Tryella noctua
| Tryella noctua | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Tryella |
| Species: | T. noctua
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tryella noctua | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Tryella noctua is a species of cicada, also known as the chocolate bullet, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Lamotialnini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1913 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet noctua comes from the Latin for a small owl.[1][3]
Description
The length of the forewing is 19–26 mm.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in arid areas, from central Western Australia eastwards to the south-western Northern Territory, and adjacent north-western South Australia, to Coober Pedy. The associated habitat is mulga shrubland.[2][4]
Behaviour
The cicadas are xylem feeders. Adult males may be heard from December to March, clinging to the stems of mulga and similar shrubs, emitting strident hissing calls during the day and at dusk.[4][2]
References
- ^ a b c Distant, WL (1913). "Undescribed species of Cicadidae". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 8 (12): 485–491 [487].
- ^ a b c d "Species Tryella noctua (Distant, 1913)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ^ "Tryella noctua (Distant, 1913)". World Auchenorrhyncha Database. TaxonWorks. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
- ^ a b c "Chocolate Bullet Tryella noctua (Distant, 1913)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-27.