Cystosoma schmeltzi
| Cystosoma schmeltzi | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Cystosoma |
| Species: | C. schmeltzi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cystosoma schmeltzi | |
Cystosoma schmeltzi is a species, or species complex, of cicadas, also known as lesser bladder cicadas, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Chlorocystini tribe. The species is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1882 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[1][2]
Description
The length of the forewing is 26–36 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species complex occurs from near Palmerville, Mossman, Mount Garnet and Townsville coastally southwards to Rockhampton and westwards to Blackall and Stanthorpe in Queensland, and to Gunnedah in New South Wales. The associated habitat is dry sclerophyll forest and woodland, as well as small trees and shrubs around rural towns.[2][3]
Behaviour
The cicadas are xylem feeders. Adult males may be heard from September to March, emitting high-pitched, broken rattling or chanting calls at dusk.[3]
References
- ^ a b Distant, WL (1882). "On some undescribed Cicadidae from Australia and the Pacific region". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1882: 125–134 [132].
- ^ a b c "Species Cystosoma schmeltzi Distant, 1882". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ a b c "Lesser Bladder Cicada (species complex) Cystosoma schmeltzi Distant, 1892". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-11-24.