Macrotristria dorsalis
| Macrotristria dorsalis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Macrotristria |
| Species: | M. dorsalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Macrotristria dorsalis | |
Macrotristria dorsalis, also known as the little whiner, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1912 by Australian entomologist Julian Howard Ashton[1][2]
Description
The length of the forewing is 31–38 mm. Adults may be either green or yellow-orange in colour.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs from Princess Charlotte Bay in Far North Queensland southwards to Innisfail and west to Georgetown. The syntype was collected at Kuranda.[2] The habitat includes tropical bushland, open forest and eucalypt woodland.[3]
Behaviour
Adults are heard from December to March, clinging to the upper branches and trunks of eucalypts and other trees, uttering calls characterised by a continuous whine that develops a pulsing pattern.[3]
References
- ^ a b Ashton, H (1912). "Descriptions of new Australian Cicadidae in the National Museum, Melbourne". Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria, Melbourne. 4: 30–32 [30].
- ^ a b c "Species Macrotristria dorsalis Ashton, 1912". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Little Whiner Macrotristria dorsalis Ashton, 1912". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-01.