Calipsalta fumosa
| Calipsalta fumosa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Calipsalta |
| Species: | C. fumosa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Calipsalta fumosa | |
Calipsalta fumosa is a species of cicada, also known as the pale green spinifex rattler, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2022 by Australian entomologists Maxwell Sydney Moulds and David C. Marshall.[1][2]
Etymology
The species epithet fumosa is derived from Latin fumosus ('smoky'), with reference to the smoky markings on the sub-apical forewings.[1]
Description
The length of the forewing is 18–23 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species' range covers much of arid western central Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and far north South Australia. The associated habitat is low, open shrubland with spinifex and other grasses.[2][3]
Behaviour
Adults may be heard from December to February, uttering coarse, buzzing calls during the day and at dusk.[3]
References
- ^ a b c Moulds, MS; Marshall, DC (2022). "New genera and new species of Western Australian cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)". Zootaxa. 5174 (5): 451–507 [486]. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5174.5.1. PMID 36095386. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
- ^ a b c "Genus Calipsalta Moulds & Marshall, 2022". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Pale Green Spinifex Rattler Calipsalta fumosa Moulds and Marshall, 2022". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-26.