Myopsalta longicauda
| Myopsalta longicauda | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Auchenorrhyncha |
| Family: | Cicadidae |
| Genus: | Myopsalta |
| Species: | M. longicauda
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myopsalta longicauda | |
Myopsalta longicauda is a species of cicada, also known as the wavering 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 longicauda comes from Latin longus and caudus, meaning ‘long-tailed’, with reference to the long ovipositors of the females.[1]
Description
The length of the forewing is 16–18 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in inland eastern Australia from the Expedition Range in central Queensland southwards to Stockinbingal in southern New South Wales. The associated habitat is dry woodland on poor sandy soils.[3]
Behaviour
Adult males may be heard from October to January, clinging high on eucalypts and acacias, uttering high-pitched, wavering, buzzing calls.[3]
References
- ^ 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 [41]. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4340.1.1. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
- ^ "Species Myopsalta longicauda Popple, 2017". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
- ^ a b c "Wavering Buzzer Myopsalta longicauda Popple, 2017". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-20.