Plerapsalta multifascia

Plerapsalta multifascia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Plerapsalta
Species:
P. multifascia
Binomial name
Plerapsalta multifascia
(Walker, 1850)[1][2]
Synonyms
  • Cicada multifascia Walker, 1850
  • Cicada obscurior Walker, 1850
  • Cicada singula Walker, 1850

Plerapsalta multifascia is a species of cicada, also known as the neon ambertail, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1850 by English entomologist Francis Walker.[1][2]

Description

The length of the forewing is 13–14 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from south-eastern Queensland southwards to the vicinity of Sydney in New South Wales, as well as from Adelaide in South Australia. Associated habitats include open forest, woodland, and grassland on poor soil, especially near water.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from September to December, clinging to grass and shrub stems as well as the trunks and upper branches of trees, emitting high-frequency, lilting calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Walker, F (1850). List of the specimens of homopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Part 1. London: British Museum. pp. 1–260 [185].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Plerapsalta multifascia (Walker, 1850)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  3. ^ a b c "Neon Ambertail Plerapsalta multifascia (Walker, 1850)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-03.