Myopsalta bassiana

Myopsalta bassiana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Myopsalta
Species:
M. bassiana
Binomial name
Myopsalta bassiana
Popple, 2017[1][2]

Myopsalta bassiana is a species of cicada, also known as the Bassian buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2017 by Australian entomologist Lindsay Popple.[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet bassiana refers to the temperate or Bassian distribution of the cicadas in south-eastern Australia.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 16–18 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs as scattered populations extending southwards from the Gibraltar Range in north-eastern New South Wales, through the Australian Capital Territory, to the vicinity of Omeo in north-eastern Victoria. Associated habitats include open forests and woodlands with grassy or shrubby understoreys.[3]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from October to January, clinging to the trunks of eucalypts, uttering buzzing and ticking calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Popple, LW (2017). "A revision of the Myopsalta crucifera (Ashton) species group (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettini) with 14 new species from mainland Australia". Zootaxa. 4340 (1): 1–98 [16]. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4340.1.1. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  2. ^ "Species Myopsalta bassiana Popple, 2017". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  3. ^ a b c "Bassian Buzzer Myopsalta bassiana Popple, 2017". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-19.