasta
Binomial name
Pauropsalta agasta
Owen & Moulds, 2016[1][2]

Pauropsalta agasta is a species of cicada, also known as the Kimberley frog squawker, 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 agasta (Greek: ‘twin’ or ‘close kinsman’) refers to the close relationship between this species and Pauropsalta adelphe.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 27–31 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, including adjacent areas along the border with the Northern Territory. The associated habitat is tropical eucalypt woodland.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to January, clinging to the trunks of eucalypts and other trees, emitting deep, frog-like, croaking songs.[3]

References

  1. ^ 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 [136]. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  2. ^ a b "Species Pauropsalta agasta Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  3. ^ a b c "Kimberley Frog Squawker Pauropsalta agasta Owen and Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-25.