Tryella kauma
| Tryella kauma | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Tryella |
| Species: | T. kauma
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tryella kauma | |
Tryella kauma is a species of cicada, also known as the whispering bullet, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Lamotialnini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2003 by Australian entomologist Maxwell Sydney Moulds.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet kauma, from Greek: “burning heat”, refers to the climatic conditions in the area where the species was discovered.[1][3]
Description
The length of the forewing is 15–21 mm. Body length is 12–17 mm.[4][1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in northern Queensland from near Burketown and Normanton eastwards to Mount Surprise and near Laura. The associated habitat is tropical open woodland.[2][4]
Behaviour
The cicadas are xylem feeders. Adult males may be heard from December to January, clinging to the stems of trees and shrubs, emitting soft hissing calls.[4][2]
References
- ^ a b c d Moulds, MS (2003). "An appraisal of the cicadas of the genus Abricta Stål and allied genera (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae)". Records of the Australian Museum. 55: 245–304 [288–289]. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ^ a b c d "Species Tryella kauma Moulds, 2003". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ^ "Tryella kauma Moulds, 2003". World Auchenorrhyncha Database. TaxonWorks. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ^ a b c "Whispering Bullet Tryella kauma Moulds, 2003". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-29.