Birrima varians
| Birrima varians | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Birrima |
| Species: | B. varians
|
| Binomial name | |
| Birrima varians | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Birrima varians is a species or species complex of cicadas, also known as the black tree-ticker, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1834 by German entomologist Ernst Friedrich Germar.[1][2]
Description
The length of the forewing is 24–32 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species complex is found in subtropical and warm temperate areas of eastern Australia, from the Atherton Tableland in north-eastern Queensland, southwards to Armidale in northern New South Wales. The associated habitat is open forest, especially with Eucalyptus tereticornis.[2][3]
Behaviour
Adults may be heard from August to March, sometimes to May, clinging to trees, shrubs and artificial structures, or flying about actively, uttering slow, repeated zeeeet calls.[3]
References
- ^ a b Germar, EF (1834). "Observations sur plusieurs espèces du genre Cicada, Latr". Revue Entomologique (Silbermann). 2: 49–82 [59].
- ^ a b c "Species Birrima varians (Germar, 1834)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Black Tree-ticker Birrima varians (Germar, 1834)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-26.