Toxala mckinnonae
| Toxala mckinnonae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Toxala |
| Species: | T. mckinnonae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Toxala mckinnonae | |
Toxala mckinnonae is a species of cicada, also known as the Herberton grass-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2015 by Australian entomologist Lindsay Popple.[1][2]
Description
The length of the forewing is 10–12 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is only known from a small area west of Herberton in Far North Queensland. The associated habitat is native grassland on sandy loam soils.[3][2]
Behaviour
Adult males may be heard from December to January, clinging to grass stems, emitting high-pitched, chirping and buzzing calls with accompanying wing-snaps, after rain.[3]
References
- ^ a b Popple, LW (2015). "A new species of Toxala Moulds (Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Cicadettini) from north Queensland, with notes on its calling song and comparisons with a congeneric species". Australian Entomologist. 42 (2): 77–90 [79].
- ^ a b c "Species Toxala mckinnonae Popple, 2015". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ a b c "Herberton Grass-buzzer Toxala mckinnonae Popple, 2015". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-12.