Pauropsalta kriki
| Pauropsalta kriki | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Pauropsalta |
| Species: | P. kriki
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pauropsalta kriki | |
Pauropsalta kriki is a species of cicada, also known as the river galloper, 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 kriki, from Greek kriko (‘along a watercourse’), refers to the cicadas' favoured habitat.[1]
Description
The length of the forewing is 18–24 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs the Top End of the Northern Territory from Darwin southwards to Mataranka and eastwards to Kakadu National Park. The associated habitat is eucalypt woodland and riparian shrubland.[3][2]
Behaviour
Adult males may be heard from October to February, emitting repetitive, ratchet-like calls, similar to the sound of a galloping horse.[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 [159]. doi:10.3853/j.2201-4349.68.2016.1598. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
- ^ a b "Species Pauropsalta kriki Owen & Moulds, 2016". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ a b c "River Galloper Pauropsalta kriki Owen and Moulds, 2016". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-26.