Chlorocysta vitripennis

Chlorocysta vitripennis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Chlorocysta
Species:
C. vitripennis
Binomial name
Chlorocysta vitripennis
Synonyms
  • Cystosoma (Chlorocysta) vitripennis Westwood, 1851
  • Cicada congrua Walker, 1862
  • Chlorocysta macrula Stål, 1863
  • Kanakia congrua Goding & Froggatt, 1904

Chlorocysta vitripennis is a species of cicada, also known as the lesser bottle cicada, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Chlorocystini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1851 by English entomologist John Obadiah Westwood.[1][2]

Etymology

The specific epithet vitripennis (Latin: “glassy wing”) refers to the species’ appearance.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 19–26 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in high-rainfall, coastal and subcoastal areas of eastern Australia, from Bundaberg in Queensland southwards to Taree in New South Wales, with a small population in Sydney that may have been accidentally introduced. Associated habitats include coastal and mountain rainforest, the leafy understorey of wet sclerophyll forests, pockets of remnant vegetation and regrowth, weeds such as privet and lantana, and leafy gardens.[2][3]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from late August to May, while clinging to the foliage and outer branches of leafy vegetation, emitting calls described as drawn-out, buzzing whistles.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Westwood, JO (1851). "Descriptions of some new species of exotic homopterous insects". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 2 (7): 207–210 [208].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Chlorocysta vitripennis (Westwood, 1851)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.
  3. ^ a b c "Lesser Bottle Cicada Chlorocysta vitripennis (Westwood, 1851)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-23.