Myopsalta waterhousei

Myopsalta waterhousei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Myopsalta
Species:
M. waterhousei
Binomial name
Myopsalta waterhousei
Synonyms
  • Melampsalta waterhousei Distant, 1905
  • Melampsalta kewelensis Distant, 1907

Myopsalta waterhousei is a species of cicada, also known as a smoky buzzer, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1905 by English entomologist William Lucas Distant.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 14–19 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from Warwick in south-eastern Queensland through the Tamworth district in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to Victoria, as well as in the Adelaide region of South Australia. The associated habitat is open grassland.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from September to March, clinging to grass stems, uttering metallic, buzzing calls.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Distant, WL (1905). "Rhynchotal notes–XXXV". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 7 (16): 265–281 [271].
  2. ^ a b "Species Myopsalta waterhousei (Distant, 1905)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  3. ^ a b c "Smoky Buzzer Myopsalta waterhousei (Distant, 1905)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-17.