Caliginopsalta
| Caliginopsalta | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Infraorder: | Cicadomorpha |
| Superfamily: | Cicadoidea |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Subfamily: | Cicadettinae |
| Genus: | Caliginopsalta Ewart, 2005[1][2] |
Caliginopsalta is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, subfamily Cicadettinae and tribe Cicadettini. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2005 by Australian entomologist Anthony Ewart.[1][2]
Etymology
The genus name Caliginopsalta is a combination derived from Latin caligin (‘dark’ or ‘obscure’), with reference to the obscure habits and habitat of the type species, and psalta, a traditional suffix used in the generic names of many cicadas.[1]
Species
As of 2025 there was one described species in the genus:[3]
- Caliginopsalta percola Ewart, 2005 (Royal Casuarina Ticker)
Description
The length of the forewing is 12–16 mm.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the Brigalow Belt region from Marlborough in Queensland southwards to Barmedman in New South Wales. The associated habitat is woodland, especially with Casuarina cristata, on cracking clay soils.[2][4]
Behaviour
Adults may be heard from October to February, clinging to tree branches, uttering monotonous, double-clicking calls that may vary in speed.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Ewart, A (2005). "New genera and species of small ticking and 'chirping' cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae) from Queensland, with descriptions of their songs". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 51 (2): 439–500 [470].
- ^ a b c "Genus Caliginopsalta Ewart, 2005". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
- ^ L.W. Popple (2025). "Genus Caliginopsalta Ewart, 2005". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Royal Casuarina Ticker Caliginopsalta percola Ewart, 2005". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-26.