Macrotristria frenchi

Macrotristria frenchi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Macrotristria
Species:
M. frenchi
Binomial name
Macrotristria frenchi

Macrotristria frenchi, also known as the northern steamer, is a species of cicada in the true cicada family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1914 by Australian entomologist Julian Howard Ashton[1][2]

Description

The length of the forewing is 41–48 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The syntype was collected at the Katherine River.[2] The habitat includes riverine woodland.[3]

Behaviour

Adults are heard from November to February, clinging to the upper branches and trunks of eucalypts, acacias and pandans, uttering strong pulsing calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Ashton, H (1914). "Notes on Australian Cicadidae". Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. New Series. 27: 12–14 [12].
  2. ^ a b c "Species Macrotristria frenchi Ashton, 1914". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  3. ^ a b c L.W. Popple (2025). "Northern Steamer Macrotristria frenchi (Distant, 1892)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. Retrieved 2025-09-01.