Myopsalta chrysopedia

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

Myopsalta chrysopedia is a species of cicada, also known as the black sandplain 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 chrysopedia is a compound derived from Greek chrysos (gold) and pedia (of the feet), referring to the Goldfields region of Western Australia where many specimens were collected.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 17–18 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in southern Western Australia from Laverton southwards to Salmon Gums, Balladonia and Cape Arid National Park. The holotype specimen was collected at Kalgoorlie. Associated habitats include open shrubland and mallee on sandplains.[3]

Behaviour

Adult males may be seen from September to January.[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 [20]. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4340.1.1. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  2. ^ "Species Myopsalta chrysopedia Popple, 2017". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  3. ^ a b c "Black Sandplain Buzzer Myopsalta chrysopedia Popple, 2017". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-19.