Toxala verna

Toxala verna
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Toxala
Species:
T. verna
Binomial name
Toxala verna
Synonyms
  • Urabunana verna Distant, 1912
  • Curvicicada verna Chou et al, 1997

Toxala verna is a species of cicada, also known as the bent-winged grass-buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1912 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[1][2]

Description

The length of the forewing is 12–13 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales as well as near Goulburn. Associated habitats include native grassland and heathy woodland with eucalypts and Pimelea shrubs.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from January to March, clinging to grass stems, emitting chirping and buzzing calls with accompanying wing-snaps.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Distant, WL (1912). "Descriptions of some new Homoptera". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 8 (10): 438–446 [440].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Toxala verna (Distant, 1912)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
  3. ^ a b c "Bent-winged Grass-buzzer Toxala verna (Distant, 1912)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-11.