Psaltoda brachypennis
| Psaltoda brachypennis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Psaltoda |
| Species: | P. brachypennis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Psaltoda brachypennis | |
Psaltoda brachypennis, also known as the phantom knight, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2000 by entomologists John St Leger Moss and Maxwell Sydney Moulds.[2][1]
Description
The forewing length is 33–41 mm. Specimens are usually coloured dark green or rich brown.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs from Herberton in Far North Queensland southwards to Mount Kaputar and Grafton in north-eastern New South Wales, although it has been recorded in the inland region of southern New South Wales.[4] It inhabits both wet and dry sclerophyll forests, brigalow and dry vine thickets [3]
Behaviour
Adults may be heard from mid-November to February, clinging to the upper branches of trees, uttering calls characterised by an initial loud roar followed by a series of soft, rolling pulses.[3]
References
- ^ a b Moss, JT; Moulds, MS (2000). "A new species of Psaltoda Stål, with notes on comparative morphology and song structure (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)". Australian Entomologist. 27 (2): 47–60 [50].
- ^ a b "Species Psaltoda brachypennis Moss & Moulds, 2000". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Dark Sage Psaltoda brachypennis Moss & Moulds, 2000". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ Three new species of <i>Psaltoda</i> Stal from eastern Australia (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae)., journals.australian.museum. Retrieved 2025-0-27