Palapsalta circumdata

Palapsalta circumdata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
Family: Cicadidae
Genus: Palapsalta
Species:
P. circumdata
Binomial name
Palapsalta circumdata
(Walker, 1852)[1][2]
Synonyms
  • Cicada circumdata Walker, 1852
  • Tettigonia marginata Leach, 1814
  • Cicada themiscura Walker, 1850
  • Melampsalta fletcheri Goding & Froggatt, 1904
  • Cicada marginata Walker, 1850

Palapsalta circumdata is a species, or species complex, of cicadas, also known as bronze tree-buzzers, in the true cicada family, Cicadettinae subfamily and Cicadettini tribe. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1852 by English entomologist Francis Walker.[1]

Description

The length of the forewing is 17–22 mm.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The known range of the species complex extends from the Blackdown Tableland and Carnarvon National Park in Central Queensland, southwards through the Greater Brisbane region and eastern New South Wales to Jervis Bay. Associated habitats include open eucalypt forest, often on sandstone soils and with a heathy understorey.[3][2]

Behaviour

Adult males may be heard from late September to June, clinging high up on tall eucalypts, uttering drawn-out, shivering, buzzing calls which increase in amplitude.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Walker, F (1852). List of the Specimens of Homopterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum. Part IV. London: British Museum. pp. 909–1118.
  2. ^ a b "Species Palapsalta circumdata (Walker, 1852)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  3. ^ a b c "Bronze Tree-buzzer (species complex) Palapsalta circumdata (Walker, 1852)". A web guide to the cicadas of Australia. Popple Creative Industries. 2025. Retrieved 2025-10-22.