Chelapsalta puer

Chelapsalta puer
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Chelapsalta
Species:
C. puer
Binomial name
Chelapsalta puer
(Walker, 1850)[1]
Synonyms
  • Cicadetta puer Walker, 1850

Chelapsalta puer is a species or species complex of cicadas, also known as the cassinia cicada, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1850 by English entomologist Francis Walker.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 15–18 mm.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The range of the species complex extends over much of inland south-eastern Australia, covering parts of inland south-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and eastern South Australia. The associated habitat is woodland and shrubland with Cassinia spp.[2]

Behaviour

Adults may be heard from September to March, uttering monotonous, high-pitched calls.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Walker, F (1850). List of the specimens of homopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Part 1. London: British Museum. pp. 1–260.
  2. ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Cassinia Cicada Chelapsalta puer (Walker, 1850)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-27.