Arenopsaltria pygmaea
| Arenopsaltria pygmaea | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Arenopsaltria |
| Species: | A. pygmaea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Arenopsaltria pygmaea | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Arenopsaltria pygmaea, also known as the pygmy sandgrinder, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1904 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[2]
Description
The species has a forewing length of 14–18 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is found in Western Australia from the Murchison River district near Geraldton south-east to near Corrigin. It occurs in tall heathland habitats on sandy soils.[2][3]
Behaviour
Adults may be heard from November to January, clinging to the branches of heath vegetation, uttering continuous, high-pitched, hissing calls.[3]
References
- ^ Distant, WL (1904). "Rhynchotal notes–XXVI". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 7 (14): 293–303 [303].
- ^ a b c "Species Arenopsaltria pygmaea (Distant, 1904)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Pygmy Sandgrinder Arenopsaltria pygmaea (Distant, 1904)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-08-24.